How to prepare a Pokémon card for grading
A safe way to inspect, photograph and protect a Pokémon card before requesting a visual estimate or submitting it for professional grading.
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Card condition journal
Straightforward guides for caring for collectible cards and understanding their visible condition.
6 guides
Corners, edges, surface and centering
Learn to separate four visible areas of card condition and interpret their evidence without confusing defects, reflections or camera perspective.
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Visual estimate vs. professional grading
Compare a photographic condition estimate with the physical inspection, authentication and certification provided by a professional card grader.
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Perspective, centering and a reliable capture
See how camera angle can distort apparent card borders, and why guided framing and perspective correction matter before discussing centering.
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Capturing card surface under raking light
Learn why low-angle raking light reveals surface changes that ambient light can hide, and how a guided iPhone capture keeps the evidence repeatable.
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How to read a visual card condition report
Learn how to read your BGT result simply and use it to decide what to do next with your card.
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