We've been grading used tabletop games since 1997, and we've kept high standards for grading games since day one. We've developed our grading system over nearly 30 years of buying, selling, and trading tabletop games and we apply it consistently across every category, from fragile 1970s wargame boxes to foil Magic cards and everything in between. Our Cataloging and Curation teams in Fitchburg, Wisconsin check every single item by hand and have a combined 100+ years of experience grading and cataloging games. If something is worn, torn, or missing, we say so in the condition notes. If we're unsure whether an item makes the grade, it doesn't. After grading, items are individually bagged so the condition you see listed is the condition that arrives at your door. If an item arrives to you and doesn't match its listed condition, we'll make it right.
Shrink Wrapped. Still in the original factory shrink wrap, with condition visible through wrap noted. For example, "SW (NM)" means shrink wrapped in near-mint condition.
Perfect. Brand new.
Near Mint. Like new with only the slightest wear, many times indistinguishable from a Mint item. Close to perfect, very collectible.
Board & war games in this condition will show very little to no wear and are considered to be punched unless the condition note says unpunched.
Excellent. Lightly used, but almost like new. May show very small spine creases or slight corner wear. Absolutely no tears and no marks, a collectible condition.
Very Good. Used. May have medium-sized creases, corner dings, minor tears or scuff marks, small stains, etc. Complete and very useable.
Very well used, but complete and useable. May have flaws such as tears, pen marks or highlighting, large creases, stains, marks, etc.
- Boxed items are listed as "code/code" where the first code represents the box, and the second code describes the contents. When only one condition is listed, then the box and contents are in the same condition.
- A plus sign (+) indicates that an item is close to the next highest condition. For example, EX+ is an item between Excellent and Near Mint condition. A minus sign (-) indicates the opposite.
- Major defects and/or missing components are noted separately.
- Boardgame counters are punched, unless noted. Due to the nature of loose counters, if a game is unplayable, it may be returned for a refund of the purchase price.
- In most cases, boxed games and box sets do not come with dice.
- The cardboard backing of miniature packs is not graded. If excessively worn, they will be marked as "card worn."
- Flat trays for SPI games are not graded and have the usual problems. If excessively worn, they will be marked as "tray worn."
- Remainder Mark - A remainder mark is usually a small black line or dot written with a felt tip pen or Sharpie on the top, bottom, side page edges and sometimes on the UPC symbol on the back of the book. Publishers use these marks when books are returned to them.
How Our Grading Process Works
Every used item that enters our inventory is physically inspected by our experienced grading and cataloging team. We examine packaging, books, components, cards, miniatures, trays, and accessories for wear, completeness, and authenticity.
We compare the item against our grading standards to determine the appropriate condition rating, from Mint to Fair. Any unusual wear, missing components, markings, or defects are documented in the condition notes or product description.
Games and boxed sets are checked for required components whenever possible. Missing or damaged items are clearly disclosed in the listing.
After grading, the item is cataloged into our inventory system with its condition code, notes, and pricing. This allows collectors and players to shop confidently across thousands of used and out-of-print products.
Once graded, items are individually bagged or protected when appropriate to preserve their condition while stored in our warehouse and during shipping.
The condition listed on the product page is intended to match the exact condition you receive. If there is ever a discrepancy, our customer service team will help resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every used item is individually inspected by hand by our Cataloging and Curation teams in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. We evaluate wear, completeness, playability, collectibility, and overall presentation before assigning a condition grade. Our grading standards have been refined over nearly 30 years of buying, selling, and trading tabletop games.
SW (Shrink Wrapped): Original factory shrink wrap still intact.
Mint: Perfect, brand new condition.
NM (Near Mint): Almost perfect with minimal wear.
EX (Excellent): Lightly used with minor wear only.
VG (Very Good): Noticeable use but complete and fully playable.
Fair: Heavy wear but still complete and usable.
Items with a plus (+) or minus (-) indicate they fall slightly above or below the standard grade.
Yes. Unless specifically noted otherwise in the condition notes or the product’s description, games are sold complete and ready to play. Missing components or major defects are always disclosed.
The term “unpunched” refers to the state of the included counters. It means the counters or components are still attached to their original sheets. Most board and war games are assumed to be punched unless the listing specifically states “unpunched.”
Items may be listed as “code/code.” The first condition refers to the box, while the second refers to the Interior. For example, “VG/EX” means the box or exterior cover is Very Good while the product interior cover/pages are Excellent.
Yes. Any major wear, writing, stains, tears, missing pieces, or other defects are specifically noted in the condition notes unless the condition grade or product's description already addresses the writing, stains, or missing parts.
Not always. Product photos may represent a stock image or similar copy. The written condition grade and condition notes are the definitive description of the item you will receive.
Trading cards follow a grading standard similar to our other products, evaluating edges, corners, surface wear, scratches, creases, and overall playability.
If an item arrives and does not match its listed condition, our customer service team will work with you to make it right.
If you have any questions or comments regarding grading or anything else, please send an e-mail to contact@nobleknight.com.