Getting Pokémon cards graded: how to check condition and centering
Pulling a beautiful card from a booster is one thing; deciding whether that card is suitable for grading is another. During card grading, an independent company assesses a card’s authenticity and condition. The result is usually expressed as a numerical grade, after which the card is placed in a rigid, sealed holder.
Not every rare or apparently perfect Pokémon card is automatically a good candidate. A tiny white spot, a light surface scratch, or off-center printing can make a difference. This practical guide explains what graders examine, how to perform an initial check at home, and how to protect your cards properly before and after grading.
What does it mean to have a Pokémon card graded?
Grading has two elements that are often confused. First, the card is checked for authenticity. Its quality and condition are then assessed. PSA, for example, uses a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 as the highest grade. After the assessment, the card receives a label and is sealed inside a protective slab.
A grade is a professional opinion, but it is not a promise about a card’s value. Nor can the result be predicted with complete certainty. The decision to submit a card may be practical, personal, or collection-driven. You may want to preserve a favorite card, document a special pull, or gain greater clarity about its condition. To see examples of slabs and grades first, browse our graded Pokémon cards.
When might grading suit your card?
Do not begin with “What grade will this card receive?” Start with “Why do I want this card graded?” A card with emotional value does not have to be perfect to remain important. If you mainly want the card assessed for condition, however, a critical preselection is useful.
Consider the complete picture. Rarity alone says nothing about the state of the copy in front of you. Conversely, a modern card with no visible damage is not guaranteed to receive the highest grade. Compare the fees, terms, packaging requirements, and current turnaround time of the grading company you are considering. These details may change, so always verify them directly with the chosen service.
The four main inspection points
1. Centering
When checking centering, assess whether the image and borders are balanced on the card. Compare left with right and top with bottom. A 50/50 ratio is perfectly centered, but that does not automatically mean a card will receive a 10. According to PSA’s official grading standards, a PSA 10 may be approximately within 55/45 on the front and 75/25 on the back. PSA also notes that overall eye appeal and the grader’s judgment can play a part.
2. Corners
Inspect all four corners on both the front and back. Look for white spots, fraying, dents, softened corners, and small creases. Slowly tilt the card under even lighting; damage that is barely visible head-on can suddenly become clear from another angle.
3. Edges
Edges often show whitening, small nicks, or wear. Check each side separately and examine the transition from each corner to the adjoining edge. A card may look extremely clean from the front, while its darker back makes tiny white spots easy to see.
4. Surface
Check the surface for scratches, print lines, stains, dents, creases, and other irregularities. Again, inspect both sides. Do not use cleaning agents or aggressive methods to “improve” a card; unnecessary treatment can cause damage or may be regarded as alteration.
Compact pre-grading checklist
| Area | What should you check? | Practical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Centering | Left/right and top/bottom proportions | Measure in both directions with a centering tool |
| Corners | White spots, dents, fraying, and creases | Inspect front and back under even lighting |
| Edges | Whitening, wear, and nicks | Work carefully around all four sides |
| Surface | Scratches, print lines, stains, and dents | Tilt the card without touching its surface |
| Purpose | Why do you want the card graded? | Include personal and collecting reasons in your decision |
| Shipping | The grading company’s current requirements | Always follow its official packaging instructions |
Use card condition as your first filter
A good first step is to compare your card with the Lichcards Card Condition Guide. It includes examples and descriptions of Near Mint, Excellent, Good, Light Played, Played, and Poor. Both the front and back count during assessment, and the largest or most noticeable defect determines the final condition.
At Lichcards, Near Mint means that a card looks almost new, with no more than a few very minor signs of use. It is not, however, a prediction of a PSA, BGS, or CGC grade. A retail condition and an official grade are different assessment systems. Use the condition guide as a practical filter: if you can already see clear edge wear, scratches, creases, or stains, you know the card is not flawless.
How to check centering at home
A card grading centering tool lets you check the horizontal and vertical alignment of a standard-size card. The tool is suitable for 2.5 × 3.5-inch cards, or 6.35 × 8.89 cm, including many cards from Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Digimon.
- Place the card flat on a clean, stable surface.
- Position the tool’s window over the card and carefully align the outer edges.
- Read the corresponding lines on the left and right.
- Use the included chart to determine the ratio.
- Repeat the check from top to bottom.
Measure carefully and, if useful, verify the result a second time. The tool helps you assess centering more objectively, but it does not independently evaluate corners, edges, surface, authenticity, or overall eye appeal. A favorable measurement is therefore no guarantee of a particular grade.
Protect your card before and after grading
Limit unnecessary handling once you have selected a card. For standard-size TCG cards, properly fitting sleeves are a practical first layer of protection against dust, dirt, and light scratches. LichGuard Standard Card Sleeves are crystal clear, acid-free, and PVC-free, and are made for cards measuring 63.5 × 88.9 mm. For extra rigidity during normal storage, you can also view our range of toploaders.
For the actual submission, follow only the packaging instructions issued by your chosen grading company. A company may require a specific holder, label, or shipping method. Following the latest instructions step by step is therefore safer than choosing your own arbitrary packaging.
Once a card has been graded, the slab protects the card itself, but the outside can still collect dust, scratches, and impacts. For a collection of PSA slabs, the LichGuard Graded Card Case with two rows and lock is designed for organized storage and transport. The case is made from aluminum, ABS plastic, and MDF, and includes two latches, a lock, and a handle. More solutions for storing and displaying cards are available among the LichGuard accessories.
Common mistakes during an initial pre-check
- Looking only at centering. Attractive proportions do not compensate for a damaged corner or a surface scratch.
- Treating Near Mint as equivalent to a 10. A condition label is not an official grade prediction.
- Skipping the back. Whitening and wear are often more visible there.
- Handling or polishing too much. Repeated handling increases the risk of adding new marks.
- Following outdated instructions. Always verify current requirements and turnaround times with the grading company itself.
Frequently asked questions about grading Pokémon cards
Does perfect centering guarantee a PSA 10?
No. Centering is only one part of the assessment. Corners, edges, surface, print quality, and overall eye appeal also matter. The final decision belongs to the grader.
Can a centering tool predict my final grade?
No. The tool measures border proportions and helps with an initial selection. It does not authenticate the card and cannot assess scratches, dents, whitening, or other damage.
Does the grading tool work only with Pokémon cards?
No. The tool is intended for standard-size 2.5 × 3.5-inch cards. You can therefore use it for many Magic: The Gathering and Digimon cards as well.
Is every rare card suitable for grading?
Not automatically. Consider the condition, your reason for having the card assessed, and the current terms of your chosen grading company. A special card can be personally important even when a high grade seems unlikely.
How should I store graded Pokémon cards?
Keep slabs dry, organized, and protected from avoidable impacts and scratches. For several PSA-graded cards, a suitable graded card case with separate rows can make organization and transport easier.
Begin with a calm, critical inspection
A good pre-check is not about “guessing” a numerical grade in advance. Its purpose is to examine the card consciously from every angle, measure the centering, and maintain realistic expectations. Take your time, compare the condition, and always follow the chosen grader’s official shipping instructions.
Ready to inspect your first selection? View the centering tool and the matching LichGuard protection solutions. If you have questions about a product or the condition of a card in our store, please contact us; we will be happy to help.