Condition Breakdown

Condition Guidelines

Grading card and product condition is often subjective, especially with human interpretation involved. At CategoryOneGames, we follow a detailed grading process that reflects the expectations of both serious collectors and casual players.

All cards are evaluated under natural light and if needed, handled with gloves to preserve their condition. When needed, we use magnification tools to inspect for fine details and flaws.

Each card is graded based on:

1. The number of visible defects

2. The severity of those defects

Both minor and major flaws—such as edge wear, scratches, foreign material, print inconsistencies, and centering—may impact a card’s grade.

Trading Card Conditions

Near Mint / Mint (NM)

• Minimal or no visible wear from handling or shuffling

• Crisp corners, clean edges, and unmarred surfaces

• May show a tiny edge nick or minor surface scratch

• Should appear as if just pulled from a pack

This category includes both perfect cards and those with one or two very light imperfections.

Lightly Played (LP)

• Minor border or corner wear

• Light surface scuffs or small scratches

• No major defects; just subtle signs of handling

• Foils may show slight dulling or minor wear on the front

Cards are still highly collectible and tournament-playable.

Moderately Played / Played (MP / P)

• Noticeable wear visible at a casual glance

• May include: corner wear, scuffing, light creases, whitening, or light dirt buildup

• Still fully playable with sleeves but clearly shows play history

Heavily Played (HP)

• Significant wear and defects

• May include: heavy edge/corner wear, deep scratches, binder ring dents, creases, or warping

• May also show tournament stamps, small tears, or signs of water damage

• Generally only usable with opaque sleeves

Damaged (D)

• Severe condition issues that may make the card unplayable

• Can include: rips, bends, heavy ink or writing, full creases, curling, major discoloration, or extreme grime

• Cards may be used for collectors needing placeholders, proxies, or art projects

Ungraded

• Common and uncommon cards not individually evaluated

• May range from Near Mint to Moderately Played

• Used when volume prevents individual grading

Sealed & Packaged Products

New / Sealed

• Factory-sealed, never opened

• Includes sealed decks, booster packs, starter sets, and other unopened merchandise

Uncut Sheets

• Uncut sheets are rolled and shipped in tubes

• Often display light surface scratches (front and back) from handling

• These marks are typical and rarely visible when framed or displayed