In order to buy, sell, or trade effectively, a collector needs to be able to accurately assess card condition, especially for raw (ungraded) cards. This quick seminar gives resources and practice activities and even features a "final exam" of sorts. Start by reading Cardhound's Ultimate Vintage Sports Raw Card Condition Guide. 

Other helpful resources before getting started are PSA's Grading Standards and SGC's Grading Scale. Ideally, you get good enough at assessing raw cards that if you submit any for grading, you won't be surprised by the results.

Tools / materials to gather include:

• A good LED light or desk lamp. Mine has a built-in magnifier.
• A jeweler's loupe or other magnifier (optional)
• A card centering app or tool 

Once you're ready, let's get to work! Scroll down the the Introductions thread first and then work through Activities 1-4 in any order, but save the "Final" for last!