Scolipede Deck Build: Advanced Sequencing With Its Abilities

In TCG ·

Scolipede card art from Black Bolt sv10.5b

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Advanced Sequencing with Scolipede’s Abilities

In the fold of Dark-type power and tricky timing, Scolipede from the Black Bolt expansion enters the field as a strategic disruptor and damage amplifier. This uncommon Stage 2 Pokémon clocks in at a sturdy 160 HP, giving you a solid anchor for mid- to late-game sequencing. Its key ability, Poison Point, serves as a built-in deterrent: whenever Scolipede sits in the Active Spot and is damaged by an opponent’s attack, the Attacking Pokémon becomes Poisoned. That simple line of text opens a world of deliberate exchanges—poisoning the opponent’s attacker can set up massive follow-up plays, especially when you pair it with Scolipede’s primary attack, Venoshock.

Venoshock is a two-edged tool: its base damage is 90, but if your opponent’s Active Pokémon is Poisoned, Venoshock dishes out 90 extra damage. That means a poisoned Active becomes an even juicier target for a knockout, and it rewards careful sequencing. When you weave Poison Point into a plan that also triggers Venoshock, you’re not just dealing damage—you’re shaping the opponent’s available lines of retreat and the pace of the match. The mind-game aspect is where this card shines, especially in metas where Poison counters and status spread are common tools of the trade. ⚡

Understanding the Abilities and Attacks

  • Poison Point (Ability): If Scolipede is in the Active Spot and is damaged by an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon, the Attacking Pokémon becomes Poisoned. This is not a once-per-game effect—it can trigger repeatedly as long as Scolipede remains active and is damaged. In practice, this turns every trade into a potential setup for Venoshock’s extra damage. 💎
  • Venoshock (Attack): Cost is Darkness and Colorless. It deals 90 damage, and if the opposing Active Pokémon is Poisoned, you add 90 more damage (90+). The exact damage curve rewards you for careful sequencing—don’t rush a Venoshock if you can’t ensure a Poison Point trigger will be live on the target. 🔥

Vital to gameplay is the timing of your Poison Point triggers. If you can force your opponent to chip away at Scolipede, you create a rolling effect: the attacker becomes Poisoned, then Venoshock delivers bigger numbers next turn or in the same turn if you can chain effects efficiently. The Stage 2 nature of Scolipede means you’ll often be weaving through evolutions and energy attachment; you’ll want a clean path to evolve quickly and set up a stable presence on the bench for a few key turns. 🎴

Sequencing and In-Deck Interactions

Advanced sequencing starts with setting up a resilient board while pressuring the opponent to make difficult choices. Here’s a practical outline for a typical round cadence:

  • Turn 1: Establish your board—attach Darkness energy, thin the deck with search options, and prepare a safe path to evolve into Scolipede by the next turn or two. Keep Scolipede off the opponent’s early aggressive plays if possible to avoid unnecessary damage that could prematurely drain 160 HP. ⚡
  • Turn 2: Evolve into Scolipede (Stage 2) and diversify your field with a secondary attacker or a tempo-enabler that can stall or disrupt the opponent’s plan. The idea is to keep Scolipede in a position where it can endure a hit and apply Poison Point, setting up Venoshock for the later turns. 💎
  • Turn 3: If the Active Pokémon on the bench is primed, strike with Venoshock when the opposing Active is Poisoned, maximizing the 180-point potential (90 base + 90 bonus). If you haven’t poisoned yet, you’ll still threaten with the 90 damage, but the real payoff comes from chaining Poison Point to the Attacker. 🎮
  • Turn 4+: Maintain pressure with controlled damage to keep Scolipede healthy while continuing to poison the opponent’s attackers. Use retreat options or supporting Pokémon to avoid giving up easy Knockouts and to keep the tempo favorable. 🎨
“Sequencing isn’t just about landing big numbers; it’s about forcing your opponent into unavoidable decisions where Poison Point and Venoshock work in concert.”

Deck Construction Considerations

When building around Scolipede’s abilities, think about supporting lines that enhance durability, ensure quick evolution, and reliably push Poison Point triggers. Some practical considerations include:

  • Evolution Consistency: Scolipede is a Stage 2 Pokémon, so including reliable evolution mechanics (like Rare Candy or equivalent searchers) helps you hit the key turn where Venoshock becomes most threatening. Consistent evolution keeps your board stable as the game narrows.
  • Energy Base: A lean, consistent Darkness-energy base supports Venoshock while leaving room for utility or draw support. You want enough energy to power Venoshock reliably without overcommitting to a single plan.
  • Disruption & Poison Triggers: Balance poison-triggering effects with your opponent’s potential to disrupt your setup. A controlled approach to field management keeps Poison Point from becoming a one-off tempo swing in your opponent’s favor.
  • Consensus in the Meta: Dark-type strategies have a rich history in the Pokémon TCG, and Scolipede’s kit plays nicely with broader Poison and shutdown themes. If your local meta leans into heavy control or stall, Scolipede’s timing becomes even more valuable as a mid-to-late-game closer. 🧪

In terms of collector value, Scolipede from the Black Bolt set is an intriguing choice for both play and display. The card exists in multiple variants—normal, reverse, and holo—offering a spectrum of foil appeal for collectors. While the card’s rarity is Uncommon, its unique ability to turn damage into a poisoning cascade, paired with a high HP pool, makes it a memorable piece in any Darkness-focused deck. The card’s artwork, action, and card frame contribute to its appeal on the table and on display. 🎨

Market Insight and Collectible Flair

Pricing data as of late 2025 shows a dynamic market for Scolipede across non-holo and holo variants. CardMarket lists a gentle baseline for non-holo copies around 0.02–0.03 EUR, with holo copies trending higher—an average around 0.14 EUR and occasional spikes depending on demand and regional play. These figures reflect a market where players prize the card for its clever sequencing, while collectors value the holo variant for its visual shine. The trend indicators suggest this is a sleeper pick: affordable to acquire for budget-focused decks, with the potential upside as Poison-centric strategies re-emerge in tournaments. 💎

As you consider adding this card to your lineup, remember that the real power lies in how you sequence its abilities. Poison Point creates inevitability in trades, and Venoshock rewards careful setup with a dramatic payoff. It’s a gentle reminder that in the Pokémon TCG, timing can be as decisive as raw damage—and Scolipede embodies that truth with a crisp, calculated bite. ⚡🔥

Non-Slip Gaming Mouse Pad – Anti-Fray Edges (9.5x8in)

More from our network

← Back to Posts