Conditioning Guide

Conditioning Guidelines

At Littleroot Games, we maintain clear, consistent, and transparent card conditioning standards.

Our conditioning standards are based on the TCGplayer condition guidelines and are used internally to train our staff. While informed by TCGplayer, all final condition determinations are made at the sole discretion of Littleroot Games.

Conditioning vs. Grading

Littleroot Games conditions cards; we do not grade cards.

Grading assigns a numerical score intended to represent a card’s overall quality. Conditioning assigns a condition range intended to represent the expected level of wear or imperfections. Condition assignments are subjective and reflect reasonable expectations rather than guarantees of perfection.

Imperfections

The following definitions describe imperfections that may be present on trading card singles sold by Littleroot Games:

  • Edgewear: Loss of material, sheen, or color on corners or edges.

  • Scratch: A linear mark that removes surface material.

  • Scuffing: Multiple surface scratches grouped together.

  • Surface Wear: Material or color loss exposing inner card layers.

  • Grime: Foreign material present on the card surface.

  • Indentation: A dent or impression that displaces material.

  • Bend: A visible line or ridge caused by pressure or folding.

  • Fault: Expansion, splitting, or separation of card material.

  • Defect: A manufacturing or printing error.

  • Damage: Any severe imperfection that compromises structural integrity or playability.

Card Integrity

Card integrity is evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Structure: Whether the card retains its original shape and construction.

  • Playability: Whether the card remains legal and usable in gameplay. Any alteration affecting size, thickness, or tactile feel through a sleeve may impact playability.

Defects

Defects are categorized as follows:

  • Integrity-Related Defects: Crimping, miscuts, or other issues that compromise the card’s intended structure.

  • Non-Integrity-Related Defects: Printing or ink irregularities that do not materially impact structure or playability.

Additional Defects

  • Curling: Common in foil-treated cards. Curling of up to 5mm (measured as the maximum gap between the card and a flat surface) is permitted without condition impact. Curling exceeding 5mm is classified as damaged.

  • Centering: Centering refers to cut alignment. Centering of up to 70/30 is permitted without condition impact. Centering beyond 70/30 is classified as damaged.

Severity of Imperfections

Imperfections are evaluated based on severity and assigned point values:

  • Slight: Minimal impact to card surface or structure — 1 point

  • Minor: Noticeable but limited impact — 2 points

  • Moderate: Significant impact — 4 points

  • Major: Extensive or severe impact — 8 points

Point totals are used to determine condition classification.

Condition Standards

Each condition permits a maximum point total. Certain imperfections are prohibited regardless of point total.

Mint
A mint card is flawless and free of imperfections. Littleroot Games does not assign mint condition to any card.

Near Mint (NM)
The highest condition assigned by Littleroot Games. Cards show minimal wear and may total up to 3 points.
Prohibited: Surface Wear, Grime, Bend, Fault, Damage

Lightly Played (LP)
Cards show light signs of handling or play. Up to 6 points permitted.
Prohibited: Fault, Damage

Moderately Played (MP)
Cards show clear and measurable signs of wear or play. Up to 12 points permitted.
Prohibited: Damage

Heavily Played (HP)
Cards show extensive wear or imperfections. Up to 24 points permitted.
Prohibited: Damage

Damaged (DMG)
Cards exceed all other condition standards. A card is classified as damaged if it includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

  • Foreign substances or non-manufacturing ink on the surface (including signatures)

  • Miscuts exceeding 70/30 centering

  • Tears, holes, or folding

  • Moderate or major faults

  • Evidence of liquid exposure

Final Note

Condition assessments represent reasonable expectations at the time of sale. Minor variances in interpretation may occur, and condition determinations made by Littleroot Games are final.

Returns, Refunds, and Disputes

Due to the nature of trading card singles, all sales are final. Littleroot Games does not accept returns or offer refunds on single cards, as we cannot verify that a returned card is the exact card originally shipped.

Condition assessments are made prior to shipment, and all cards are sold as-conditioned at the time of sale.

That said, mistakes can occur. If Littleroot Games determines that an error was made on our part—such as an incorrect condition, listing error, or fulfillment mistake—we may, at our sole discretion, take corrective action. Corrective actions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Authorizing a return of the item

  • Issuing a partial refund or store credit

  • Providing another reasonable resolution

Any corrective action is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and does not constitute an obligation to offer returns or refunds in future transactions.

Reporting an Issue

If you believe there is an issue with your order, you must contact us within seven (7) days of delivery using our Contact Form:

Click here to redirect to our Contact Form

Submissions made after seven (7) days from delivery may not be eligible for review.

To ensure proper evaluation, all submissions must include the order number and a clear description of the issue. Requests submitted outside of this process or without sufficient information may be denied.

Littleroot Games does not guarantee resolution for disputes initiated through third-party platforms, social media, or chargeback channels without prior contact through the Contact Form.