TCG Times Tools
Card Condition Guide
A standardised grading system used by all TCG Times marketplace listings. Before buying or selling, familiarise yourself with each grade so there are no surprises on either side of the transaction.
Near Mint
Essentially perfect. Suitable for tournament play or grading submission without concern.
Front / Face
- No visible scratches or scuffs on front face
- No print lines, ink spots, or factory defects
- Corners sharp and undamaged
- Edges clean with no nicks or whitening
- Surface gloss intact, no clouding
Back
- No scratches visible when light hits the back
- Corners crisp — no bending or softening
- No water marks, stains, or creases
- Cardboard feels firm, not bent or warped
NoteA card can be Near Mint and still have minor factory imperfections such as a very slight print line. The key is zero play or handling wear.
Lightly Played
Minimal wear from light handling. Playable without sleeves but most players will sleeve these.
Front / Face
- Very light surface scratches visible only at certain angles
- Corners may show barely perceptible softening
- One or two very minor edge nicks (not whitening)
- No creases or bends on the face
Back
- Slight scratching on the back surface
- Corners very slightly rounded or soft
- No creases, stains, or water damage
NoteThis is the most common condition for cards that have been sleeved but opened from packs and shuffled a few times. Often indistinguishable from NM at arm's length.
Moderately Played
Visible wear but structurally sound. Always sleeve before play. Fine for casual games.
Front / Face
- Noticeable scratches or scuffs on the face
- Mild edge whitening on one or two corners
- No deep creases or bends that affect the face image
- Surface may have lost some gloss in places
Back
- Obvious scratching on back
- Corner whitening or rounding on one to three corners
- No deep creases, holes, or water damage
NoteModerately Played cards are still completely playable in sleeves. The condition is usually obvious when held, but the card is not damaged or marked.
Heavily Played
Significant wear. Structurally intact but noticeably rough. Must be sleeved; may be rejected at some tournaments.
Front / Face
- Heavy scratching or scuffing across the face
- Obvious corner whitening on multiple corners
- Possible light crease or bend not breaking the card surface
- Noticeable loss of surface gloss
Back
- Heavy scratching, corner whitening on most corners
- Possible writing or small sticker residue (disclosed)
- Possible light crease — no holes or tears
NoteAlways disclose specific flaws in the listing description. Cards with writing, heavy creasing, or sticker residue should be graded HP at minimum and explicitly noted.
Damaged
Structurally compromised. Holes, tears, deep creases, water damage, or heavy markings.
Front / Face
- Deep crease or bend that breaks card surface
- Holes, tears, or missing pieces
- Significant water damage, warping, or staining
- Heavy writing or permanent ink marks
- Peeling layers
Back
- Any of the above on the back
- Structural integrity compromised — card may flex abnormally
NoteDamaged cards should not be listed without clear photos and a full description. They are typically collector pieces, extras for proxies, or tokens only.
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All listings on TCG Times use these grades.