Know the copy you are choosing.

Card condition guide · October 8, 2026

A condition label helps you decide whether a card suits your deck or collection. Use this guide alongside the listing details, and ask about anything that matters to you before ordering.

What the labels mean.

These brief descriptions follow TCGplayer's condition categories. A condition label is not a grading-company score.

Near Mint (NM)

Very little wear. A few small imperfections can be present; Near Mint does not mean flawless.

Lightly Played (LP)

Some minor wear, such as small edge marks or surface scratches. The card remains structurally sound.

Moderately Played (MP)

More noticeable wear across the edges or surface. Limited creasing or other flaws may fit this category when their severity stays within the standard.

Heavily Played (HP)

Extensive visible wear, potentially including creasing and whitening, while the card's structure and identifying features remain intact.

Damaged

Flaws beyond the other categories, including damage affecting the card's structure. Tears, separated layers and severe wear are examples.

Look beyond the front.

• Edges and corners: look for whitening, worn corners, nicks and layers beginning to separate.
• Surface: look across the front and back for scratches, scuffs, dents and worn areas.
• Creases and bends: check their size and whether they show through the card. The extent matters; one mark does not tell the whole story.

TCGplayer's detailed imperfection guide explains how different flaws affect a condition assessment.

Give foil cards another look.

Foils use the same condition categories. Reflective surfaces can make marks more visible, and curling or foil defects also need attention.

When inspecting a copy, ask for a view in even light and at an angle. A glare-heavy photograph may hide details.

Know what the image shows.

A catalog image identifies a card or printing. It does not show the wear on every copy available.

Use a photograph to judge a specific copy only when the listing identifies it as the actual card for sale. Our educational photographs are examples, not a condition promise for your order.

For a copy where condition matters especially, ask whether front, back and close-up photographs are available before buying.

Check the version, too.

Compare the set, collector number, language and finish as well as the name. A different printing or language is a separate choice from condition.

Our printing guide shows the small details to look for.

Ask about the details.

Send the listing link and tell me what you would like a closer look at. If a particular corner, surface mark or finish matters, mention it so I can check the right detail.

For an order you have already received, include the order number and clear photographs of the concern when you contact us. Please keep order details out of public comments.

Condition references checked October 8, 2026. This guide summarizes the linked TCGplayer resources; it does not represent third-party certification. For delivery and return information, see Delivery & help.