Jean Grey Decks to Try on Day 1 and Strategy Guide: The Ultimate Control Tool?

Jean Grey is the first Series 5 card for the July 2023 season Rise of the Phoenix. It is a 3-Cost, 3-Power card that reads Ongoing: Players must play their first card here each turn. (if possible) Today, we will take a deeper look at the new Series 5 card and, of course, the best decks to try it out in.

Variants

Jean Grey

Ongoing: Players must play their first card here each turn. (if possible)

Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

view card details Start a deck Decks with Jean Grey

Strengths and Weaknesses

Jean Grey arrives with an interesting design that may elevate more Control based strategies, and the card is also more frustrating than it might seem on the surface. We have seen in recent months how strong cards that can alter your opponent’s plays are with Nebula. This card alters both your plays and your opponent’s, potentially for the rest of the game once played. It forces at least one play per turn into a location and, in a game based around winning two locations, this is pretty powerful. Consider how often a restrictive location like Morag or Crimson Cosmos has ruined your plays.

The main weakness of impacting both players is mitigated as soon as you’re no longer able to play in the location; therefore, she has multiple ways you can build around to benefit your deck more than your opponent, but she does require deck building considerations. If you’re filling locations early so the effect doesn’t impact you, you might be leaving too little power at that location. So you need a strong plan to either win the other two locations or get power into her location later on.

Variants

Silver Surfer

On Reveal: Give your other 3-Cost cards +2 Power.

Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

view card details Start a deck Decks with Silver Surfer

First, Jean Grey is a 3-Cost card, and this means she will be buffed by Silver Surfer at the end of the game. This appears to be the most obvious home as Silver Surfer has continued to evolve into a deck resembling Control. Another strong 3-Cost Control card may push Silver Surfer over the edge, and even if it doesn’t she will always be a consideration for Silver Surfer decks because of her cost. She works particularly well here since Silver Surfer often runs cards like Brood to fill the location you intend to play (or have played) Jean Grey in. You are then free to play elsewhere while your opponent may still be restricted.

Variants

Spectrum

On Reveal: Give your Ongoing cards +2 Power.

Collection Level 1-14

view card details Start a deck Decks with Spectrum

Spectrum is another direction that could be worth exploring. There are several Ongoing cards that benefit from full locations such as Ant Man, Dazzler, and Mojo, all of which can be buffed alongside Jean Grey on later turns. It stands out as another way to force your opponent’s plays while you can play in other locations.

Variants

Wasp

“My secret power is that I get things done.”

Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

view card details Start a deck Decks with Wasp

Variants

Kitty Pryde

When this returns to your hand, +1 Power. Returns at the start of each turn.

Series 4 Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 4)

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Variants

Nightcrawler

You can move this once.

Collection Level 1-14

view card details Start a deck Decks with Nightcrawler

Variants

Jeff the Baby Land Shark

You can move this once. Nothing can stop you from moving or playing this to any location.

Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

view card details Start a deck Decks with Jeff the Baby Land Shark

Second, since the effect is mirrored, you need to have options to play into the location and still be allowed to play elsewhere. This will often come as a set of cheap cards that you can play alongside other pieces. Wasp at 0-Cost, for example, works well here, showing the potential synergy with the High Evolutionary Control package. Jean Grey locking your opponent to a location with one card can allow for Professor X to be played elsewhere on Turn 5 with Wasp as your enabler. Kitty Pryde can also be the 1-drop you play that scales and allows you to use the rest of your energy in another location. Nightcrawler can sit in the location, “locking” you out of playing there, and Jeff the Baby Land Shark works in the same way (but can also just be played elsewhere anyway).

Variants

Heimdall

On Reveal: Move your other cards one location to the left.

Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

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Variants

Mister Negative

On Reveal: Swap the Power and Cost of all cards in your deck.

Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

view card details Start a deck Decks with Mister Negative

Variants

The Living Tribunal

Ongoing: Split your total Power evenly among all locations.

Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

view card details Start a deck Decks with The Living Tribunal

Variants

Klaw

Ongoing: The location to the right has +6 Power.

Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

view card details Start a deck Decks with Klaw

Third, we can look at options to play out of the location in other ways. These options are not all explored in the decks below, but they show the range of things to consider with this card. Heimdall may be an option to pull your cards away from the lane that was played into. Mister Negative is another potential option to be explored as a way to get more powerful 0-Cost cards to play around the board. The Living Tribunal can add power to the location and the other locations later on, or, for a less extreme example, Klaw could surprise your opponent by adding six power when it appears the lane is locked out.

The Verdict

The weakness of impacting your own play is real but, in this case, is easily overcome, and the possibilities for this card are high. There appear to be some archetypes that are already going strong that should be explored, as well as some niche options to dig into. Most opposing decks will have two cards to play from Turn 4 if they want to, but some just won’t have that option and could be hard countered by this single card.

Depending what side you sit on, this is either a great thing or way too restrictive. We will have to wait and see how the card impacts decks going forward.

Potential Score:

Starter Decks (Theorycraft)

Silver Surfer

Safety’s Grey Surfer

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

3

1x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

8x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

1x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

2.7

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

2.8

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

The first direction is probably the most obvious. Jean Grey costs three energy and combines well with many of the cards we have already been playing in Silver Surfer decks. Goose, Brood, Storm, Juggernaut, and almost every other card in the deck synergize with her to some degree. We have the ability to make a lane difficult to play into early with Goose, force plays into another lane with Jean Grey, and fill the location for ourselves with Brood. We also have Silver Surfer to buff the lane later, along with Nova and Killmonger.

Safety’s Grey Surfer

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

1x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

8x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

1x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

2.5

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

2.8

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

The outstanding question is whether we need Sera at all anymore. Do we have enough Control tools now that we can confidently target two lanes without the Sera on Turn 5 gameplan? We might, and this build looks to add another 2-drop instead to counter opposing Lockdown strategies with Luke Cage.

Lockdown

Guardians of Jean

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

4

1x Collection Level 1-14

3x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

1x Series 4 Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 4)

3x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

1x Recruit Season

1x Starter Card

2.3

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

2.5

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

This version of Lockdown drops the High Evolutionary package for a small Guardians package. These cards will be even more effective knowing the first card must be played in the location. We can also play Nebula on an alternate lane to make our opponent’s plays even more awkward. Then we work toward a Turn 5 Lockdown and finally finish with the Guardians into Jean Grey‘s lane for the win.

We keep flexibility ourselves with Kitty Pryde, Jeff the Baby Land Shark, and Nightcrawler as they’re all able to be played into the location consistently and allow us to play somewhere else.

Grey Evolutionary

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

2x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

3x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

4x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

3x Starter Card

3

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

3.9

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

The High Evolutionary package can also work with Jean Grey. Wasp helps us here by allowing us to play into the location and on an opposite lane on Turn 5. We can also guarantee some targets for our affliction cards. Finally, we can include cards like Jeff the Baby Land Shark and Doctor Doom to get power into other lanes.

Sera

Grey Sera

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

4x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

3x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

2x Series 4 Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 4)

1x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

2.6

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

2.6

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

Sera can benefit from forcing cards into a specific lane to make countering final turns easier. We can also potentially line up Jean Grey to ensure the opponent’s big final play is going into a specific lane for counter cards like Shang-Chi. We also don’t limit ourselves much with this deck. We have scaling early game cards that focus on one location already, and Jean Grey simply fits well into the established plan.

Ongoing

Grey’s Ongoing

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

2x Collection Level 1-14

4x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

2x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

1x Recruit Season

1x Starter Card

3.1

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

2.6

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

Ongoing decks are another potential avenue that stand to benefit significantly. These lists have always struggled to have a good, strong Control tool outside of Cosmo. This forces cards into a specific location that we can buff later with Spectrum. We can usually fill Jean Grey‘s lane safely and then set up for a Turn 5 Professor X to lock the opponent out of the game. Another card that may synergize with Jean Grey is Mojo, and we are more likely to have two full lanes so our Mojo can get huge.

Thanos Zoo

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

2

2x Collection Level 1-14

2x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

1x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

3x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

2x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

2x Recruit Season

3.8

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

3.6

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

When we look at Spectrum and Ongoing decks, Thanos has to enter the conversation. This deck gives you two more Ongoing 1-drops as well as a lot of cheap, flexible cards to play outside of Jean Grey‘s lane.

The Experimental

Now that the obvious options have been dealt with, there are a lot of different ways to play this card that you may want to explore. Here are just a few of them for those who like to try something different.

Grey on Trial

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

3x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

1x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

2x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

2x Series 4 Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 4)

3x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

1x Starter Card

3.8

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

3.8

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

The Living Tribunal route just goes for playing cards anywhere while aiming to get Iron Man and Onslaught on the same lane. We can fill Jean Grey‘s the location as soon as we like and then go for the combos. She does clash with our 3-Cost ramp plays like Electro and Wave, but it could still be worth trying.

Grey Takes To the Sea

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

2x Collection Level 1-14

4x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

1x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

1x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

3x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

1x Starter Card

3

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

3

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

Jean Grey acts as a restriction here and combines with Professor X in a similar way as the Ongoing deck; however, we carry Mister Fantastic and Klaw to add to the location later. Attuma and Namor are 4-Cost cards we can use to hold the other locations. They combine with the 1- and 2-drops in the deck over Turns 5 and 6 to add power outside of Jean Grey‘s location.

New Lead Singer

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

2x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

6x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

1x Series 4 Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 4)

1x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

2.7

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

2.6

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

Using her with Junk cards may seem counter-intuitive, but consider this: your opponent plays a card on her location, and then you’re ahead after junking it with Viper or Green Goblin. You can completely invalidate their plays and potentially win the location very early.

Grey Likes To Move & Get Buff

Created by SafetyBlade

, updated 10 months ago

1

1x Collection Level 18-214 (Pool 1)

2x Collection Level 222-474 (Pool 2)

6x Collection Level 486+ (Pool 3)

3x Series 5 Ultra Rare – Collection Level 486+ (Pool 5)

4

Cost

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

4.3

Power

0-
1
2
3
4
5+

Shuri can buff a card in the location which can then be copied with Taskmaster. We could also combine this idea with cards like Heimdall to move out of the location later or Orka to win another lane after we overpower the lane with Shuri. This deck has a few of these ideas jammed into one ramp deck, and it aims to totally overpower the lane you play Jean Grey into.

Closing Thoughts

Jean Grey has a chance to completely change how we build decks in Marvel Snap. If one or two of the decks with her included become significant metagame players, missing a plan to play around the card will be an Ongoing issue. To cool the hype slightly, the card does require sacrifices in your own deck, and this can limit your own flexibility and make your deck more predictable (or just weaker overall). Jean Grey‘s full impact will be better evaluated post release, but she has all the hallmarks of a strong Marvel Snap card with lots of potential decks to play her in.

Who is Jean Grey?

Jean Grey‘s journey began with the discovery of her powerful telepathic abilities, which set her apart as a mutant with immense mental prowess. With her empathic connection to others and her ability to delve into the depths of their minds, Jean Grey emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of psychic abilities. Her telepathic powers allowed her to forge deep connections, read thoughts, and even manipulate minds — a testament to her unwavering strength of will.

Jean Grey‘s destiny took a cosmic turn when she became the host of the indomitable Phoenix Force. As the bearer of this immensely powerful cosmic entity, Jean Grey gained the ability to harness incredible energy and shape reality itself. The Phoenix Force elevated her powers to staggering heights, granting her telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and the power to reshape matter. Yet, with such immense power came a profound struggle to control its cosmic energy and resist the darker impulses that lurked within.

Her journey reached its zenith in the iconic Dark Phoenix Saga, an epic story line that explored the depths of power, temptation, and redemption. As The Phoenix Force consumed her, Jean Grey became The Dark Phoenix — an embodiment of unfathomable power and devastating consequences. This gripping tale delved into the moral and emotional conflicts that arise when power threatens to consume one’s soul, leaving an enduring impact on Jean Grey‘s character and the Marvel Universe as a whole.

Despite the trials and tribulations she faced, Jean Grey‘s spirit remained unyielding. Through sheer determination and the support of her fellow X-Men, she fought to regain control and overcome the destructive influence of The Phoenix Force. Her journey of self-discovery and redemption showcased her unwavering strength, resilience, and the profound capacity for transformation that lies within her.

Her role extended beyond her extraordinary powers. As a core member of the X-Men, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, guiding the team through tumultuous times and inspiring her fellow mutants. Her unwavering dedication to protecting both mutants and humans alike made her a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity in a world filled with prejudice and fear.

Jean Grey‘s story took yet another twist with her triumphant return from the ashes. Following her demise as The Dark Phoenix, she was resurrected, reclaiming her place as a powerful force for good. The resurrection of Jean Grey reignited her passion for justice and propelled her into new adventures, further solidifying her status as an iconic figure within the Marvel Universe.

Good Luck, Have Fun, and Stay Safe!

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