Card Condition Grading Guide

At Deck Forge, we assess card condition using internal standards aligned with common trading card industry practices.

Condition grading is inherently subjective, but we aim to provide fair and consistent assessments across all listings.

Condition grade affects pricing. Higher grades reflect better condition and are priced accordingly.


Near Mint (NM)

  • Minimal to no visible wear

  • May include very minor edge or surface imperfections

  • Centering may vary slightly from card to card

  • No major creases, bends, or damage


Lightly Played (LP)

  • Minor visible wear

  • Small edge wear, light scratches, or slight surface marks

  • No significant structural damage


Moderately Played (MP)

  • Noticeable wear

  • Edge wear, surface scratches, possible minor creasing

  • May show whitening or small imperfections


Heavily Played (HP)

  • Significant wear

  • May include creases, whitening, surface damage, or bends


Damaged (DMG)

  • Major damage present

  • Heavy creasing, water damage, or structural issues

  • May include factory defects or print irregularities


Important Notes

  • Grading is subjective and based on our internal assessment

  • Minor imperfections may exist even in higher-grade cards

  • Surface marks, centring differences, and print variations are common

  • Not all listings include photos of the exact card

If you believe a card is significantly not as described, please refer to our Returns & Refunds Policy.