Collector basics
What does HP mean on a card?
On the face of a card, HP means hit points: how much damage a character can take. In card condition grading, HP means heavily played: a card with heavy wear. If the HP sits next to a number printed on the card, it's hit points. If it sits next to NM, LP, or MP in a listing, it's condition.
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Concept example · AI-generated image shown as a card render.
What does HP mean on a TCG card?
In trading card games, HP is printed near the top of the card, usually beside the name. It's the character's health: attacks subtract damage from it, and a card whose HP reaches zero is out. Bigger, tougher characters carry more HP. On a custom card, HP is part of the personality: it says how tough, how big, or how ridiculous the subject is.
HP as heavily played
Sellers and price guides describe condition on a short scale, and HP is near the bottom. A heavily played card has obvious wear but is still intact. It isn't the same as a numeric grade from a grading service; it's a seller's description.
The card condition scale
| Code | Condition | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| NM | Near Mint | Looks almost untouched. Minimal wear at most. |
| LP | Lightly Played | Minor edge or corner wear, light scratches. |
| MP | Moderately Played | Clear wear on edges, corners, or surface. |
| HP | Heavily Played | Heavy wear: creases, scuffs, whitening, or bends. |
| DMG | Damaged | Tears, water damage, or major creases. |
Exact definitions vary by seller. For numeric grading, see card slab vs. case.
How to pick HP for your own card
On a custom card, HP doesn't have to be fair. It has to be funny or true. A rough scale:
| HP | Reads as | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 10–40 | Small, new, or fragile | A kitten, a first-day rookie, a toddler's drawing of a bug |
| 50–90 | Everyday sturdy | Most pets and people, a reliable friend, an adventure dog |
| 100–150 | Tough | The big dog, the team captain, the creature your kid insists is unbeatable |
| 160–300 | Boss level | The one who runs the house, a grandparent, a final-form dragon |
| 999+ | The joke | A tiny, fearless dog. A cat who believes it's a lion. Up to four digits fit. |
A Cardbop TCG card is a custom trading card in a game-card layout: your photo or artwork in a bordered window, a name with HP and an element symbol, a type line, up to two abilities with damage, and flavor text. HP is optional and holds up to 4 digits. Pair it with two attack names whose damage makes sense next to it.
Frequently asked questions
What does HP mean on a trading card?+
On the front of a card, HP stands for hit points: how much damage the character or creature can take before it's knocked out. Higher HP means tougher.
What does HP mean in card condition?+
In card condition grading, HP means heavily played: a card with heavy wear such as creases, scuffs, or whitened edges. It sits between moderately played (MP) and damaged (DMG).
How can I tell which HP is meant?+
If HP is printed on the card next to a number, it's hit points. If it appears in a listing or a price guide next to NM, LP, or MP, it describes the card's condition.
What's a good HP number for a custom card?+
Match it to the joke or the personality. Everyday subjects sit around 50 to 90; tough ones 100 to 150; boss-level 160 and up. A tiny, fearless dog at 999 is a classic.
Do I have to put HP on my card?+
No. On a Cardbop TCG card, HP is optional and holds up to 4 digits. Leave it blank and nothing prints.
How much does a custom TCG card cost?+
$29.99 for one Display Card and $49.99 for a 10-card Card Pack. Designing is free, and you can personalize one in minutes.