Card of the Day: Cindy Margolis 2006 Razor Poker Showdown Signatures

“Pin-Up” of the Week: Oakland Raiders Poker Chip Pin

Al Davis was a gambler, gangster, and one of the most feared men in professional football.  Davis didn’t let anything stand in his way.  He will always be remembered as one of the most controversial owners in NFL history.  If there was a rule he didn’t agree with, he had no problem breaking it.  That’s why I thought this Oakland Raiders poker chip pin would do well for this week.  These are easy to find and aren’t that expensive.

’09 Main Event Poker Redemption Updates

A lot of collectors who opened boxes of 2009 Press Pass Main Event last year were rewarded with a redemption stating they were do to receive an autographed card of a poker star.  One year later, Press Pass is still having trouble getting those redemptions filled.  In fact, today in the mail I received a letter stating as of right now Doyle Brunson is the only person that have come to an agreement with.  Collectors can continue to wait and find out if Press Pass can come to agreements with the other poker stars or you can call them at 704-942-3060 or e-mail info@presspassinc.com and ask for a replacement.

I decided to go for the replacement.  The redemption I pulled was for Phil Ivey and they said they would replace it with a card of equal value from ’09 Main Event.  Be sure to check the redemption status page of Press Pass’s website.

Flashback Product of the Week: 2005-2006 Topps NBA Collector Chips

’05-’06 Topps NBA Collector Chips are a great example of how pop-culture can influence a product’s design.  During this time, poker was the huge craze throughout the country especially in college dorm rooms.  It only makes sense that Topps would try to cash in on this craze as well.  Many of these chips came serial numbered and if you were really lucky you might have found an autograph.  I won’t lie, I think they look really cool.  This product caters towards basketball fans and people that collect poker chips.

2009 Wheels Main Event Box Break/Review

Out of all the boxes Press Pass has sent me, I think ’09 Wheels Main Event was the most entertaining product to open.  While leading up to the release date, Press Pass displayed images of some of the relics they obtained to cut up and insert into Main Event.  I always like it when companies show you stuff like that.  Alright, check out what I pulled and what I thought of the box.

Design:

Each card in this 90-card base set has some type of poker theme to it.  Many of the cards feature good photography, but it seems like Press Pass got a little excited with some of the graphics.  A lot of the base cards seem a little busy to me.  The least busiest cards in the set would have to be the “Rounders” which you’ll receive the most of.  As far as inserts go, I think the “High Roller” cards look the best.  Each has a refractor like finish.

Price:

Each hobby box costs around $87.00.  The average collector will receive (3) hits, but having the chance to pull (4) makes this product even more attractive.  Getting 3-4 hits for $87.00 isn’t that bad at all.

Hit Quality:

I’m glad to see that Press Pass decided to include an average of (3) hits with this product.  In the past, most of their products only contained 1-2 hits per box.  ’09 Main Event promises at least (3), but I was able to pull a bonus Poker Pro autograph that they have randomly inserted.  My Poker Pro autograph is a redemption, so it will be fun to see how long it takes to receive the actual card.  I pulled the following hits:

• Michael McDowell Blue Ink Auto #’ed 4/10
• Phil Ivey Poker Pro Auto Redemption
• Kyle Busch Triple Hat Relic #’ed/99
• Juan Pablo Montoya Pit Sign Relic #’ed/120

Overall:

Overall I give 2009 Wheels Main Event 3.5 tires out of 5 (1=poor & 5=perfect).  The design on most of the cards seems to be quite busy which in my opinion takes away from the photography.  I am happy that they included at least (3) hits with this product versus the standard (1) or (2).  I like the wide range of relics that you can pull too.  Getting all this for $87.00 is a pretty good value when you compare it to some of the other products on the market.

’09 Wheels Main Event Is LIVE

Even though its not due out for another few days, Press Pass sent over a box of their new 2009 Wheels Main Event for me to break and review.  I’ll probably bust it on Friday and hold a contest this weekend for some of the stuff inside.  Each hobby box contains (1) autograph and (2) relics.  The entire set has a poker theme to it.  Looks like fun.  I would like to thank Press Pass again for supporting the card blogosphere.

2009 Wheels Main Event Sneak Peak

Below you’ll find new images of Press Pass’s newest product ’09 Wheels Main Event which is due out at the end of the month.  Each hobby box will include (2) NASCAR relics and at least (1) autograph.  Some hobby boxes will include autographs from professional poker players, and if you’re really lucky you’ll find race-used spark plug relics too.

The autographs in Wheels Main Event features a poker theme and has four different levels – club, diamond, heart and spade.  You can also find autographed printing plates as well.

You have to give Press Pass a lot of credit.  They continue to find new types relics to insert into cards.