GAC Prize Winner Announced

After months of dormancy and checking with the bean counters, I'm ready to announce the winner of Gint-A-Cuffs III.

But first, feast your eyes on the prize.  A hobby box of Topps 2011 Allen & Ginter's World Champions cards.  Suitable for ages 6 +.  This prize is brought to you by the good folks at Topps.  My thanks to them.

And the winner is, Chris, from the Nachos Grande blog.

Thanks to all that have participated in this year's festivities.

Chris, your winnings will be out the door shortly.  Thanks for your patience.

People, bribe me more next year.  This year was pathetic.

Last Call

I have no earthly clue where this came from.  Some website about mythical sea creatures.  But it is better than giant crayfish.

It has been rather quiet on the Gint-A-Cuffs front.  Only one recent query.

Rod, from Padrographs asked: I have a Chuck Woolery Card, with a woman and a bunch of players, do they count as male figures? Also do I get points for a damaged card?

The Commissioner privately answered: A card with Chuck Woolery, a card with a female, and any card with any other male. So yes, players would count. The damaged card counts. Topps's inability for quality quality control should not hurt you in the points.

The time draws nigh when the participants' final scores need to be posted. That would at 11:59pm this evening, the end of August. Eastern Time. Read the rules.

After the scores have been submitted the results will be verified and a winner announced shortly. Which means when I feel like it. Probably around Labor Day. If you're lucky.

Thanks for playing and thanks to our sponsors, Topps and Community Gum.

Q&A - Gigantic Lobster edition

Not really a Kraken.  More like a giant crayfish.  Nasty nonetheless.

I've really fallen off my duty chair as Commissioner of Gint-A-Cuffs.  Sorry.  I can only blame the lack of bribes for that.

Kemp Kershaw asked last month: An N43 of Mark Teixeira: 5 points, or 2.5 points since he's a Yankee? Sorry if I'm missing something, but the rules only state: "+5 N43 Boxloader"

The Commissioner answers:  Yes, 2.5 points.  Sometimes it isn't good to be a Yankee.


Again, a shout-out to Topps for their sponsorship of Gint-A-Cuffs III.

Spend the money quickly, Mr. Bond.

Sure, it is a stretch for the Kraken images.  Give me a break.

New leader on the leader board.  I've recently returned from a whirlwind vacation to Chicago and surrounding suburbs.  Because I was on vacation, I didn't log in to a computer.  Tonight I'll look at whatever scoring questions might have come up and spit out some answers.

Remember, you've got just under a month left to score your boxes.

Tuesday Answers

I'm tired.  Things have been busy at the Commissioner's house.  My wife's CPAP (anti sleep-apnea / pro breathing machine) went kaput on Saturday evening.  She's getting a new one Wednesday morning.  She hasn't been sleeping well.  Hence, I haven't been sleeping well.   Then today my son called me complaining of internal pains.  A call to the doctor's office ended up with, "Go to the ER."  We did.  Bottom line, he's fine.  We're trying to head out to Chicago in the morning for a short family vacation. I've been busy.  But not too busy to answer a question or two.

Fan of Reds patiently asked: What about a Cabinet card that features a favorite player?

The Commissioner answers: Good question.  I'm sorry that I didn't answer sooner.  I'm going to rule that the bonuses apply to Cabinet cards as they do to base cards.

• +1 Your Favorite Team base card
• +4 Your Favorite Player base card
• +2 Other Favorite Player list base card

Fan of Reds also asked: Are the Bazooka minis considered hits?

The Commissioner answers: I was going to say no, but I think I'll say yes on this.  FP/FT modifiers apply, as do the Yankees' deductions as stated in the MULTIPLIERS FOR HITS section of the rules.


I'm going to bed.  I'll try to update the Leaders Scoreboard in the morning.  No promises.

Questions Asked And Answered - Sunday Edition

You might be getting tired of these images of giant octopodes.  Deal with it.  Shouldn't you be figuring out your card points?  Now on to recent questions and comments.

Beardy commented: You know those Fortunes for the Taking and Flocculence minis are like 1 per case or two, right?

The Commissioner commented back: No, I didn't.  I haven't seen any odds from Topps on them. I've seen forum boards that talk about their scarcity, but I've given my scoring ruling. They'll stay at the points I gave them.


Hiflew asked: Are the favorite player cards only applicable to base cards or do you get the bonus for Hometown Heroes as well?

The Commissioner answers: Favorite Player bonuses apply to any card they appear on. Hometown Heroes, Flocculence, Relics, Autos, and Minis to name a few.


Commishbob commented: I was wondering that as well but one more question disqualifies me I think.

The Real Commissioner commented back: Yep, you're probably right on that one.


The Leader Board page is up and running. Two participants have submitted their final score. Please do not be disheartened if your score does not match or exceed theirs. It isn't about winning. It is about sharing in the card set that is Allen & Ginter. Phooey. It is about winning and don't forget that the prize is a 2011 A&G Hobby Box supplied by the good people at Topps.

Remember, all scoring is subject to audit and correction.

More Questions Answered

from Fishes of Fancy
published in 1883

Now that the participants have had a chance to read the rules, they're having more questions.  I've got more answers.  Please check the 2011 Rules for scoring updates and clarification.  Any new changes will appear in red.  Some of the questions below have been edited for clarity.  The answers have not.


Sports Card Blog asked: Now I have a question on rip cards. Since Topps considers rip cards hits, are you considering them hits too? Right now it says no, just double checking.  And I meant for like, multiplier purposes.

The Commissioner answers: Yes, rip cards should be considered as hit cards.  Good question.  I've updated the rules.  That's what happens when the Commissioner starts formulating rules at 2 in the morning.


Commishbob asked: I pulled this out of an envelope on the top of my box. What is it? I didn't see it on the scoring matrix. Am I not reading the matrix correctly? 

The Real Commissioner answers: You're reading the matrix correctly.  It is a some sort of Boxtopper State Relic card.   I'm assigning it +20 points.


Commishbob also asked: Can I set up special pages to show my GAC hits on my blog? I ask because GAC doesn't really fit in the theme of my blog.

The Real Commissioner answers: Yes, of course.  There are specialty/focused blogs such as yours that should stay that way.  Please do show each point scoring card and the appropriate points.  Thanks for asking.

QUESTION I JUST FOUND IN MY INBOX:

Spankee asks: Say I get a #314 Nick Markakis SP Code Card.  Is it just +3 for being a code, or do I get +3 for code, +2 for SP, and +2 for FP list?

The Commissioner answers: Nope, not just a Code Card, but you get the additional points.  See, that wasn't that hard.  But for those of you who are new here, it was a very good question.

AND THAT'S THE END OF THE FRESH QUESTIONS


Now for some scoring of inserts:
+4 Fabulous Face Floccuence set
+5 Fortunes for the Taking
+15 Carnival Cuts



Not really a question but a note - Charlie is now a participant.  His Favorite Player is Jay Bruce.  Please take note and adjust your scoring as needed.  No new participants will be added to GAC3.

I think I've answered all the questions that have come in.  If not, you can always leave a comment on the newly created Q&A page.  It is really a misnomer, only questions will be there.  The answers will come as a blog post.  But just having a Q page didn't seem right.

And the first questions roll in

I've gotten a few questions, so I figured I'd answer them.

Colbey asked: Quick question o sovereign ruler of the rules. Do I add +2 points for base cards I pull of other people's favorite players? 

The Commissioner answers: First, I'm not the sovereign ruler of the rules.  That title is too long to type out.  I'm just the Commissioner.  Second, yes.  Per the rules: "+2 Other Favorite Player list base card."  Now, for a bit of clarification.  Jon Lester has been chosen as a Favorite Player by two participants.  If you pull a Jon Lester card, you only get the higher of the credit for the card.  It is either your FP or it is another participant's FP.  Not both.


Colbey asked in a private email: I think I finally have my boxed scored.  Just posted the results on my blog.  I went to the Leader Board to post my score, but the comments have been disabled (?).  Is this the case or am I missing something on how to post my score?

The Commissioner answers publicly: When I modified the Leader Board page last night either I disabled the comments or they were never turned on.  It is now fixed.  Thanks for bringing that to my attention.


Charlie asked in a private email: Is it too late to sign up for Gint-A-Cuffs?  I've been on vacation and haven't even ordered a box yet, but am going to when I get back.  Let me know - thanks!

The Commissioner answers publicly: Because I'm a generous Commissioner I will allow this late entry. But no more.  Welcome to Gint-A-Cuffs.

I'm still pondering those wacky beard cards and those another annoying cards.  Don't fear.  I asked the online Magic 8 Ball if those points would be figured out soon and the reply was: Signs point to yes.


UPDATE - I see that Colbey has scored his box.  He followed the rules.  He kept track of the pack scores in a spreadsheet, showed the hits on his blog.  What I'd like to see, though, is a pack by pack showing of the results, a la Night Owl from last year.  The format doesn't have to be exactly like the Night Owl's, but similar is good.  Now, Colbey, I'm not scolding you, just guiding you.  Each blogger will have their own voice on their blog, how they like to comment on the cards, but I do need to see all scoring cards, preferably with the scores attached.  It makes it much easier to go over 24 participants' blogs.

More Cards

It seems that I have overlooked a few inserts/subsets.  I do not know the odds on these cards and it will take a bit of time to assess their value. I hope to have a ruling by lunchtime today.

The sets I'm now aware of are:

• Fabulous Face Floccuence set
• Fortunes for the Taking
• Carnival Cuts

Darn Kraken.

The Kraken Has Been Released

The scoring rules are out.  Start ripping those packs, if you haven't already. And post your scoring cards.

To help in this project, Spankee has created The A&G Boxbreak Tool.  I hope that it useful.

I'm sure that there will be some questions on the scoring.  Ask and I'll answer the best that I can.  Remember, only the Commissioner's answers are valid.  Other participants can guide you, but don't be led astray by them.

Almost There

 

 

The scoring rules are almost done.  Almost.  I'm trying to make sure that the rules do not contradict themselves and somehow make sense.

The last day to join Gint-A-Cuffs will be Wednesday, July 20th at 11:59pm, Eastern.  I live in the east.  Eastern times will be used.

Thank you for your patience.

The Day After

In honor of Bastille Day, I'm using an image that I lifted from scifi-movies.com.  It is now the day after Topps 2011 Allen & Ginter has hit the streets.  Boxes are in hand and several Cuffites have started to post them.  That's fine.  Don't let me hold you back.

Since there are several new participants this year, I'll take a moment to give an overview of how this train wreck happens.  But instead of me yammering on and on and on, I'll let the originator of Gint-A-Cuffs do that for me.  Beardy created this monster in 2009.  Here's how he described it in a comment on Colbey's blog:

Basically, there is an arbitrary list of rules created by the commish. Certain cards are worth more points. Usually, they are either somewhat rare, or at least tougher to pull than a base card. Each participant gets awarded points for pulling a card of their favorite team, and for pulling a card of their favorite player, or a favorite player of any participant. Both favorite player and favorite team must be selected prior to the start of the competition. You can also lose points for pulling cards of any player on a list that is predetermined by the commish prior to the start of play. Scores are tabulated by pack, and then added up at the end to come up with your grand total. Whomever scores the highest, is the champion. It was invented by me in 2009 and the reins were handed over to Mark's Ephemera last year. He is the only Commish in the history of Gint-A-Cuffs, and his rulings are not to be taken lightly.

Beardy is right.  The Commissioner's rulings are not to be taken lightly.

This year I've decided to wait a week or so to release the scoring rules.  The last few years the scoring rules were released before it was really known what cards were in the set.  Sure, there will probably be something that the R&D department at the Gint-A-Cuffs headquarters hasn't foreseen, but we do our best.

So, I'll try to answer some questions that you might have.

Q: When does this start?  And when does it end?
A: Gee, I don't know.  I hope to have the scoring rules completed in just a few days.  The scoring rules will be posted on the 2011 Rules page.  The 2010 Rules will go away.  The contest will end in about a month.  End of August.  If there is need, it might end around Labor Day.

Q: Can I open my box?  Can I start busting packs?  Can I post them on my blog?
A: Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  They're your cards.  Open them and enjoy.  Share them with the rest of the world.

Q: If I post them, is there a format that I should follow?
A: A few comments here.  You'll have to post at least the point scoring cards on your blog.  You can post them now and after the scoring rules have been revealed you can just copy and paste with the card points.  As far as how to post, I'm a fan of the manner that Night Owl uses.  Here's one of his recent posts. Clean and clear.  With just a touch of smarm.  Smarm is not required.  Remember, this is a family contest, so please, no wagering and keep the potty mouths closed.  Also, please tag or label your Gint-A-Cuffs posts with GAC3.

Q: I'm going to have a lot of questions.  Can I have your cell phone number so I can call you anytime to get a scoring ruling?
A: Nope.  I'm sure that there will be questions.  And as Commissioner I'll answer them as quickly as I can.  Sometimes research needs to be done.  Sometimes I just won't be available.  The last few days of July I'll be on vacation with the family, attending a wedding in the western suburbs of Chicago.  Although I will have access to comments on this blog, I'm not going to be hanging around the computer for extended periods of time.

Q: You've joked before about accepting bribes.  Were you being serious?
A: Of course not.  Or maybe I was.  No.

Q: Community Gum said that they have boxes available and that they've lifted the one box per participant rule.  What's up with that?
A: I haven't spoken with Jon and Andy, but I'm guessing that they didn't sell out their case and are sharing the excess with anyone that wants in.  Contact them for details.  And I'd like to take the opportunity to thank them again for making the boxes available and being our Dealer Sponsor.

Q: Wait, I've got two or three boxes.  Why can't I just post all the good scoring cards on my blog, get a fantastic score and walk away with the prize from Topps?
A: Because you are all good people and this contest is based on trust and decency.  Deal with it.  But you don't get to post a box score then get a new box to try to beat it.  The first one you break and show is the one you're stuck with.

Q: How do I know if I'm doing things right?
A: You probably don't.  I don't either.  Go with it.  This is supposed to be fun.

Okay, I finished writing this at just after midnight.  It is now officially July 15th, which makes the whole Bastille Day thing moot.  I'm just going to back date post this thing and be done with it.

Help Needed

Okay, Cuffites, the cards have hit the streets.  Maybe you've already picked up your box from your local card shop or the drivers at UPS have been working overtime and you've already got your box from Community Gum.

I would like some kind soul to take the checklist that is included in their hobby box and put up some hi-res scans.

If you could also scan the pull odds, probably from the side of the box, that would be great.

I hope to have the scoring rules out very shortly.

Dealer Sponsor Announced

Community Gum has dipped into the online retail pool.  Over the past few weeks I've been working with Jon and Andy to get them to be the card dealer sponsor for Gint-A-Cuffs III.  Okay, they approached me, letting me know that they'd like to be the card dealer sponsor.  We talked a bit and they had to line some things up before announcing their dealer presence.  But I did work with them.  Really.  Ask Jon.  Don't ask Andy.

They've agreed to set aside one case of 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter for Gint-A-Cuffs participants.  Twelve boxes.  Each box for GAC will be priced at $81.99 with a slashed shipping price of $5.01.  That comes out to $87.00 delivered for those of you who are slightly math challenged.  But, if you're math challenged you probably shouldn't be involved in GAC.  Community Gum will have to charge and collect Illinois sales tax for Illinois residents.  (The Commissioner did not make this clear.  Forgiveness is asked for.)  Please check with Jon and Andy for all of the details.  You'll be dealing with them, not the Commissioner nor GAC.  But you figured that out, didn't you?

This is a first come, first served deal open only to the GAC participants.  One box per participant.  Community Gum wants to make sure that they can give back to the card bloggers, so let's be civil about this.

Thank you, Community Gum, for your generosity and all of us here at Gint-A-Cuffs wish you the greatest success in this venture.

Sign Ups Are Now Open

It is about three weeks away until 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter hit the street.

I'm still in the process of landing a card dealer to get some decent prices on hobby boxes of A&G.  They're working out some details on their end.  As soon as I know I'll let you all know how to get them.

So, how to sign up?  Leave a comment with your name, blog address, favorite player (in the set), and favorite baseball team.

How will these favorites get you points this year?  I have no idea.

Do you believe me?  More importantly, do you trust me?  And even more important than that, can you bribe me?*

Yes to all three.

The point scoring is being configured at this time.  Final scoring system will not be released until the cards have been in the wild for one week after official release date.  This will cause less headaches for me.

So, start leaving your comments to get in on all the fun that is Gint-A-Cuffs III, Release the Kraken.

---

* Note to participants:  Bribery is not required to win.  But it is fun for the commissioner.**


** Note to participants:  The bribery bit is a joke.  I run a square shop.  Here's a link to my wantlists.

GAC Main Sponsor On Board

They're back and have agreed to provide the winner of Gint-A-Cuffs III with a hobby box of 2011 A&G.  A big thanks goes out to Mr. Clay Luraschi for assisting in this.

Now, go and visit Topps.  Buy stuff.

I'm working on getting a discounted price on this year's product from some online dealers.  Nothing is firm, yet, but we hope to pass the savings on to you.

Just Around The Corner

Much more info can be found at the official Topps information page or at the Sports Card Radio information page.

We Need A New Banner

A new month and a new post.

Looking for a new banner for Gint-A-Cuffs III.

I'd like the elements to include:

• The Old Planter
• The phrase: Gint-A-Cuffs III
• The phrase: Release the Kraken
• something in the 938 pixels wide range

I guess there should be some sort of deadline.  How about the end of April 2011?  Sure, we'll go with that.

There is no tangible prize for this.

From the entries I receive, I'll put them up and we can have a poll or something.  The winner will have their entry posted as the official GACIII header.

If you want to make smaller banners or widgets/icons whatever you kids call them these days, please do so.

Thanks,
Mark
the Commissioner

2011 Gint-A-Cuffs?

I know that it is early in the year and season, but my thoughts are moving towards the summer when I expect that Topps will release the next edition of Allen & Ginter.

I'll volunteer to be the commissioner once again, but this time things will be a bit different.

The rules and scoring system won't be finalized until at least a week after the product has hit the streets.

I'm toying with the idea of limiting the number of participants.  Last year we had several participants sign up, but then life or whatever else got in the way and they didn't participate.  I'd like an active bunch this year.

I'm also going to try to get sponsors to sign up earlier.  I'd like to get a dealer to sponsor again, hopefully giving discounts to the participants.  If any dealers want to sponsor, either with a discount or prizes, please contact me at : mark dot aubrey at gmail dot com

If you are handy with the graphics tools and want to design the upcoming banner, toss me a line.  Nothing personal Greg, but let's give others a chance.

I look forward to the upcoming mayhem.  I hope you do, as well.