A closer look at card condition.

Raw card condition

These descriptions explain the condition terms used on card listings. Any written defect notes and photos of the actual card are part of the description.

Near Mint

A card with very little visible wear. Near Mint does not mean flawless or guarantee a particular grading result.

Lightly Played

Minor visible wear, such as light edge wear, small scuffs or corner wear. Check close-up photos for the location and extent.

Moderately Played

Noticeable wear across the edges, corners or surface. Read the listing for specific defects.

Heavily Played or Damaged

Substantial wear or damage. Creases, dents, peeling, moisture damage and other defects should be described individually.

Graded cards

Match the grading company, grade and certificate number to the listing and the slab photos. A grade from one company is not automatically equivalent to the same number from another. Check the holder for visible damage too.

Check the exact printing

Use the expansion, collector number, language and finish together. A reverse holo, a stamped promo, and a regular holo can share a card name. English and other-language versions may use different set names and numbers.

Know which image you are viewing

Catalog artwork shows the card design. It does not show the condition of a physical copy. Photos identified as the actual card should show its front and back. For a closer inspection, ask for corners, edges and surface photos under angled light.