Thank you, to Rubik's Cube and K2Kraze for helping me acquire this gorgeous set of Raschigs!
Pool Ball Collecting.
- Thread starter Rubik's Cube
- Start date
Hey there, Mr B. 
Thank you so much for popping in to share news of your happy purchase, sir. To hear from a satisfied customer and fellow Raschig enthusiast is always sincerely appreciated.
They sure look fantastic!
Thank you so much for popping in to share news of your happy purchase, sir. To hear from a satisfied customer and fellow Raschig enthusiast is always sincerely appreciated.
They sure look fantastic!
Hello, Rubik’s!
What a fantastic idea for post 1000 and an updated thread index my good friend - with a touching memorial to Mr. Bond who is talked about often amongst those of us contributing here within the PBC thread. Bravo
I’d like to take this time to offer up my most sincere appreciation for YOUR extensive contributions that began this thread, sir. A quick look back to post #1 from March, 2016, and how it caught my attention immediately - prompting my own beginning post that has led to innumerable treasure hunts and a kinship shared across the miles - with many more to follow as we head brazenly into 2019.
As I sit here in the upstairs pool room polishing the most recent arrivals and adapting a rule set for an oft-forgotten great game, I’d like to take a few minutes and make a toast - with your favorite dram in hand and a special ball set on the table that I’ve recently acquired and restored to perfection.... here’s to you, Rubik’s
POKER it is. No bets less than $10,000 please.
The elusive and mighty Hyatt 21-ball Poker set that is remarkable in so many ways and very easily sets in the TOP 5 sets of all time in my opinion. Absolute perfection in both weight and tolerances that exceed the finest productions of 2019.
There are so many games and poker variations that can be played with a set such as these that it’s a shame no others like this have been produced for numerous decades - except for the modern 16-ball Aramith poker set - which I will address in a future post.
In the coming days, I will elaborate on a few other collectible poker ball sets as well as ideas on how to play the poker games - which I predict will be making a comeback of sorts in the years ahead.
It’s simply a matter of getting the word - and passion of playing poker on the pool tables - out there.
Perhaps we can get other members to chime in with a few suggestions as I roll out a few variations sure to please everyone from solo play to match play.
Stay tuned.
In the meantime, here is a proper presentation of the beautiful Hyatt 21-Ball Pokers.
This particular set came to me out of sheer luck from an owner that stumbled across them in a relative’s pool gear. Played very little but left alone in damp conditions and original box - that deteriorated the second they were picked up. Never fear - a few hours of perfected techniques and attention to details with a magnifying headset and they appear as if manufactured just this morning. Ok - maybe more than a few hours, but I lose track
Once again, here’s to you, my good friend Rubik’s, and shared passions. And the delightful single malt Cardhu - which will only be shared amongst pool playing friends!
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited:
Let’s take a look at the (only) POKER POOL ball set manufactured today that every player/collector can get their hands on along with a few interesting ways to actually play this unique game while they’re still available.
Poker balls like the current Aramith set pictured above is a design that has gone unchanged for nearly a century! This exact design was touted in vintage sales catalogs as “special balls to offer customers two extra styles of extremely popular games to be enjoyed” explained as offering POKER play using suits on one side and ROTATION play using the numbers 1 - 15 on the other side. The 16 ball - a Jack (or Joker) - is marked with a J on both sides. The “official” rule books had the game of POKER listed from the very first year published - and because of the way the rules were written, left most new players a bit confused on how to actually play the game of POKER with the special new ball set.
Permit me, if you will, dear readers of AZB, to shed some light on the subject.
NEW
And just maybe, inspire some of you to seek out one of the very few and unique poker sets to add to your collection.
*it’s worth noting here that a special 16-ball poker rack is NOT included with any “poker” ball set that I’ve seen (and is relatively rare itself) and yet is still pictured in all official rule books for racking. Have no fear. Simply rack the 1-15 numbered/suited balls with your typical triangle and then place the 16th
J/J ball in the center of your table.
Grab a deck of cards.
Select all of the Jacks, Queens, Kings, Aces and Jokers. Set aside the rest.
So let’s play. SOLO first. A few warmup games with these new balls before the guests arrive.
Break. Spot any balls pocketed and pick up the cue ball.
Shuffle the 16 suited cards and 2 Jokers and select FIVE of them.
Say you were dealt any Ace, Queen, (2) Jacks and a Joker.
That is your challenge.
Study the table and layout for a minute.
Place the cue ball anywhere you like to start and make those five balls.
Simple, right?
Yes - especially if you choose the lone Joker ball to start. 4 left.
Cue ball control and shot selection is all it takes to make those 4 other balls in any order and any pocket. Call shot of course.
Miss or foul - take another card from the stack. Play a few games of this SOLO 5-CARD DRAW until you’re making your 5 balls without any misses or fouls.
You have time - the guests are running late....so rack the 16 poker balls again and try this one:
Break.
Then draw one card.
A KING.
Study that table.
Take ball in hand and make the 4 Kings.
That will test you.
Especially if you have a problem or two on the table to solve by way of a needed break out or getting one of the Kings off a rail.
Mastered that one, huh?
Ok. 3rd idea since your new Ember coffee mug still has the delicious Nespresso Madeline pour perfectly hot at 138°...
Break.
Take ball in hand.
Study the table.
Pick any suit.
Run all 4 but leave that cue ball where it lies on the baize!
Pick another suit that looks easy to run all 4. Then do the same with the remaining two suits.
Challenging, huh?
Welcome to your new world of Poker Pool, folks.
We’ll revisit a few MATCH PLAY options in another post soon.
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Poker balls like the current Aramith set pictured above is a design that has gone unchanged for nearly a century! This exact design was touted in vintage sales catalogs as “special balls to offer customers two extra styles of extremely popular games to be enjoyed” explained as offering POKER play using suits on one side and ROTATION play using the numbers 1 - 15 on the other side. The 16 ball - a Jack (or Joker) - is marked with a J on both sides. The “official” rule books had the game of POKER listed from the very first year published - and because of the way the rules were written, left most new players a bit confused on how to actually play the game of POKER with the special new ball set.
Permit me, if you will, dear readers of AZB, to shed some light on the subject.
NEW
And just maybe, inspire some of you to seek out one of the very few and unique poker sets to add to your collection.
*it’s worth noting here that a special 16-ball poker rack is NOT included with any “poker” ball set that I’ve seen (and is relatively rare itself) and yet is still pictured in all official rule books for racking. Have no fear. Simply rack the 1-15 numbered/suited balls with your typical triangle and then place the 16th
J/J ball in the center of your table.
Grab a deck of cards.
Select all of the Jacks, Queens, Kings, Aces and Jokers. Set aside the rest.
So let’s play. SOLO first. A few warmup games with these new balls before the guests arrive.
Break. Spot any balls pocketed and pick up the cue ball.
Shuffle the 16 suited cards and 2 Jokers and select FIVE of them.
Say you were dealt any Ace, Queen, (2) Jacks and a Joker.
That is your challenge.
Study the table and layout for a minute.
Place the cue ball anywhere you like to start and make those five balls.
Simple, right?
Yes - especially if you choose the lone Joker ball to start. 4 left.
Cue ball control and shot selection is all it takes to make those 4 other balls in any order and any pocket. Call shot of course.
Miss or foul - take another card from the stack. Play a few games of this SOLO 5-CARD DRAW until you’re making your 5 balls without any misses or fouls.
You have time - the guests are running late....so rack the 16 poker balls again and try this one:
Break.
Then draw one card.
A KING.
Study that table.
Take ball in hand and make the 4 Kings.
That will test you.
Especially if you have a problem or two on the table to solve by way of a needed break out or getting one of the Kings off a rail.
Mastered that one, huh?
Ok. 3rd idea since your new Ember coffee mug still has the delicious Nespresso Madeline pour perfectly hot at 138°...
Break.
Take ball in hand.
Study the table.
Pick any suit.
Run all 4 but leave that cue ball where it lies on the baize!
Pick another suit that looks easy to run all 4. Then do the same with the remaining two suits.
Challenging, huh?
Welcome to your new world of Poker Pool, folks.
We’ll revisit a few MATCH PLAY options in another post soon.
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Speaking of poker balls sets, I realized that I never did post follow-up BEFORE & AFTER pics of the 21-ball Tru-Line set from post #944.
It’s not earth-shattering news for pool ball collectors that the various compounds and materials used for ball sets over the decades require differing methods for cleaning, polishing and restoration. With softer plastics and resins used in sets such as these Tru-Lines, it would be very easy to take away the shine and luster if one would flippantly use car care products or harsh abrasives.
Here is the way they arrived:
And when finally restored to near-new:
Let’s see if anyone can spot something out of place in this pic:
Perhaps a one-of rarity?
Do we have anyone else viewing this PBC thread that can chime in with their set of Tru-Line poker balls that can see if they have a similar oddity?
Poker pool at one of it’s most regal. The Tru-Line set.
~ K.
It’s not earth-shattering news for pool ball collectors that the various compounds and materials used for ball sets over the decades require differing methods for cleaning, polishing and restoration. With softer plastics and resins used in sets such as these Tru-Lines, it would be very easy to take away the shine and luster if one would flippantly use car care products or harsh abrasives.
Here is the way they arrived:
And when finally restored to near-new:
Let’s see if anyone can spot something out of place in this pic:
Perhaps a one-of rarity?
Do we have anyone else viewing this PBC thread that can chime in with their set of Tru-Line poker balls that can see if they have a similar oddity?
Poker pool at one of it’s most regal. The Tru-Line set.
~ K.
Do you mean the Red Jack in the same design as the black balls?
I don't have the Poker Balls but I got myself the Baseball extension set (balls 16-21) recently.
I did get the cards https://www.pooldawg.com/poker-pool-game-cards for playing poker pool. Those are quite useful if you want to play poker pool with a regular set of balls. Includes some fun instructions for different poker pool games.
I don't have the Poker Balls but I got myself the Baseball extension set (balls 16-21) recently.
I did get the cards https://www.pooldawg.com/poker-pool-game-cards for playing poker pool. Those are quite useful if you want to play poker pool with a regular set of balls. Includes some fun instructions for different poker pool games.
Yes sir - that’s it.
That particular red Jack Of Hearts ball has the Spade outline on the other side of the ball. A crazy error during their manufacture - one I haven’t seen in two other sets like these that have come across my hands.
And those pool poker cards are one of the best available right now - especially since it’s the only card set that actually has 10 total game variations listed to get you playing Poker with a plain numbered ball set.
Here is a picture I’ve put together for Poker Pool fans on this thread for a comparison with the top three layouts being the ones occasionally available.
~ K.
I have a special set then
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
wanna send me the queen of clubs from your 'defective' set? :grin::groucho:
, pocket, but my Queens are all engaged in royal matters at the moment, sir.
Continuing with Poker sets and all of the game variations I have been introducing on my regular Pool & Pals nights, here is a display set I’ve had for a while waiting for a good time to share them on the PBC thread.
An absolutely beautiful and pristine example of the Aramith designers from a few decades ago...having the best combination of colors, suits and the royalty. Too bad they aren’t being made this way in the 2.25” variety.
The 2” vintage Aramith Poker 16 Ball set:
On second thought, these beauties will be played tonight with a lighter weight vintage Snooker cue
~ K.
An absolutely beautiful and pristine example of the Aramith designers from a few decades ago...having the best combination of colors, suits and the royalty. Too bad they aren’t being made this way in the 2.25” variety.
The 2” vintage Aramith Poker 16 Ball set:
On second thought, these beauties will be played tonight with a lighter weight vintage Snooker cue
~ K.
I would love to see a close up photo of the text on the inside of the box - or a transcript, if anyone has it?
Thanks in advance.
Attachments
Last edited:
You holding out on me?
I absolutely love those Aramith Pokers, Mr K.
As you know, sir, I have three sets of my own and they will always remain amongst my personal favourites of the collection. How wonderful it would be to find a 2.25 inch set.
Best wishes, everyone.
As you know, sir, I have three sets of my own and they will always remain amongst my personal favourites of the collection. How wonderful it would be to find a 2.25 inch set.
Best wishes, everyone.
People may ask “What in the world would anyone do with a pool ball collection, anyway?”
I’ll let this picture from my personal collection tell that storybook answer...
The game: INSANE 45 CHALLENGE
And here you thought all of the ball sets just sit around in boxes or upon shelves
The story wouldn’t really be complete without the triangle rack that makes this possible - designed in collaboration with my good friend Mark that made this masterpiece to match my table - just one of the entire 14-Rack Collection from a
1-Ball version up through the massive
105-Ball beauty.
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’ll let this picture from my personal collection tell that storybook answer...
The game: INSANE 45 CHALLENGE
And here you thought all of the ball sets just sit around in boxes or upon shelves
The story wouldn’t really be complete without the triangle rack that makes this possible - designed in collaboration with my good friend Mark that made this masterpiece to match my table - just one of the entire 14-Rack Collection from a
1-Ball version up through the massive
105-Ball beauty.
~ K.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited:
Good evening, Mr K.
Superbly presented as always, dear fellow. I had already played the game, sir, and managed 42 out of 45. Not my finest hour it must be said. I was rather annoyed with myself. The three that stumped me were the Budweiser, Russian and Vigma Irish.
Best wishes,
RC.
Superbly presented as always, dear fellow. I had already played the game, sir, and managed 42 out of 45. Not my finest hour it must be said. I was rather annoyed with myself. The three that stumped me were the Budweiser, Russian and Vigma Irish.
Best wishes,
RC.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
A quick heads up to my fellow collectors on the forum.
A set of original Playboys has just been listed (not by me) on eBay. They are not, alas, accompanied by Miss March, but a box of these first editions are a beguiling discovery nonetheless. Not only are they rare (especially so in pristine condition) these are by far the most beautiful version of the iconic branded balls in my view.
K2K and myself already have a set of these in our respective collections, so just thought I'd post up a link in case anyone on the thread might like to snag themselves a great collectible.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-EARLY...858436?hash=item41fc112d84:g:SMsAAOSw3eRcephS
Best wishes,
RC.
A quick heads up to my fellow collectors on the forum.
A set of original Playboys has just been listed (not by me) on eBay. They are not, alas, accompanied by Miss March, but a box of these first editions are a beguiling discovery nonetheless. Not only are they rare (especially so in pristine condition) these are by far the most beautiful version of the iconic branded balls in my view.
K2K and myself already have a set of these in our respective collections, so just thought I'd post up a link in case anyone on the thread might like to snag themselves a great collectible.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-EARLY...858436?hash=item41fc112d84:g:SMsAAOSw3eRcephS
Best wishes,
RC.