Card Condition Guidelines – Skyfox Games

At Skyfox Games, we strive to ensure that every card you purchase meets your expectations. Below is a detailed guide to how we assess the condition of trading cards, including foil variants.

We will provide images of cards with values of $100 and above to keep processing times minimal for our customers.

Near Mint (NM)

Cards graded as Near Mint (NM) show little to no signs of wear from handling, play, or shuffling. These cards retain a clean surface, sharp corners, and nearly flawless edges. Minor imperfections, such as a slight edge nick or a tiny scratch, may be present but are minimal. Overall, the card appears close to unplayed and is free of major defects.

Near Mint Foil (NMF)

Due to the reflective nature of foil cards, imperfections are more visible. Near Mint Foils (NMF) must be nearly flawless— minimal scratches, clouding, print defects, or any visible marks or blemishes. This is the most scrutinized conditioning tier, and only cards in exceptional condition qualify.

Lightly Played (LP)

Lightly Played (LP) cards may exhibit minor edge or corner wear, or slight surface scuffs and scratches. These imperfections are typically cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. LP cards do not have any major defects such as bends, water damage, or compromised structural integrity. Some visible flaws are acceptable, provided they are not excessive.

Lightly Played Foil (LPF)

Foil cards in Lightly Played (LPF) condition may show minimal wear and light surface marks. Slight fading, edge wear, or very minor warping may be present. Scratches within the art box are more noticeable on foils and may weigh more heavily in conditioning. No significant flaws should be present.

Moderately Played (MP)

Moderately Played (MP) cards can display more noticeable signs of use, including edge wear, corner wear, surface scuffing, and whitening. A card may show one more prominent issue—such as a light crease that does not compromise structural integrity—but not in combination with multiple major flaws. The card remains playable and intact.

Moderately Played Foil (MPF)

Moderately Played Foils (MPF) may exhibit noticeable clouding, surface scratches, border wear, warping, or flaking. As with non-foil cards, no major structural damage is acceptable, but moderate surface wear is permitted.

Heavily Played (HP)

Heavily Played (HP) cards display significant wear, including major creases, edge whitening, and visible surface damage. Cards with up to 30% surface liquid damage may be included in this category, but only if still sleeve-playable. A small area of missing ink (e.g., from adhesive removal) is acceptable if not widespread or deeply damaging.

Heavily Played and Damaged Foils

Foil cards graded as Heavily Played (HPF) or Damaged follow the same guidelines as non-foil cards in their respective conditions.

Damaged

Cards classified as Damaged have serious flaws that may render them unplayable in sanctioned events, even in a sleeve. These defects may include large tears, bends, severe creases, heavy wear, or structural compromise. Any card with more than 30% surface liquid damage is considered Damaged. We do not accept or ship cards contaminated with foreign substances (e.g., food, unknown residue, or other materials).

Still Unsure?

If you would like additional assurance on the condition of high-value cards (over $100 CAD), Skyfox Games is happy to provide photographs upon request before purchase or shipment.