How closely do you study your cards?
 

Is it just me or when you acquire a new card do you really try to "get to know it"?

Do you use a vintage magnifying glass (because it is "historically accurate") to study the corners of your new card?
Do you use a use a jewelers loupe with an LED light to marvel at the colors?
Do you immediately scan it and zoom it to 333% to admire the registration?

Any other methods?

I get such a rush when a new card arrives and I remind myself that no matter where this card has been and how many hands that it has passed through that it is now mine and that it is my turn to enjoy it until I see fit to sell it, trade or pass it on to someone else who will treasure it as much as I do at this moment.

This sentimental moment was inspired by this new acquisition which arrived today:
Now the question becomes to crack or not.

<a href="http://s1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd378/christopherherman/?action=view&amp;current=2920.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd378/christopherherman/2920.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><a href="http://s1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd378/christopherherman/?action=view&amp;current=2921.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd378/christopherherman/2921.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Now the question becomes: Crack or not crack?

Wow! that's a pretty nice 3.5...:) Lately I catch myself looking at my cards when I get them with a 30x loupe just to see why they graded the way they did.

As far as cracking it??? I guess the worst that could happen is you send it back in later and get a better grade..:D

Don't bust it out. Send it back in for a regrade. Unless theres a small flake of paper lose or a spider crease it is a nice 4. OR free it and keep the flip with it.

Nice
 

Nice 3.5, the overall grade seems to be dead-on in that the card has nice eye appeal for a "3" and thus the bump to 3.5 but imo all corners too soft to merit a "4". Also the card has back stain, o/c top to bottom front and o/c l/r back. In short, 3.5 the perfect decision on this