CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Stage 1
HP: 90
TYPES:
- Water
EVOLVES FROM: Poliwag
EVOLVES TO:
- Poliwrath
- Politoed
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Lightning
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 1
RARITY: Illustration Rare
FLAVOR TEXT: This Pokémon's sweat is a slimy mucus. When captured, Poliwhirl can slither from its enemies' grasp and escape.
REGULATIONMARK: G

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Wave Splash
COST:
- Water
ENERGY COST: 1
DAMAGE: 20
DETAILS:

NAME: Frog Hop
COST:
- Water
- Colorless
ENERGY COST: 2
DAMAGE: 30+
DETAILS: Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 60 more damage.

MARKET PRICES FOR POLIWHIRL 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	100.00	USD
MID	18.99	USD	TREND
LOW	18.24	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Poliwhirl returns in the 151 set as a Stage 1 Water-type with evolutionary versatility and coin-flip potential.

With two evolution paths and a low energy attack, this classic Pokémon offers trainers interesting strategic options that might surprise opponents who underestimate its capabilities in the current meta.

Offensive rating: 5/10

Poliwhirl brings a modest offensive toolkit with two Water-type attacks.

Wave Splash delivers 20 damage for a single Water energy, which translates to a reasonable damage-to-energy ratio but lacks significant power.

The main offensive option is Frog Hop, costing one Water and one Colorless energy for 30 base damage plus a potential 60 additional damage on a coin flip.

At best, this attack reaches 90 damage for two energy, which is efficient, but the coin flip dependency severely impacts reliability.

Without any inherent damage modifiers or opponent-disrupting effects, Poliwhirl struggles to generate consistent knockout pressure against modern Pokémon with higher HP pools.

Survival rating: 4/10

With just 90 HP, Poliwhirl sits in a vulnerable middle ground for a Stage 1 Pokémon.

This HP level makes it susceptible to being knocked out in a single hit by many competitive attackers in the current format.

Its Lightning weakness is particularly problematic in matchups against popular Electric-type Pokémon.

The single Colorless retreat cost is a silver lining, offering decent mobility and reducing the energy commitment needed to switch it out of the active position.

However, Poliwhirl lacks any inherent defensive abilities, healing mechanisms, or damage reduction effects that could enhance its longevity on the field, leaving it largely defenseless against concentrated attacks.

Versatility rating: 6/10

Poliwhirl shines brightest in its evolutionary versatility, serving as the middle stage for both Poliwrath and Politoed evolution lines.

This dual-evolution path provides deck-building flexibility and adaptation opportunities.

As a Water-type, it can capitalize on various Water support cards available in the format.

Its low energy attack requirement allows it to function as an early-game attacker in a pinch, though not an optimal one.

The single retreat cost adds to its utility, enabling easier pivoting between attackers.

However, without any supplementary abilities or effects that could benefit the bench or disrupt the opponent, Poliwhirl primarily serves as a transitional piece rather than a versatile contributor in its own right.

Speed/Setup rating: 7/10

Poliwhirl offers a straightforward setup pathway requiring evolution from Poliwag.

Its attacks require minimal energy investment - just one Water energy for Wave Splash or two energy (one Water, one Colorless) for the stronger Frog Hop attack.

The single Colorless retreat cost adds to its setup efficiency, allowing for easy pivoting if needed.

However, as a Stage 1 Pokémon without any inherent acceleration mechanics, it still demands at least one turn of evolution waiting time plus energy attachment.

The true setup consideration lies in its role as an evolutionary stepping stone - players must decide whether to evolve into Poliwrath or Politoed, potentially requiring specific support cards to optimize whichever evolutionary path is chosen.

To maximize Poliwhirl's potential, focus on cards that accelerate evolution, enhance Water-type damage, and provide consistent energy attachment.

The deck should include reliable Poliwag search options and decide which final evolution (Poliwrath or Politoed) best suits your strategy, with corresponding support to capitalize on that choice.

Perfect Partners examples:

Rare Candy

Allows you to skip the Poliwhirl stage entirely when evolving from Poliwag to either Poliwrath or Politoed, reducing setup time and vulnerability while getting your more powerful evolution into play faster.

Irida

This Supporter card helps search for both Water Pokémon and Water Energy, streamlining your ability to find Poliwhirl and its evolution family while ensuring you have the necessary energy to power its attacks.

Capacious Bucket

Adds two Water Energy cards from your deck to your hand, providing efficient energy acceleration to power up Poliwhirl's attacks and ensure you have energy available for its evolutions in subsequent turns.

Poliwhirl occupies an interesting but challenging position in the current meta.

Its greatest strength lies in its evolutionary versatility rather than its standalone performance.

With modest offensive output, below-average survivability, and straightforward setup requirements, Poliwhirl functions primarily as a transitional piece in Water-type strategies.

The coin-flip dependency on its stronger attack introduces inconsistency that competitive players typically avoid.

However, in casual play or budget decks, Poliwhirl can serve as a serviceable attacker while you prepare its more powerful evolutions.

To maximize its potential, pair it with evolution acceleration tools, Water-type support, and energy management cards.

Players should view Poliwhirl not as a win condition itself, but as part of a larger evolutionary strategy that culminates in either Poliwrath or Politoed, depending on your deck's overall gameplan.