Condition describes how worn an ungraded card is. Collectors use a rough scale with abbreviations: NM (Near Mint), LP (Lightly Played), MP (Moderately Played), HP (Heavily Played) and DMG (Damaged). The scale is used on trading platforms, and it is less precise than the grading scale.
What the abbreviations mean
- NM, Near Mint
- Almost no wear. Minor marks may occur, but the card looks new at a normal glance.
- LP, Lightly Played
- Light wear, such as faint edge wear or small scratches, but no serious damage.
- MP, Moderately Played
- Clear wear, such as visible whitening, scratches or minor creases.
- HP, Heavily Played
- Heavy wear, but the card is still intact and legible.
- DMG, Damaged
- Serious damage such as tears, large creases, water damage or writing on the card.
Different platforms, different scales
TCGplayer uses the labels above. Cardmarket has a different breakdown, including Mint, Near Mint, Excellent, Good, Light Played, Played and Poor. A category on one platform therefore does not always match one on another, and the assessment is ultimately made by whoever lists the card.
Condition and price
Price normally falls as condition worsens, and the difference can be large, especially for rare and sought-after cards. Many price comparisons in the catalogue are based on NM. When you compare, check that the condition is the same.
What affects condition
- Corners: rounding and whitening.
- Edges: white lines and scuffing.
- Surface: scratches, print lines and dents.
- Centering: although often assessed separately, it affects the overall impression.
Assessing condition is subjective. Two people can reach different conclusions about the same card, especially between NM and LP. It is therefore common for sellers to post photos of both front and back, ideally in good light and close enough for the edges to be judged. Photos give a better basis than an abbreviation alone. When comparing prices, it is worth knowing that a card listed as NM can range from near flawless to having visible marks.
Condition must also be seen in light of a card's age. A card from the earliest sets in NM is more unusual than a new card in the same condition, because the older cards have been exposed to many years of use and storage. That explains part of the price differences between older and newer cards.
When grading takes over
For an independent assessment, grading is the route. Proper storage helps preserve condition.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026. This article explains how the market works. It is not advice to buy or sell anything in particular.