She-Hulk, Jade DefenderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Power-up Mechanic

She-Hulk, Jade Defender features the Power-up ability, which is a specialized activated ability. You can pay its cost to destroy a troublesome artifact or enchantment and grow She-Hulk with a +1/+1 counter. Note that each Power-up ability can only be used once per game for that specific permanent. However, if you activate it the same turn she enters the battlefield, you can reduce the cost by her mana cost, making it only {2}{G} instead of {4}{G}{G}.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you announce the activation of the Power-up ability and choose up to one target artifact or enchantment. Second, you determine the cost: if it is the turn she entered, the cost is reduced by {3}{G}. Third, you pay the mana and the ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, the target is destroyed (if one was chosen), and She-Hulk receives a +1/+1 counter regardless of whether a target was destroyed or if the target became illegal.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to activate Power-up multiple times; remember, the 'once only' restriction applies even if you have infinite mana. Another mistake is forgetting that 'up to one' means you can activate the ability just to get the +1/+1 counter even if there are no artifacts or enchantments to destroy.

When to Smash

The most efficient time to play She-Hulk, Jade Defender is when you have seven mana available. This allows you to cast her for {3}{G} and immediately use the discounted Power-up for {2}{G} to remove a threat and establish a 5/6 body with Reach and Trample immediately.

Interaction examples

Removing a Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, you can cast She-Hulk, Jade Defender and immediately activate her Power-up ability. Because she entered this turn, you pay only {2}{G}. The Solemn Simulacrum is destroyed, and She-Hulk grows into a 5/6. Your opponent will still get to draw a card from the Golem's death trigger.

Recursion Tactics

Eternal Witness

If She-Hulk, Jade Defender is in your graveyard after already using her Power-up ability, you can cast Eternal Witness to return her to your hand. When you cast She-Hulk again, she is considered a new object. This allows you to activate her Power-up ability once more, benefiting from the discount again if you do it on the turn she re-enters.