Card Condition Guide
Understanding card conditions is essential for buying and selling. Below you'll find detailed descriptions of each condition grade we use at CardFair Australia.
| Grade | Condition | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| NM | Near Mint | A card in Near Mint condition shows minimal to no wear. |
| LP | Lightly Played | A Lightly Played card shows minor signs of wear from normal handling. |
| MP | Moderately Played | A Moderately Played card has noticeable wear that is evident at a glance. |
| HP | Heavily Played | A Heavily Played card shows significant wear from extensive use. |
| DMG | Damaged | A Damaged card has severe wear or structural issues that go beyond normal play wear. |
Near Mint
A card in Near Mint condition shows minimal to no wear. This is the standard for cards fresh from booster packs. Minor factory imperfections such as very slight print lines are acceptable and do not downgrade a card from NM.
What to look for
- No visible scratches, scuffs, or surface wear
- Edges are clean with no whitening
- Corners are sharp and undamaged
- Card is flat with no bending or warping
- Back of the card is clean and unmarked
Tip: Cards straight from sealed packs are typically Near Mint. This is the most sought-after condition for collectors.
Lightly Played
A Lightly Played card shows minor signs of wear from normal handling. The card is still in very good overall condition and any flaws are only noticeable upon close inspection. Most casual players would consider these cards to be in excellent shape.
What to look for
- Slight edge wear or minor whitening on 1–2 edges
- Very minor surface scratches visible under light
- Corners may show minimal rounding
- No creasing, bends, or structural damage
- Card front remains clean and vibrant
Tip: LP cards are great value for players who want good-looking cards without paying the NM premium.
Moderately Played
A Moderately Played card has noticeable wear that is evident at a glance. The card has been used in play or handled frequently. Despite the wear, all text remains legible and the card is fully playable with sleeves.
What to look for
- Noticeable edge wear and whitening on multiple edges
- Visible scratches or scuffing on the surface
- Corners show clear rounding or minor dings
- May have a light crease or minor bend
- Card front may show some cloudiness or wear
Tip: MP cards are ideal for budget-conscious players building competitive decks where appearance is secondary to function.
Heavily Played
A Heavily Played card shows significant wear from extensive use. The card has clearly been played without sleeves or stored poorly. Despite the heavy wear, the card remains structurally intact, tournament-legal in sleeves, and fully identifiable.
What to look for
- Significant edge wear, whitening, and fraying
- Heavy scratching or scuffing across the surface
- Noticeable creasing or bends
- Corners are rounded or dinged
- Back may show significant wear or discolouration
Tip: HP cards offer the best prices for players who just need the card for their deck and don't mind the cosmetic wear.
Damaged
A Damaged card has severe wear or structural issues that go beyond normal play wear. These cards may have issues that could make them unplayable in tournaments even with sleeves, depending on the severity. They are priced accordingly.
What to look for
- Tears, holes, or missing pieces
- Water damage, staining, or mould marks
- Heavy creasing that affects card structure
- Writing, ink marks, or sticker residue
- Severe warping that prevents the card from lying flat
Tip: Damaged cards are priced significantly lower and can be useful for casual play, collecting art, or as placeholders.
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