Card Condition Guide

Card Condition Guide

At PokeHaul, we grade every single card carefully before listing it. Here's exactly what each condition means so you know what to expect when your order arrives.

Near Mint (NM)

The gold standard for collectors. Near Mint cards show no visible wear under normal lighting and handling. Edges are crisp, corners are sharp, the surface is free from scratches or scuffs, and the card has great centering. These cards are strong candidates for professional grading with PSA or ACE.
  • No edge wear or whitening
  • No surface scratches or print lines
  • Sharp, undamaged corners
  • Excellent centering (typically 55/45 or better)
  • No creases or bends
  • A few white dots are considered and some minor defects can still allow a card to be Near Mint

Lightly Played (LP)

Lightly Played cards show minimal signs of use — only noticeable on very close inspection. These cards are still in excellent shape and are a great choice for players and budget-conscious collectors alike.
  • Minor edge wear or very slight whitening
  • Minimal surface scuffs (not visible at arm's length)
  • Corners may show the faintest softening
  • No creases or bends

Moderately Played (MP)

Moderately Played cards show clear signs of use but remain fully playable and identifiable. These are ideal for competitive play or filling out a collection on a budget.
  • Noticeable edge wear or whitening
  • Light surface scratching visible under direct light
  • Corners show wear but are not heavily damaged
  • May have minor scuffs on the front or back
  • No major creases or bends

Heavily Played (HP)

Heavily Played cards have significant wear throughout. They are still tournament-legal in most formats (in a sleeve) but are not suitable for grading. Best for players who need the card at the lowest possible cost.
  • Heavy edge wear and whitening
  • Visible scratches and scuffs on the surface
  • Corners are noticeably worn or bent
  • May have light creasing

Damaged (DMG)

Damaged cards have severe wear that affects the structural integrity of the card. This includes deep creases, tears, water damage, or writing. These cards are typically not tournament-legal without a sleeve and are not gradeable.
  • Deep creases or bends
  • Tears, nicks, or missing pieces
  • Water damage or staining
  • Writing or markings on the card
  • Severe surface damage

Our Grading Promise

Every card at PokeHaul is checked by hand before listing. We always err on the side of caution  if a card is borderline between two grades, we list it at the lower condition. If you ever feel a card doesn't match its listed condition, please message us within 48 hours of receiving your order and we'll make it right.