MTG Singles Condition Guide

Card condition is crucial in determining a card's collectability and, therefore, its value. A well-maintained card in perfect mint condition can be worth more than five times the value of a card that has been kept poorly. 

Good Games TCG currently categorizes singles into four conditions: NM, LP, MP, and HP.

NM (Near Mint):

It's important to understand that a card labelled as Near Mint doesn't have to be in perfect condition. When evaluating an MTG card's condition, the "rule of three" is applied. This means that if there are three or fewer instances of minor damage, the card is still considered Near Mint. Minor damage could include slight edge whitening, small nicks on the corners or edges, or surface scratches. However, any significant or noticeable damage will drop the card's condition to Lightly Played (LP) or below.

Here is an example of a Near Mint MTG card:

LP (Lightly Played):

Lightly Played is the first significant drop in a card’s condition. At this level, some damage is evident, but it’s not enough to warrant a lower grade. The types of damage are similar to those in Near Mint, including whitening, corner nicks, and surface scratches. However, Lightly Played cards either exceed the "rule of three" or show enough noticeable damage—like a bent corner or a deeper scratch—that prevents them from being classified as Near Mint.

Here is an example of a Lightly Played MTG card:

MP (Moderately Played):

The distinction between Moderately Played and Lightly Played can be tricky to identify. The key difference lies in the consistency and severity of the damage. Moderately Played cards typically exhibit consistent minor damage, such as noticeable whitening along the edges. These cards may also feature more significant damage, like a large scratch or a deep nick on the surface. Determining the right balance between the extent and severity of the damage is important, as too much or too little in either direction could push the card into either Lightly Played or Heavily Played.

Here is an example of a Moderately Played MTG card:

HP (Heavily Played):

Heavily Played cards show noticeable, significant damage. This can include bent corners, deep or consistent scratches, and prominent nicks on the surface and edges. The main distinction between Heavily Played and Damaged cards is the presence of major damage; if the card is physically intact despite severe wear, it remains classified as Heavily Played. Cards in this condition may also display extensive aging or consistent heavy wear, but as long as no major physical issues are present, the card is considered Heavily Played.

Pokemon Singles Condition Guide

Card condition is crucial in determining a card's collectability and, therefore, its value. A well-maintained card in perfect mint condition can be worth more than five times the value of a card that has been kept poorly. 

Good Games TCG currently categorizes singles into four conditions: NM, LP, MP, and HP.

Note that, as Pokémon is a highly collectible trading card game, players are generally accustomed to stricter grading conditions compared to some other TCGs.

NM (Near Mint):

Extremely minor surface, edge, and corner wear, consistent with what you'd expect from a “pack fresh” card. Near Mint Pokémon cards should show minimal wear and tear, typically aligning with a PSA 8 or better (such as slight whitening on corners, a maximum of 2-3 minor nicks, or minor surface scratching).

Note that centering is not factored into the grading condition.

Here is an example of a Near Mint PKM card:

LP (Lightly Played):

At Lightly Played (LP), the card shows more nicks and scratches, though they are not consistent. However, the card remains visually clear from both the front and from a distance. There should be no major damage, such as bends, creases, or folds.

Here is an example of a Lightly Played PKM card:

MP (Moderately Played):

At Moderately Played (MP), the card shows more consistent wear across multiple areas. The front surface may have visible, mild scratches or signs of wear, while the back typically exhibits consistent edge and corner wear. A minor corner bend may be present, but nothing too severe.

Here is an example of a Moderately Played PKM card:

HP (Heavily Played):

At this stage, consistent wear on the edges, corners, and surface is common. Creases, bends, and other forms of more significant damage are also frequently present. What separates Heavily Played (HP) from Damaged is that the overall level of wear is not extreme enough, and there is no single piece of damage severe enough to classify the card as Damaged.

Here is an example of a Heavily Played PKM card: