Card Condition Guide

We grade every single as accurately as possible, inspected under bright light and at multiple angles. Card grading varies between sellers, so use this guide to understand exactly what each of our grades means before purchasing. If a card is borderline between two grades, we always grade conservatively, so you know the worst case up front.

Please note: product images on singles are often stock images and do not represent the exact condition of the card you will receive, unless the listing states otherwise. Centring is not factored into condition grades.

Our Condition Scale

Near Mint (NM)

or better
Near Mint (NM) example photo
Example of a Near Mint card

Looks clean at a glance and in hand. A Near Mint card is not necessarily pack fresh: on close inspection under light you might find one or two tiny imperfections, but nothing that stands out. The right choice for collectors and anyone considering grading.

CornersMinor chipping at most
EdgesMinor chipping at most
DiscolourationNone
Surface indentationsMinor at most
CreasesNone
Scratches / scuffingMinor at most
StainingNone
Holo cards: no scratches deep enough to expose the silver layer underneath. Very light edge sparkle is possible but sparse. Slight natural warping can occur on holos and does not affect grade.

Lightly Played (LP)

Excellent
Lightly Played (LP) example photo
Example of a Lightly Played card

Still presents well, especially in a sleeve or binder. Wear is visible on close inspection but there is no major damage. Great value for players and binder collectors who do not need Near Mint.

CornersModerate whitening or chipping
EdgesModerate whitening or chipping
DiscolourationMinor
Surface indentationsModerate
CreasesMinor
Scratches / scuffingModerate
StainingMinor
Holo cards: several light surface scratches may be present but none deep enough to expose the silver layer. Edge sparkle can be more noticeable than NM, mostly when catching the light.

Moderately Played (MP)

Very Good
Moderately Played (MP) example photo
Example of a Moderately Played card

Wear is visible at a glance, and the card may have one or two more significant flaws. Usually still looks fine sleeved and is perfectly playable, but generally not one for collectors.

CornersMajor whitening or chipping
EdgesMajor whitening or chipping
DiscolourationModerate
Surface indentationsModerate to major
CreasesModerate to major
Scratches / scuffingModerate to major, some slight paper loss
StainingModerate to major

Heavily Played (HP)

Poor
Heavily Played (HP) example photo
Example of a Heavily Played card

Significant wear that is obvious immediately, possibly including creases or tears. The card is still intact and playable in a sleeve. Priced accordingly, and the budget way to own an otherwise expensive card.

CornersMajor whitening or chipping, one or more corners may be missing
EdgesMajor whitening or chipping, tears possible
DiscolourationMajor
Surface indentationsMajor
CreasesMultiple major creases
Scratches / scuffingMajor, with paper loss, tears and pinholes possible
StainingMajor

Quick Tips

  • Holo scratches are easiest to see under a phone torch or direct light, held at an angle to the card.
  • Whitening is most common on corners and edges, and shows most on dark bordered cards.
  • Centring is not graded. A perfectly clean card with off centre borders is still Near Mint.
  • If a card is borderline between two grades, we grade conservatively.

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