Beedrill
Champion's Path (CPA 004)

Beedrill from the Champion's Path set is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 140 HP. Known for its iconic presence in the Pokémon universe, this version of Beedrill brings a unique blend of offensive potential and tactical disruption to Grass-based decks. With its single attack, Poison Jab, Beedrill can inflict both direct damage and the Poison Special Condition on your opponent’s Active Pokémon, making it a versatile option for players seeking a balance between aggression and strategy.

1. Overview of Beedrill (Champion's Path)

Beedrill stands out as a Stage 2 evolution, requiring you to first play Weedle and then Kakuna before bringing this powerful insect into play. Its 140 HP offers decent survivability for a Stage 2 Pokémon in the current metagame. The card's main feature is the attack Poison Jab, which for just one Grass Energy deals 80 damage and automatically Poisons the opposing Active Pokémon. This combination of low energy cost and added status effect provides a unique edge over many other Stage 2 attackers.

2. Strengths and Advantages

• Efficient Energy Cost: Poison Jab requires only a single Grass Energy, allowing you to attack quickly and conserve resources for other plays.
• Status Effect Synergy: Automatically poisoning the opponent’s Active Pokémon not only chips away at their HP each turn but also disrupts common healing strategies and forces your opponent to switch or retreat.
• Consistent Damage Output: Dealing 80 base damage plus poison makes Beedrill a reliable attacker against many non-GX/V Pokémon, often putting pressure on evolving basics and mid-stage Pokémon.
• Low Retreat Cost: With only one Colorless Energy required to retreat, Beedrill is easy to maneuver in and out of the Active position, supporting dynamic gameplay and strategic switching.

3. Drawbacks and Limitations

• Stage 2 Evolution Requirement: Reaching Beedrill in play demands evolving through both Weedle and Kakuna, which can slow down your setup, especially if your deck lacks strong search or draw support.
• Weakness to Fire: A double weakness to Fire-type Pokémon means that Beedrill is at serious risk against popular Fire attackers, who can easily knock it out in a single blow.
• Lack of Versatility: With only one attack and no Ability, Beedrill's utility is straightforward and may be predictable to experienced opponents.
• Moderate HP: While 140 HP is respectable for a Stage 2, it is still within range of many high-damage attacks, especially from modern Pokémon V or VMAX cards.

4. Ideal Scenarios for Playing Beedrill

Beedrill shines in matchups where your opponent relies on evolving basics or playing slower, setup-heavy decks. Its fast, single-energy attack allows you to pressure these decks early, potentially knocking out key Pokémon before they can fully evolve or power up. Additionally, the Poison status can be particularly disruptive against decks that lack easy switching options or rely on healing over time. Beedrill is also effective in situations where you need to conserve energy attachments for bigger attackers or want to maintain board control without overcommitting resources.

5. Situations Where Beedrill May Struggle

Beedrill is less effective against decks that can easily switch out status conditions, such as those using frequent switching cards or Abilities that heal or prevent Poison. It also struggles against Fire-type decks, where its double weakness becomes a significant liability. Additionally, decks featuring high-HP Pokémon V, VSTAR, or VMAX can withstand multiple Poison Jab attacks, reducing Beedrill's impact unless supported by additional damage modifiers or disruption tactics.

6. Why Add Beedrill to Your Deck?

Including Beedrill in your deck offers several compelling reasons:

• Speed and Efficiency: Its ability to attack for just one Grass Energy makes it a great fit for aggressive Grass decks or those looking to maintain steady pressure without heavy energy investment.
• Status Pressure: Poisoning the opponent’s Active Pokémon every turn forces them to react, often disrupting their planned strategies and potentially forcing misplays.
• Budget-Friendly Option: For players seeking a competitive yet affordable Stage 2 attacker, Beedrill represents excellent value, especially compared to more expensive ultra rare or secret rare cards.
• Nostalgia and Collectibility: Fans of the original Kanto Pokémon will appreciate Beedrill’s familiar presence, and its inclusion in the Champion's Path set adds collector appeal, especially for those aiming to complete the set or build themed decks.

7. Quality/Price Analysis and Collector Value

From a quality/price perspective, Beedrill offers solid performance for its rarity. As an Uncommon card in Champion’s Path, it is generally accessible to most players and collectors, making it a practical addition to both competitive and casual collections. While it does not command the prestige or high demand of rare holographic or full-art cards, its utility in gameplay and role in completing the set ensure ongoing interest. For collectors focused on set completion or fans of classic Pokémon, Beedrill holds lasting value.

8. Strategic Advice: When and How to Play Beedrill

To maximize Beedrill’s effectiveness, consider the following tips:

• Early Setup: Use search and draw support to rapidly evolve from Weedle to Kakuna and then Beedrill, aiming to get Beedrill attacking by turn 2 or 3.
• Target Evolving Basics: Focus your attacks on your opponent’s evolving Pokémon, disrupting their setup and potentially taking early Prize cards.
• Utilize Retreat Flexibility: Take advantage of Beedrill’s low retreat cost to cycle it out when threatened, keeping it safe from high-damage retaliation or exploiting type matchups.
• Stack Poison Damage: Combine Poison Jab’s effect with other sources of residual damage or effects that punish Poisoned Pokémon to increase pressure on your opponent.
• Adapt to Opponents: Against decks with frequent switching options, time your attacks to coincide with turns when your opponent is less likely to remove the Poison condition, maximizing the effect.

9. Synergies with Deck Strategies

Beedrill fits well into several deck archetypes:

• Grass Toolbox Decks: In decks that utilize a variety of Grass-type attackers, Beedrill provides a low-cost, reliable threat capable of spreading status conditions and softening targets for other Pokémon.
• Status Condition Strategies: Decks built around inflicting and capitalizing on status conditions can use Beedrill as a key component, leveraging its guaranteed Poison to trigger effects or increase overall damage output.
• Single-Prize Focused Decks: In formats where single-Prize Pokémon are favored for their resilience against multi-Prize knockouts, Beedrill’s efficiency and quick setup offer a strong alternative to bulkier, slower attackers.

10. Final Thoughts: Is Beedrill Worth It?

Beedrill from Champion’s Path is a well-rounded Stage 2 attacker that balances speed, disruption, and affordability. While it faces challenges against certain archetypes and high-HP threats, its efficient attack and status infliction make it a valuable inclusion in many Grass-themed decks. For collectors, its role in the set and nostalgic appeal ensure it remains a sought-after piece. Whether you’re building competitively or for fun, Beedrill is a card that rewards thoughtful play and strategic planning.

11. Conclusion

To sum up, Beedrill (Champion’s Path) offers a compelling mix of fast offense, tactical disruption, and collectibility. Its strengths lie in its efficient energy use and ability to pressure opponents with Poison, while its weaknesses revolve around setup time and vulnerability to Fire-types. By understanding its optimal play scenarios and integrating it into synergistic deck strategies, you can unlock Beedrill’s full potential in both competitive matches and your personal collection.