Pocket Sleep: A Guide to Status Impairment in Pokémon Trading Card Game

In Pokémon TCG Pocket, Sleep is a debilitating status condition that significantly hampers a Pokémon's effectiveness. This guide details Sleep's effects, how to cure it, and which cards inflict it.

Understanding Sleep in Pokémon TCG Pocket

When a Pokémon is Asleep, it's unable to attack, use abilities, or retreat. Essentially, it becomes a vulnerable target on the active field until the condition is resolved.

Curing Sleep

There are primarily two ways to awaken a sleeping Pokémon:

Coin Toss: Each turn, a coin toss determines if the Pokémon wakes up. While this can be quick, it's also unpredictable, potentially leaving your Pokémon incapacitated for several turns.
Evolution: Evolving a sleeping Pokémon instantly cures the Sleep status.

A less common method involves the Koga Trainer card, which only works on Weezing and Muk, returning them to your hand.

Sleep-Inducing Cards

Eight cards currently inflict Sleep in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Note that methods and acquisition vary:

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

Image via The Pokemon Company

Sleep Card	Method	How to Obtain
Darkrai (A2 109)	Guaranteed effect of "Dark Void" attack	Space-Time Smackdown (Dialga)
Flabebe (A1a 036)	Guaranteed effect of "Hypnotic Gaze" move	Mythical Island
Frosmoth (A1 093)	Guaranteed effect of "Powder Snow" attack	Genetic Apex
Hypno (A1 125)	Coin flip based on "Sleep Pendulum" ability	Genetic Apex (Pikachu)
Jigglypuff (P-A 022)	Guaranteed effect of "Sing" attack	Promo-A
Shiinotic (A1a 008)	Guaranteed secondary effect of "Flickering Spores"	Mythical Island
Vileplume (A1 013)	Side effect of "Soothing Scent"	Genetic Apex (Charizard)
Wigglytuff ex (A1 195)	Additional effect of "Sleepy Song" attack	Genetic Apex (Pikachu)

Hypno's Strategic Advantage

Hypno stands out due to its ability to inflict Sleep from the bench, without requiring Energy. This makes it a powerful support card for Psychic decks, complementing heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex.

While other Sleep-inducing cards can be incorporated into various decks, Hypno's unique utility currently makes it the most competitively viable option. Understanding Sleep's mechanics and the cards that utilize it is crucial for strategic success in Pokémon TCG Pocket.