Pokemon Card Condition Guide
Learn to accurately grade your Pokemon cards with our comprehensive visual guide. Understanding card conditions is essential for proper pricing and trading.
Quick Reference Chart
| Condition | Abbreviation | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near Mint | NM | Perfect or nearly perfect condition | 100% Market Value |
| Lightly Played | LP | Minor wear, still looks great | 75-90% Market Value |
| Moderately Played | MP | Visible wear but still playable | 50-75% Market Value |
| Heavily Played | HP | Significant wear and damage | 25-50% Market Value |
| Damaged | DMG | Major damage, creases, or tears | 10-25% Market Value |
Near Mint (NM)
Characteristics
- Perfect or nearly perfect condition
- Sharp, crisp corners
- Clean, unblemished surface
- No visible wear or scratches
- Pristine edges and borders
- May have minor printing imperfections only
Value Impact
Near Mint cards command full market value. These are the most desirable for collectors and competitive players.
Lightly Played (LP)
Characteristics
- Minor edge wear on corners
- Light surface scratches (barely visible)
- Minimal border whitening
- Still very attractive appearance
- No major flaws or damage
Value Impact
Lightly Played cards retain most of their value. Great for players who want good condition cards at a slight discount.
Moderately Played (MP)
Characteristics
- Noticeable corner wear and rounding
- Visible surface scratches and scuffing
- Border whitening on multiple edges
- May have small dings or impressions
- Still tournament playable with sleeves
Value Impact
Moderately Played cards show clear wear but remain functional. Popular among players looking for budget options.
Heavily Played (HP)
Characteristics
- Heavily rounded or damaged corners
- Major surface scratches and scuffs
- Significant border whitening all around
- Multiple dings, dents, and impressions
- May have light creasing
- Still playable but obvious wear
Value Impact
Heavily Played cards show significant wear but remain intact. Best for casual play or as placeholders.
Damaged (DMG)
Characteristics
- Major creases or folds
- Tears or holes in the card
- Water damage or staining
- Ink marks or pen writing
- Severe surface damage
- May not be tournament legal
Value Impact
Damaged cards have significant structural damage but may still have value for rare or iconic cards.
Pro Tips for Condition Assessment
What to Look For
- Corner wear: Check all four corners for rounding or damage
- Edge condition: Look for whitening along the borders
- Surface quality: Check for scratches, scuffs, or impressions
- Centering: Note if the image is properly centered
- Holofoil condition: Check for scratches on holographic surfaces
Best Practices
- Use good lighting: Natural light or bright white LED works best
- Handle carefully: Use clean hands and avoid touching the surface
- Check both sides: Front and back condition both matter
- Be conservative: When in doubt, grade lower rather than higher
- Use magnification: A loupe can help spot minor flaws
Use This Knowledge With Our Tools
Now that you understand card conditions, put your knowledge to work with our professional tools