Condition · 6 min read
Trading Card Condition Guide
Understand common raw trading card condition labels and what to inspect before buying or selling Pokemon, TCG and sports cards.
Written and reviewed by the Deckd team · Updated 2026-09-01
Condition labels are shorthand, not a replacement for photos and written disclosure. Standards can vary between sellers, so inspect the whole card and describe any defect that a buyer would reasonably want to know about.
What to inspect
- Surface: scratches, scuffs, print lines, stains and indentations
- Edges and corners: whitening, chips, bends and peeling
- Structure: creases, warping, dents and water damage
- Print and centring: useful for grading expectations, but not always wear
Near Mint
A Near Mint card should present as very clean with, at most, minor imperfections that do not materially affect its appearance. It does not automatically mean perfectly centred or guaranteed to receive a high grade.
Lightly Played
Lightly Played cards usually show limited wear such as small areas of edge whitening or light surface marks, while remaining attractive and structurally sound.
Moderately Played
Moderately Played cards have more obvious wear that may include repeated whitening, scratches, edge wear or a minor crease. Every material defect should be photographed and described.
Heavily Played and Damaged
Heavily Played cards show substantial wear. Damaged cards can have major creases, tears, water damage, ink, peeling or structural problems. A card may still be collectable, but the listing must make its state unmistakable.
Quick checklist
- Front and back are checked under good light
- Edges and corners are inspected
- Dents and creases are disclosed
- Photos support the condition
- No grade is promised for a raw card