Mint (MT)

A Mint card is in perfect condition. The front of the card is in perfect condition, there are no scratches on the surface, and the surface, edges and corners are perfectly clean. For the back it means that the card is indistinguishable from cards of a newly openend pack. Mint cards have to come straight out from a pack and were never played or shuffled.

Near Mint (MT)

A Near Mint card looks like it has never been played without sleeves. Small allowances can be made, but the card generally shows no wear.

The border of a Near Mint card can have small white spots, but they must be very few and very small. When the card is inspected under bright daylight, the surface must generally appear clean. It can have a few minor spots, but scratches can never be allowed for NM cards.

Generally a Near Mint card is in a condition that would make it considered unmarked if played in an unsleeved deck.

Light Played (LP)

A Light Played card looks like it was used for a few games without sleeves. For Light Played cards it is almost always clearly visible upon first inspection that the card is not in perfect condition. However, although the damage is clearly visible it is only of minor severity.

Light Played cards usually have a couple of white spots at the corners or around the border. The surface may have minor scratches, that are visible upon closer inspection. However, the card cannot be graded Light Played if the creases are so deep that they are visible upon first sight.

A Light Played card is usually in a condition where it is not quite clear if the card would be considered marked or unmarked if it would be played in a tournament without sleeves.

Moderately Played (MP)

Cards in Moderately Played condition usually show strong wear all around the card. The edges and corners have many white spots, the surface usually has scratches and the card usually has accumulated some dirt on its surface. However, the card still only has damage that stems from regular play. The card has no water damage or bends whatsoever.

A Moderately Played card (and all cards in worse condition) are clearly in a condition that would make them ineligible for play without sleeves as they would be considered marked.

Heavy Played (HP)

Heavy Played is a grading condition of cards and other items. By definition, "Heavy Played" means: "Card is visibly aged and played. Without a sleeve, the card will be easily identified. There may be wear through the center or artwork through the face or back of the card. Heavy white spots will be present on the black border or card back. There might be dirt along the white spots of the card or edge. The card must be played in a solid-back sleeve to be tournament worthy. The card may also have a crease, warp, or fold despite its cleanliness."