The following condition guide is adapted from TCGPlayer.net
The condition of a card is determined by the number and extent of imperfections present. Imperfections can be printing defects, wear, or damage occurring after manufacturing. Each imperfection has a Type (e.g., scratch) and a Severity (e.g., slight).
NM = Near Mint
Near Mint cards show minimal wear, which could include light shuffling or handling. These cards have a mostly pristine surface, sharp corners, and clean edges, with only minor flaws like slight edge wear or a few scratches, but they appear almost new with no major defects.
The Near Mint category includes cards with no imperfections to those with minor issues.
LP = Lightly Played
Lightly Played cards may have minor wear on borders or corners and might show scuffs or scratches. These cards don’t have major flaws and maintain their structural integrity, though they can have noticeable imperfections as long as they aren’t severe or numerous.
The range for Lightly Played cards covers those with a few to several minor imperfections.
NOTE: Quality issues in later sets from Decipher, such as Rise of Saruman and Treachery and Deceit, may cause new cards to appear worn. These are categorized as LP due to visual flaws like poor ink coverage, resembling chipping or wear.
MP = Moderately Played
Moderately Played cards show more noticeable wear, including border and corner wear, scratches, scuffs, creases, or whitening. These imperfections affect small areas and might come from mishandling or poor storage but don’t compromise the card’s overall integrity.
HP = Heavily Played
Heavily Played cards exhibit significant wear, such as moderate to severe imperfections, creasing, whitening, and bends. These flaws might affect the card’s structural integrity, but it remains playable in a sleeve.
D = Damaged
Damaged cards display severe wear and imperfections, possibly making them unfit for tournament play. This condition includes extensive border and corner wear, deep scratches, and structural damage like folds, creases, or tears.