Card Condition Guide

Effective Date: October 15, 2026

Every single we sell is graded by hand against the standards below, under bright light, front and back. The condition shown on a listing is the condition you will receive. If we would hesitate to call a card Near Mint, it isn't listed as Near Mint.

Near Mint (NM)

Looks unplayed. At most a tiny amount of edge wear or a single light surface scratch only visible under close inspection. No whitening on the back, no creases, no dents, no fading. Sleeve-playable in any event.

Lightly Played (LP)

Minor wear from light play or handling: slight edge or corner whitening, a few light scratches, or minor scuffing. No creases, bends, water damage or major whitening. Still tournament-playable in a sleeve.

Moderately Played (MP)

Clear signs of play: moderate edge and corner wear, noticeable scratching or scuffing, light inking along the border, or a small crease that does not break the card's surface. Playable in a sleeve, though a judge may ask for it to be replaced in a deck check if the wear makes it identifiable.

Heavily Played (HP)

Heavy wear: significant whitening, deep scratches, multiple creases or bends, water damage, or inking. The card is complete and legible. Playable for casual games; not recommended for sanctioned events.

Damaged (DMG)

Beyond Heavily Played: tears, holes, heavy creases, major water damage, writing, or alterations. Sold for collection or casual use only. Any damage is described in the listing.

Foils and holofoils

Foil cards are held to the same standards. Light curling on a foil is normal and does not lower the grade on its own; clouding, scratches on the foil layer and edge wear do.

Pokémon finishes

Normal, Holofoil, Reverse Holofoil and 1st Edition printings of the same card are listed separately, each with its own condition and price.

Not what you expected?

If a card arrives in worse condition than listed, contact us within 7 days with a photo and we will make it right under our Return & Refund Policy.

Photo examples for each grade are coming soon.