Whether you're browsing single cards or diving into a TCG discussion thread, the terminology can be a bit overwhelming. This glossary breaks down common terms used by collectors, sellers, and players — from condition grades to card features — so you can shop (and chat) with confidence.
Card Condition
Terms used to describe the condition of the card.
Mint (M) – The card is in perfect condition—no scratches, bends, or wear. It's as if it was just pulled from the pack.
Near Mint (NM) – The card is almost perfect, with only tiny imperfections such as a slight corner ding or barely noticeable surface scratches.
Gem Mint (GM) – A nearly flawless card with sharp corners, perfect centering, and no visible flaws. The highest condition grade.
Excellent (EX) – In great shape but may show minor wear like light scratches, edge wear, or slightly worn corners.
Good (GD) – Noticeable wear such as soft corners, surface scratches, or minor creases. Still decent but not pristine.
Poor (PR) – Significant wear including heavy creasing, torn edges, or major surface damage. Often just for sentimental or illustrative value.
Light Play (LP) – Minor wear from handling or gameplay—slight corner wear, small surface scratches, or light edge whitening. Still great for casual use or collecting.
Moderate Play (MP) – Noticeable wear like heavier edge wear, visible scratches, or small creases. Play-worthy but not display-worthy.
Heavy Play (HP) – Major signs of use—large scratches, edge damage, or visible creases. Playable, but not ideal for collectors.
Damaged (DMG) – Heavily worn with creases, tears, water damage, or other major issues. Typically not tournament playable.
Graded – Professionally inspected and assigned a condition grade, usually sealed in a protective case.
Factory Sealed – Still in its original sealed packaging (e.g., booster pack or set), never opened or handled.
Pack Fresh – Pulled straight from a sealed pack with no handling or visible wear—usually pristine.
Centering – Refers to how evenly the card's artwork is aligned within its borders.
Edge Wear – Minor damage along the card edges, like fraying or whitening.
Corner Wear – Worn, bent, or rounded corners from handling or play.
Play Wear – General signs of gameplay use such as scratches, soft edges, or bends.
Surface Wear – Scuffs, scratches, or marks affecting the visual surface of the card.
Crease – A visible line or bend, often caused by folding or mishandling.
Descriptive Terms
Helps identify any special features of the card.
Holo (Holographic) – A shiny, reflective area on the card—typically a visual highlight.
Reverse Holo – The background is holographic, while the main image is not.
Foil – A shiny or metallic finish across part or all of the card.
Alt Art – Alternative artwork, often full-card art that offers a unique take on the character or theme.
Borderless – Art extends to the edge of the card with no visible borders; common in Magic: The Gathering.
Holo Swirl – A swirl pattern visible in the holographic foil, often prized by collectors.
Autographed (Auto) – Signed by the player, artist, or celebrity featured on the card.
First Edition – From the initial print run of a set, often denoted with a special symbol.
Promo Card – Special release cards distributed through events, magazines, or purchases.
Fan Art – Custom card created by a fan, either painted over an existing card or completely reimagined.
Product & Community Terms
Set – A full collection of cards from a specific release.
Master Set – A full set including all regular cards and any promos or exclusive variants.
Booster Pack – A sealed pack of cards, usually containing a mix of rarities.
Booster Box – A sealed box containing multiple booster packs.
ETB (Elite Trainer Box) – A product bundle that includes booster packs, sleeves, dice, and other accessories.
Blister – A single booster pack sealed in plastic packaging, sometimes with a promo or coin.
Sleeved – The card has been stored in a protective plastic sleeve to avoid damage.
Top Loader – A rigid plastic sleeve that protects cards during storage or transit.
Side Loader – A variation of the top loader where the card is inserted from the side.
Penny Sleeve – A soft, inexpensive plastic sleeve used as basic protection.
Binder – A storage folder with plastic sleeves, commonly used to store and display card collections.
Slab – A graded card encased in a hard plastic shell by a professional grading company.