Pokemon Card Conditions Explained — NM, LP, MP, HP
Card condition is one of the biggest factors in a Pokemon card's value. Whether you're buying, selling, or just organising your collection, understanding condition grades helps you make smarter decisions. Here's what each grade means and why it matters.
Near Mint (NM)
Near Mint is the gold standard for collectible cards. A NM card looks essentially perfect — no visible scratches, whitening, or edge wear when examined under normal lighting. Minor factory imperfections (like very slight edge roughness straight from the pack) are acceptable. Most singles sold online are graded NM, and it's the default condition buyers expect. At Tatemon TCG, the vast majority of our inventory is Near Mint.
Lightly Played (LP)
Lightly Played cards show minor signs of wear that are visible on close inspection but don't detract from the card's appearance at arm's length. This might include slight edge whitening, a small surface scratch, or minor corner wear. LP cards are perfectly fine for binder collections and casual play. They're typically priced 10–20% below NM equivalents, making them a great value option.
Moderately Played (MP)
Moderately Played cards have noticeable wear that's visible without close inspection. This includes significant edge whitening, multiple surface scratches, minor creasing, or clouding on holofoil cards. MP cards are still playable in sleeves and can fill gaps in a collection, but they're not ideal for display. Expect prices around 30–50% below NM.
Heavily Played (HP)
Heavily Played cards show major wear — heavy creasing, significant scratches, water damage, or bent corners. These cards are functional for casual play in opaque sleeves, but their collector value is substantially reduced. HP cards are often priced at 50–70% below NM and are mainly bought by players who need specific cards for decks on a budget.
Why Condition Matters
Condition directly impacts a card's market value, especially for rare and high-demand cards. A Near Mint Special Illustration Rare might sell for hundreds of AED, while the same card in Heavily Played condition could be worth a fraction. For competitive players, condition matters less since cards are always in sleeves. For collectors, condition is everything — it affects display quality, long-term value, and grading potential if you ever submit cards to PSA or CGC.
How We Grade at Tatemon TCG
Every card at Tatemon TCG is individually inspected and photographed before listing. We primarily stock Near Mint cards, and any card that doesn't meet NM standards is clearly marked with its actual condition. Our product photos show the exact card you'll receive, so there are no surprises. If you're ever unsure about a card's condition, feel free to message us on WhatsApp before purchasing.