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Pokemon TCG Pocket: Understanding Sleep Status

by Gabriel Apr 08,2025

In the *Pokemon TCG Pocket*, Sleep is a formidable status condition that can significantly impact your gameplay. When a Pokemon is inflicted with Sleep, it becomes unable to attack, use abilities, or retreat to the bench. This leaves your Pokemon vulnerable in the active spot, potentially costing you the game if not addressed quickly.

What Does Sleep Mean in Pokemon TCG Pocket?

Sleep in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* means your Pokemon is completely incapacitated until the status is removed. It cannot perform any actions, making it a sitting duck for your opponent to exploit. This status condition can turn the tide of a match if not managed properly.

How to Cure Sleep

Curing Sleep in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* can be challenging due to the limited methods available. Here are the ways to wake your Pokemon up:

  • Coin Toss: At the start of each turn, a coin is flipped. If it lands on Heads, your Pokemon wakes up. This means your Pokemon could be free from Sleep as early as the next turn, but consecutive tails could keep it asleep for multiple turns, putting you at a severe disadvantage.
  • Evolution: Evolving your sleeping Pokemon into its next stage automatically cures the Sleep status. However, this requires you to have the right card in your hand at the right time, which can be tricky.
  • Koga Trainer Card: A lesser-known method involves using the Koga Trainer card, which allows you to return a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand, effectively curing the Sleep status. This method is specific to those two Pokemon, making it situational but useful if you have the right deck.

While you wait for your Pokemon to wake up or evolve, you can use this time to set up alternative attackers on your bench. However, your opponent might capitalize on this opportunity to set up their strategy or deal damage to your sleeping Pokemon, potentially knocking it out and scoring an extra point.

All Sleep Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

There are eight cards in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* that can inflict the Sleep status, each with its unique method and source. Here's a comprehensive list:

Sleep CardMethodHow to Get
Darkrai (A2 109)Through its attack, Dark Void, as a guaranteed effectSpace-Time Smackdown (Dialga)
Flabebe (A1a 036)Using its move, Hypnotic Gaze, as a guaranteed effectMythical Island
Frosmoth (A1 093)With its Powder Snow attack, also a guaranteed status effectGenetic Apex
Hypno (A1 125)Using its ability, Sleep Pendulum, based on a coin flipGenetic Apex (Pikachu)
Jigglypuff (P-A 022)The guaranteed effect of its Sing attackPromo-A
Shiinotic (A1a 008)A guaranteed secondary effect of its Flickering Spores attackMythical Island
Vileplume (A1 013)A side effect of using Soothing ScentGenetic Apex (Charizard)
Wigglytuff ex (A1 195)An additional effect of its Sleepy Song attackGenetic Apex (Pikachu)

Hypno from Pokemon TCG Pocket, the best card that can inflict the Sleep status

Image via The Pokemon Company
Among these, Hypno stands out as the most competitive Sleep card. It can inflict Sleep from the bench without needing Energy, making it an excellent support card for Psychic decks. This allows you to set up powerful attackers like Mewtwo ex with its Psydrive, especially when paired with Gardevoir to accelerate your strategy.

While Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex can also be integrated into various decks, Hypno remains the top choice in the current *Pokemon TCG Pocket* meta due to its efficiency and minimal impact on your overall strategy.

Now that you understand the Sleep status and how to manage it, consider exploring the best Palkia ex deck in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* to discover other powerful combinations and strategies with the latest cards.