Pool Ball Collecting.

Am I the only one that reads Rubik's Cube posts with a british accent?

Smoking jaket and pipe are optional.

Oh yes, the bold and beauteous, often cold-shouldered Bonus Ball set.... amongst my personal favorites! Nice score, Chuck.

I know we’ve talked briefly about this unique set via email, but perhaps worth mentioning here in the PBC thread for all fans and collectors to have for their knowledge base...

This derivative and latest version of these Aramith-made power purples and outrageous oranges for the game of Bonus Ball actually came as a set of 4 in each color along with 1 black logo ball and of course the plain, unadorned white cue ball. Like this:



So what Chuck has here is an especially lucky gathering of extra bonus balls (minus the logo black) that someone put together in a plain white ball box. I remember there were numerous sets of 7 each plus the 1 black and cue ball sent out to many pro players back in the day (2012) to practice with and have for personal use - of which I posted up a set from my collection.

Here’s what I find interesting and special about these beauties: they can be used to play many games with - specifically 8 and 9 ball type games. They’re bold and easy to see runout patterns when on the table AND one can get inventive with your own game. Like I did I call my game version BONUS 8 BALL.



You can use the original 4-of-each ball set and rack them like you would for Hurricane Eight in a Diamond pattern and use a few rule enhancements..... all fouls require you to spot a previously made ball; the cue ball cannot ever contact the “black 8 ball” until it is the last legal shot for a player, or it is a foul and thus loss of turn, spot a previously made ball, etc. To name a few. The game is even more fun when played with the rarely seen 7 of each like Chuck has

Reflecting back a few years, the predecessor to Bonus Ball was this set having 5 of each color:



Just a few rambling thoughts about the bold bonus balls - play well, my friends

~ K.

The Real RC?

I'm trying RC's suggestion about using attachments for images here.

So, as a test, here's who I see in my mind's eye when I read one of his posts:

and the look

rubik's cube said:

i have that exact jacket..... And the telephone.

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I knew it!!​

Rubik's Cube said:

Good evening, Mr J.

I did notice that thread, dear chap, but afraid this is an instance where I cannot help.

My personal sphere of interest and expertise is restricted to pool balls made during my lifetime... 1969 onwards. For financial reasons if nothing else I realised early on that it would be necessary to draw the line somewhere and that seemed as good a place as any to begin.

The other thing, sir, is that I find any sort of ivory trading to be absolutely abhorrent. Hand on heart, I wouldn’t have any in my collection for a million dollars. It is a matter of sincere shame and sadness to me that my fellow countrymen were once responsible for killing 8,000 magnificent elephants per year simply to make billiard balls. I find it deeply upsetting and wish all ivory trading was banned today, not just the post 1947 items.

Apologies for the rant, Mr J. I know not everyone shares my sentiments and try my best not to lecture anyone.

Best wishes, sir.

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I don’t disagree with the inhumane aspect of acquiring ivory billiard balls.
..but the player in me also feels compelled to note that ivory balls are inferior to the modern ones.

If you let them sit, they go off round, bulging slightly in the center.
...and temperature and humidity made the reactions inconsistent.
Their characteristics allowed for some seeming miracles, but one was rolling the dice
from day to day.

Rubik's Cube said:

Good morning, everyone.

Here’s a rather unusual French set of hybrid pool balls. Poker Billard Le Jeu Ludique (The Fun Game).

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They have flats on them? That's the weirdest set of "balls" I've ever seen. Shouldn't even call them balls, they are more like dice.

Indeed, RC. Wacky idea. But you must give him credi for seeing it through!

Wow, very cool.

Bet you both sets are made by inferior Chinese vendors.