Card Condition Guide
How we describe card condition
At eTigerTCG, we use TCGplayer's condition guidelines as our reference for describing raw singles. Raw cards are ungraded; a condition label is not a prediction or guarantee of a professional grading result.
Condition reflects the type, severity and combined amount of wear or imperfections across the card. Several small flaws can add up to a lower condition. Each label covers a range, so two cards in the same condition may show different kinds of wear.
For the full criteria and examples, read TCGplayer's official Card Conditioning Overview.
The five condition grades
Near Mint (NM)
Looks nearly unplayed, with minimal wear. A few slight flaws, such as small areas of edge wear or minor scratches, can be present. Near Mint does not mean flawless, Mint or Gem Mint.
Lightly Played (LP)
Shows limited, noticeable wear, such as minor edge wear, scratches or scuffing. Flaws remain relatively few and minor, with no significant imperfections or structural damage.
Moderately Played (MP)
Shows more noticeable wear or several moderate imperfections. These may include edge and surface wear, scratching, scuffing or qualifying bends and creases. The extent and severity determine whether a card fits this range.
Heavily Played (HP)
Shows substantial wear, potentially including pronounced whitening, creasing and many imperfections. The card must still retain its structural integrity and be capable of authentication.
Damaged (DMG)
Has wear or imperfections beyond the other condition ranges. Examples include tears, splitting, punctures or other damage that compromises the card's integrity.
How specific imperfections affect condition
- Bends and creases: A crease limits a card to Moderately Played or below. A small bend without a crease may qualify as Lightly Played. A bend that compromises the card's structure is Damaged.
- Liquid exposure: Small, limited effects may fall within MP or HP when they meet TCGplayer's size and severity limits. Exposure that compromises the card's structure is Damaged.
- Manufacturing defects: Being pack-fresh does not guarantee Near Mint. Defects count too; crimping or defects affecting integrity, function or authentication are Damaged. Other print defects are assessed by severity and applicable exceptions.
- Writing and alterations: Added pen or marker, signatures, paint and similar alterations are treated as Damaged under the standard condition scale.
These examples are a summary, not a complete measurement chart. See TCGplayer's detailed imperfections guide and Card Conditioning Standards (PDF) for precise limits and exceptions.
Foil and holographic cards
Foil and non-foil cards use the same condition criteria. Reflective surfaces can make marks more noticeable. Curling and foil-specific defects also require evaluation under those standards.
Check the selected card
Before ordering, review the selected condition, printing and language, as well as the card name, set and collector number. Read any item notes and review the available images.
When multiple copies share the same variant and condition, individual copies may differ in wear or centering. If you need details about a particular copy or image, email support@etigertcg.com before ordering.
A condition label alone does not guarantee tournament eligibility. A sleeve does not repair structural damage.
Questions after delivery
If a card arrives damaged, incorrect or materially different from its description, contact us with your order number so we can help. See our return and refund policy for return instructions.