Dan & Dave Variety Box (combined topic)

[phantom1412]

EDIT:

Thanks to Good@Sabacc
I'll copy his answers here for everyone to read it easily at the first post.

Variety Box #1 - a random selection of twelve from the following decks:


Absolut
Aladdin Smooth (red or blue)
Arrco (red or blue)
Bee Erdnase
Bee Watermelon (red or blue)
DeckONE v1
English Laundry
Fournier 605 (Lee Asher signature deck) (green or brown)
Magic-Con
Massa
Smith Back #2
Smoke and/or Mirror v2 or 3
Smoke and Mirrors V4 or 5
Split Spades (red, blue or black) - I believe these were the Tally-Ho model, the first one made
Steamboat (red or blue)
Wynn (red or purple)
* The first fifty had a Jerry's Nugget deck in them.


Variety Box #2 - a random selection of twelve from the following:


Aladdin Smooth (red or blue)
Arrco (red or blue)
Broadway Seconds (Aristocrats) (red or blue)
DeckONE v2
Bee Erdnase 1902 Green Acorn Special Edition
Fournier 605 (green or brown)
JAQK (metallic blue)
Sentinels
Smith Back #2
Smoke/Mirror(s) v2-5


Variety Box #3 - twelve decks, random assortment of colors:


Arrco (red or blue)
A. Bandit
Aladdin Smooth
Aristocrat reprints
Ask Alexander
Bee Erdnase
Erdnaseum
Fantastique
If an Octopus Could Palm
RJ (Watermelons, red or blue)
S&M v6
White Lions blue

Variety Box v4 - twelve decks, random assortment of colors:


Arrco U.S. Reg. (Cincinnati, Oh)
Aladdin, Smooth Finish (Cincinnati, Oh)
Aristocrat (Reprints)
Ask Alexander
Bee® Erdnaseum
Fantastique
If an Octopus Could Palm
Bee® Smith Back
Smoke & Mirrors: v6
Mirror: v3
Stud (Reprints)
Tungstene

variety box v5:

If an Octopus Could Palm
Monarchs
Smoke & Mirrors: v6
Fantastique
A.Bandit
Fulton's Clip Joint
Bee® Erdnaseum
Bee® Acorn Back
Arrco (Cincinnati)
Aristocrat
Stud (Cincinnati)
Ask Alexander

[Jin Jian]

i was looking around the internet for them,i really want to buy a varitey box and buy the best one but i have a limited budget ..i really want to buy the v4 but i dun see anyone selling them now

[Don Boyer]

I seem to recall that keyword searches on Google sometimes pull up cached versions of a webpage - you might be able to find the lists there by finding old Dan & Dave pages.


UPDATE:  I did some searching around.


Variety Box #1 - a random selection of twelve from the following decks:


Absolut
Aladdin Smooth (red or blue)
Arrco (red or blue)
Bee Erdnase
Bee Watermelon (red or blue)
DeckONE v1
English Laundry
Fournier 605 (Lee Asher signature deck) (green or brown)
Magic-Con
Massa
Smith Back #2
Smoke and/or Mirror v2 or 3
Smoke and Mirrors V4 or 5
Split Spades (red, blue or black) - I believe these were the Tally-Ho model, the first one made
Steamboat (red or blue)
Wynn (red or purple)
* The first fifty had a Jerry's Nugget deck in them.


Variety Box #2 - a random selection of twelve from the following:


Aladdin Smooth (red or blue)
Arrco (red or blue)
Broadway Seconds (Aristocrats) (red or blue)
DeckONE v2
Bee Erdnase 1902 Green Acorn Special Edition
Fournier 605 (green or brown)
JAQK (metallic blue)
Sentinels
Smith Back #2
Smoke/Mirror(s) v2-5


Variety Box #3 - twelve decks, random assortment of colors:


Arrco (red or blue)
A. Bandit
Aladdin Smooth
Aristocrat reprints
Ask Alexander
Bee Erdnase
Erdnaseum
Fantastique
If an Octopus Could Palm
RJ (Watermelons, red or blue)
S&M v6
White Lions blue

Variety Box v4 - twelve decks, random assortment of colors:


Arrco U.S. Reg. (Cincinnati, Oh)
Aladdin, Smooth Finish (Cincinnati, Oh)
Aristocrat (Reprints)
Ask Alexander
Bee® Erdnaseum
Fantastique
If an Octopus Could Palm
Bee® Smith Back
Smoke & Mirrors: v6
Mirror: v3
Stud (Reprints)
Tungstene

[phantom1412]

Thanks a lot to Good@Sabacc


And just in case anybody else wanted to see the whole list from v1-v5.
I will list them at the first post.

[loldudex2]

The v1 box is incredible, and has an insane assortment of rare cards. The Magic-Con, Absolut, and Jerry's made this a steal! I just wish they kept the quality of decks consistent throughout all of the encarnations of the variety box.

[Don Boyer]

The v1 box is incredible, and has an insane assortment of rare cards. The Magic-Con, Absolut, and Jerry's made this a steal! I just wish they kept the quality of decks consistent throughout all of the encarnations of the variety box.

The newer ones don't hold a candle to the older ones.


I'm interested in the Variety Box: Vintage Edition that's up for grabs in their holiday contest...

[Lushbob]

The only Variety Box that I really would want to get is the v1. The early S&M versions, the Jerry's and the original Split Spades are the decks that really interest me. It seems the boxes then continue on to get worse and worse with each edition.

I'm interested in the Variety Box: Vintage Edition that's up for grabs in their holiday contest...

Yeah, me too. It looks very interesting; I can see a Jerry's Nugget, a Golden Nugget, an Aristocrat, a Stud and an old Bicycle deck. All of which would be very nice to get. Fingers crossed that at least someone from the Discourse wins it, so we can get pictures of all the decks!

[CBJ]

Our Winter/Spring 2014 Variety Box includes the following decks of playing cards.


http://shop.dananddave.com/playing-cards/variety-box.html




    HMNIM
    Black JAQK
    Whispering Imps (Limited Edition Red Box)
    Private Reserve (aka, Gold Smoke & Mirrors)
    ULTIMATE DECK
    Fulton's Chinatown*
    Aristocrat®*
    DeckStarter Playing Cards
    Fulton's October
    Arrco® Tahoe*
    Clip Joint, Black Label
    Monarchs*

* Denotes decks available in multiple colors. Assembled at random using all available color options. No two Variety Boxes are the same.

Limited to 144 numbered boxes. Signed certificate of authenticity included.



CBJ

[Card Player]

I'm just wondering how long we think these are going to last. At the time I write this post, these are still available after 40 mins. I know the last Variety Box was still available up until a few weeks ago. The Gold Reserve does make this offer much more attractive. Happy to see they did not increase the price.

[Anthony]

Unless you already own all the decks being offered, in multiples, this is a pretty good offering in my opinion. $12.50 a deck, it's about a 50/50 split on bang for your buck. But the "Better" decks definitely tilts the scale into the "Good Deal" zone....now if I only had the extra $150.00 on Valentines day as !An0nym0u5 pointed out 

[Justin O.]

Oh man, that is a pretty good spread... I am looking at picking up a number if those independently.. I might have to scrounge up some money to make that happen...

[Sher143]

Sooo tempted to get this one. It has quite a number of decks I want, especially the Gold Private Reserve.

[Card Player]

I picked it up. Not sure if I will keep it together or not. Cards are made to be used, right?

I can only guess what the market for the gold private reserve deck is now? People bidding $300 - $400 on eBay before. You have to wonder what would stop someone from spending $150 for 12 decks with it included? This might be the best deal to get one your going to see.

[Don Boyer]

I picked it up. Not sure if I will keep it together or not. Cards are made to be used, right?

I can only guess what the market for the gold private reserve deck is now? People bidding $300 - $400 on eBay before. You have to wonder what would stop someone from spending $150 for 12 decks with it included? This might be the best deal to get one your going to see.

Those guys who paid $300-400 on eBay for that deck have more money than common sense, if you ask me.

This is probably one of the better boxes they've offered in a while - and I'm still not all that interested.  But hey, that's me.

[sr15]

If I was guaranteed to get a game of death deck for the chinatown then I would likely get one, but we know how these "randomly selected decks" usually work...Still not a bad deal either way but 150 is quite a bit of money

[Justin O.]

Are they limited in amount?

[Aptombstone]

I picked one of these up. Worst case scenario, i get 8 new decks, best case scenario I get 11 new decks, depending on which color variable they send me.

I thought it'd be worth a try, and hey, you gotta think at least 1 of the 144 boxes will have a "rare" Monarch color, but I won't hold my breath.

[Card Player]

Are they limited in amount?

They should be limited to 144. I don't believe they come numbered.

You can only buy 12 per order.

I picked one of these up. Worst case scenario, i get 8 new decks, best case scenario I get 11 new decks, depending on which color variable they send me.

I thought it'd be worth a try, and hey, you gotta think at least 1 of the 144 boxes will have a "rare" Monarch color, but I won't hold my breath.

I don't know that I would call the Silver Monarch "Rare". They are sold out @ theory11 and most likely are NOT being printed again.

[HandSkillz]

Ooops, I just spent about $100 (shipping included) on decks...you tell me which you would rather have:
the 12 listed in the variety bucks.OR
6 Exquisites (3 red, 3 blue) + 1 Red Pr1me - $50
1 S&M v5 on ebay - $15
6 White Lions B (2 of each color) - $36

I mean I'm not getting the same variety, I'm not getting the questionably expensive gold reserve, but I'm still happy I spent the money where I did.

[Card Player]

Ooops, I just spent about $100 (shipping included) on decks...you tell me which you would rather have:
the 12 listed in the variety bucks.OR
6 Exquisites (3 red, 3 blue) + 1 Red Pr1me - $50
1 S&M v5 on ebay - $15
6 White Lions B (2 of each color) - $36

I mean I'm not getting the same variety, I'm not getting the questionably expensive gold reserve, but I'm still happy I spent the money where I did.

What would I rather have?

The 6 Exquisite decks was a nice deal (3 Blue 3 Red) I love my Taiwanese Legends! I pick Legends over Exquisite. That's just me. You can keep the Pr1me decks. I already own White Lions B's and Deluxe Smoke & Mirrors.

If I were you, I'd rather have the 40% OFF White Lions Signed Collectors Box and the Exquisite Deal. That should have given you your best value at $129.95 for 18 decks and one of the coolest signed pieces you can buy.

As for me, this Variety Box was a nice buy.

[Aptombstone]

Are they limited in amount?

They should be limited to 144. I don't believe they come numbered.

You can only buy 12 per order.

I picked one of these up. Worst case scenario, i get 8 new decks, best case scenario I get 11 new decks, depending on which color variable they send me.

I thought it'd be worth a try, and hey, you gotta think at least 1 of the 144 boxes will have a "rare" Monarch color, but I won't hold my breath.

I don't know that I would call the Silver Monarch "Rare". They are sold out @ theory11 and most likely are NOT being printed again.

I was talking about the so-called White Monarchs and the Gold Monarchs as the rare variants in the Monarch series.

[bhong]

Are they limited in amount?

They should be limited to 144. I don't believe they come numbered.

You can only buy 12 per order.

I picked one of these up. Worst case scenario, i get 8 new decks, best case scenario I get 11 new decks, depending on which color variable they send me.

I thought it'd be worth a try, and hey, you gotta think at least 1 of the 144 boxes will have a "rare" Monarch color, but I won't hold my breath.

I don't know that I would call the Silver Monarch "Rare". They are sold out @ theory11 and most likely are NOT being printed again.

I was talking about the so-called White Monarchs and the Gold Monarchs as the rare variants in the Monarch series.

Considering how extremely rare the Gold Monarchs are ( I think there was only a gross kept), I really doubt D&D would even make one of the Variety Box with it even if they had that to spare. Now the White Monarch is another matter. I'd imagine maybe a handful of boxes, at most, would have that included in it.

[Card Player]

Are they limited in amount?

They should be limited to 144. I don't believe they come numbered.

You can only buy 12 per order.

I picked one of these up. Worst case scenario, i get 8 new decks, best case scenario I get 11 new decks, depending on which color variable they send me.

I thought it'd be worth a try, and hey, you gotta think at least 1 of the 144 boxes will have a "rare" Monarch color, but I won't hold my breath.

I don't know that I would call the Silver Monarch "Rare". They are sold out @ theory11 and most likely are NOT being printed again.

I was talking about the so-called White Monarchs and the Gold Monarchs as the rare variants in the Monarch series.

Considering how extremely rare the Gold Monarchs are ( I think there was only a gross kept), I really doubt D&D would even make one of the Variety Box with it even if they had that to spare. Now the White Monarch is another matter. I'd imagine maybe a handful of boxes, at most, would have that included in it.

The only Monarchs that D&D and AoP sell are the Silver, Blue & Red Monarchs.

The White Monarchs as originally named, are the White/Gold. The Original Gold Monarchs are the Blue Monarchs with Gold Trim. Only 111 were released of the Blue/Gold. I believe the rest were destroyed by USPCC before the first edition as we know them Blue/White.

The Variety Box will have the Silver, Blue or Red Monarchs. The Silver is now Sold Out at theory11. I'd imagine any color of Monarch that D&D or AoP have? I don't see the White/Gold version on AoP.

[bhong]

Even though the White Monarchs are not for sale on D&D/AoP, I'd imagine they'd have a stock of it. It'd be nice if some of the Variety Box had the White Monarchs in them, but obviously they're under no obligations.

[Don Boyer]

Are they limited in amount?

Variety Boxes from D&D are limited to 144 of each release.  But you know that by now!

I don't know that I would call the Silver Monarch "Rare". They are sold out @ theory11 and most likely are NOT being printed again.

What makes you say that?  The product description lists the Silver Monarchs as being an unlimited edition.  I'd say they simply sold out after all the holiday madness and are awaiting a new order from USPC.  The "original", Silver and Red Monarchs are all unlimited editions and some have been through more than one printing.  It's T11's flagship deck now.

The Variety Box will have the Silver, Blue or Red Monarchs. The Silver is now Sold Out at theory11. I'd imagine any color of Monarch that D&D or AoP have? I don't see the White/Gold version on AoP.

The Buck twins own a lot of decks that aren't listed on Art of Play!  It's possible, though improbable, that they'd have White Monarchs and that a few might end up in the Variety Boxes.  I just wouldn't hold my breath on it.

[Siegismyname]

They did say during coffee with dnd that they would include the silver monarchs amidst the red n original ones. No white ones though. And Dan said that he heard that the silver were a one off printing as well. So no reprints for the silver monarchs. But who knows.

[Card Player]

What makes you say that?  The product description lists the Silver Monarchs as being an unlimited edition.  I'd say they simply sold out after all the holiday madness and are awaiting a new order from USPC.  The "original", Silver and Red Monarchs are all unlimited editions and some have been through more than one printing.  It's T11's flagship deck now.

Coffee with D&D makes me say that. No, Dan and Dave are not theory11 but you know they get industry inside info from friends. As for theory11, nothing in this life is unlimited forever, not even air and water. I've been told straight from theory11 support that Bee Stingers would be reprinted well over a year ago. We are still waiting. I wouldn't hold my breath on Silver Monarchs coming back. Theory11 is already probing customers on social media, what new color people would like to see next.

[Don Boyer]

Coffee with D&D makes me say that. No, Dan and Dave are not theory11 but you know they get industry inside info from friends. As for theory11, nothing in this life is unlimited forever, not even air and water. I've been told straight from theory11 support that Bee Stingers would be reprinted well over a year ago. We are still waiting. I wouldn't hold my breath on Silver Monarchs coming back. Theory11 is already probing customers on social media, what new color people would like to see next.

Damn.  Well, technically, yes - there's limits on even the Bicycle Rider Back, even though it's been in print since, what - 1893?

It's crazy to keep playing the color game.  It can't last forever - I'm already in fatigue over the Rounders.  They'd be better off just reprinting the Silvers, but whatever.  T11 also told me about two years ago that they'd be making "Propaganda II" but that never came to be (they said the Erlanger reprints - which they bizarrely don't even stock on their website but sell through other retailers - are NOT Prop2s).

[Sher143]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

[bhong]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

There's really no saying how long it'd last for. I can't remember exactly, but I remember the last Variety box took longer than two weeks to sell though I didn't keep track of it very well. Except for the Gold Reserve and Deckstarter deck, I'd think that a lot of collectors would have a lot of the elements in the box already.

[Sher143]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

There's really no saying how long it'd last for. I can't remember exactly, but I remember the last Variety box took longer than two weeks to sell though I didn't keep track of it very well. Except for the Gold Reserve and Deckstarter deck, I'd think that a lot of collectors would have a lot of the elements in the box already.

I only have one of the decks in the Variety Box (two, if I get a Blue Monarch). However, although a good spread, most of the decks in this box do fall under my "i'll-wait-till-i've-collected-my-absolute-must-haves-then-i'll-come-back-and-buy-this" list. I'm only considering purchasing the box because of the Gold Private Reserve, so right now I'm really just debating if it's worth spending $150 on. I know there are 11 other decks, so I can't really say the $150 is just for the Gold Private Reserve, but considering my lesser interest in the other decks and the fact that this currently seems to be the only way to get the Gold Private Reserve if you haven't already gotten one from the Black Club, to me it really just comes down to paying $150 to get that rare Gold deck.

When comparing it to the prices it was sold for on eBay, $150 is almost a steal. But $150 is still a huge chunk of cash. Since it seems to last longer than two weeks, I think I'll wait for now. Thanks.

[Card Player]

It's crazy to keep playing the color game.  It can't last forever - I'm already in fatigue over the Rounders.  They'd be better off just reprinting the Silvers, but whatever.

I agree. Or not reprinting Silver would be fine also. It does get sickening.

[ozfan30]

I picked up a box, I was looking to get another Ultimate Deck anyway, that paired with Gold Smoke and Mirrors, and Red Whispering Imps made it seem like a reasonable purchase. Hopefully I can use the HMNIM and Black Jaqk as trade bait to get something else with someone on the forum

[Aptombstone]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

Thanks for the heads up, I'm gonna pick up a Silver Certificate and a Reserve note (not black). They'll be my first Fed 52 decks. These will probably go in the "never to be opened" section of my collection.

[crazyfandecks]

i've never buy a variety box of D&D before, so correct me if i wrong, but
Fulton's Chinatown: 2 colors
Arristocrat: 2 colors
Arrco Tahoe: 2 colors
Monarch: 3 colors
so the total of variation would be 2*2*2*3 = 24 variations, how could be 144

[Don Boyer]

i've never buy a variety box of D&D before, so correct me if i wrong, but
Fulton's Chinatown: 2 colors
Arristocrat: 2 colors
Arrco Tahoe: 2 colors
Monarch: 3 colors
so the total of variation would be 2*2*2*3 = 24 variations, how could be 144

It's simpler than you think it is.

There are 144 boxes.  They do not insure your choice of colors, or any particular pattern of choices, for those decks that have more than one color - that's all.  It's entirely possible that some of the variations are repeated, as it is possible that some of the variations exist as a one-of-a-kind mix.

Monarchs have more than three colors:
"Gold": gold pattern on black background, only 144 exist, only 111 released.
Original: white on black.
Original (Modified): same colors, thinner border.
White: gold on white
Silver: black on white
Red: white on red

Gold is very unlikely to appear given its rarity, but the other colors are fair game - either totally common (Original, Original Modified, Silver and Red) or rare but not ridiculously so (White), much like the "Game of Death" edition of the Fulton's Chinatown deck.  That is, if you take their description to heart about available colors.  White are rare and aren't being sold right now, but T11 still has plenty for contest prizes and other promotions, and the Bucks are on good terms with T11.

[Sher143]

i've never buy a variety box of D&D before, so correct me if i wrong, but
Fulton's Chinatown: 2 colors
Arristocrat: 2 colors
Arrco Tahoe: 2 colors
Monarch: 3 colors
so the total of variation would be 2*2*2*3 = 24 variations, how could be 144

It's simpler than you think it is.

There are 144 boxes.  They do not insure your choice of colors, or any particular pattern of choices, for those decks that have more than one color - that's all.  It's entirely possible that some of the variations are repeated, as it is possible that some of the variations exist as a one-of-a-kind mix.

Monarchs have more than three colors:
"Gold": gold pattern on black background, only 144 exist, only 111 released.
Original: white on black.
Original (Modified): same colors, thinner border.
White: gold on white
Silver: black on white
Red: white on red

Gold is very unlikely to appear given its rarity, but the other colors are fair game - either totally common (Original, Original Modified, Silver and Red) or rare but not ridiculously so (White), much like the "Game of Death" edition of the Fulton's Chinatown deck.  That is, if you take their description to heart about available colors.  White are rare and aren't being sold right now, but T11 still has plenty for contest prizes and other promotions, and the Bucks are on good terms with T11.

I think crazyfandecks is commenting on D&D's claim that no two boxes are the same. With only 24 variations, of course there will be more than two boxes that are the same.

[crazyfandecks]

Sher143 got my points: these variety boxes must have duplicates in my opinion, and that's what i wonder about 

[Aptombstone]

Arrco Tahoes have at least 4 non-vintage colors (red, blue, black, inverse) and if we take the 6 variations of the Monarchs provided by Don, then the variation total becomes 2 x 2 x 4 x 6 = 96. Still not 144, but closer. There may be one or two more variants we are missing. I know its not a big deal but hey its fun figuring it out.

Anyone who is considering buying the variety box please use the code, if you haven't already, provided in the "Retailer Coupons" section of this forum, fancy426 as it will save you 10% ($15!) which will cover domestic shipping and then some.

[Don Boyer]

Arrco Tahoes have at least 4 non-vintage colors (red, blue, black, inverse) and if we take the 6 variations of the Monarchs provided by Don, then the variation total becomes 2 x 2 x 4 x 6 = 96. Still not 144, but closer. There may be one or two more variants we are missing. I know its not a big deal but hey its fun figuring it out.

Anyone who is considering buying the variety box please use the code, if you haven't already, provided in the "Retailer Coupons" section of this forum, fancy426 as it will save you 10% ($15!) which will cover domestic shipping and then some.

I simply think that the claim of no two boxes being alike is overstated.

Count Monarchs as five variations - they couldn't possibly have laid their hands on enough to cover all possible variations, if any.  Plus that one deck could trade for as much as the entire Variety Box.

Tahoes - scratch the black and inverse black decks.  They rarely supply anything that isn't:
One of their decks
A USPC basic brand
A casino deck
A T11 deck
A CARC deck
A David Blaine deck
A Kickstarter deck

Believe it or not, it's actually more likely that they're supplying the VINTAGE version of that deck, because it's the only version they've sold to date, as far as I know.  In which case, the colors are only red and blue - they were the only colors they stocked, and probably the only colors made as vintage.

[Card Player]

Arrco Tahoes have at least 4 non-vintage colors (red, blue, black, inverse) and if we take the 6 variations of the Monarchs provided by Don, then the variation total becomes 2 x 2 x 4 x 6 = 96. Still not 144, but closer. There may be one or two more variants we are missing. I know its not a big deal but hey its fun figuring it out.

Anyone who is considering buying the variety box please use the code, if you haven't already, provided in the "Retailer Coupons" section of this forum, fancy426 as it will save you 10% ($15!) which will cover domestic shipping and then some.

I simply think that the claim of no two boxes being alike is overstated.

Count Monarchs as five variations - they couldn't possibly have laid their hands on enough to cover all possible variations, if any.  Plus that one deck could trade for as much as the entire Variety Box.

Tahoes - scratch the black and inverse black decks.  They rarely supply anything that isn't:
One of their decks
A USPC basic brand
A casino deck
A T11 deck
A CARC deck
A David Blaine deck
A Kickstarter deck

Believe it or not, it's actually more likely that they're supplying the VINTAGE version of that deck, because it's the only version they've sold to date, as far as I know.  In which case, the colors are only red and blue - they were the only colors they stocked, and probably the only colors made as vintage.

I know the max per order is 12. Maybe out of the 12, no two are alike? Since they can see through the box window, I can totally see order fulfillment mixing and matching orders of multiple VB's so that no two are the same. That's not a bad thing.

[DarkDerp]

You could also take it as a no two snowflakes are the same. I believe its just marketing.  Give me two variety boxes with the exact same decks, and armed with only a magnifying glass I will prove them different... if not I will differantize one with my foot.

[BiggerDee]

I looked at the VB this morning and personally, I wasn't terribly impressed. I have almost all of the decks available for placement in the box, and the ones that I don't have haven't impressed me enough to buy them before now. The gold S&M would impress me enough to buy the box if they hadn't already run the S&M line into the ground with seeminigly infinite colors and reprints on what I consider a blah design. I don't even consider the gold edition worth my time, and that says a lot since I buy almost everything that comes out. That's just how I view it in my own eyes, for my tastes and collection. It's not a bad price overall, especially if you don't have most of those decks. I probably would have supported a more expensive brick with more rare decks in it though.

[Sher143]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

Thanks for the heads up, I'm gonna pick up a Silver Certificate and a Reserve note (not black). They'll be my first Fed 52 decks. These will probably go in the "never to be opened" section of my collection.

Might want to consider picking up a Fed 52 or Gold certificate,  as thats probably the cheapest they'll ever be,  and he said that he will no longer be selling them on the website after the sale. 

[DarkDerp]

And with that I have successfully  harpooned one of my white whales. *humps air*

[Aptombstone]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

Thanks for the heads up, I'm gonna pick up a Silver Certificate and a Reserve note (not black). They'll be my first Fed 52 decks. These will probably go in the "never to be opened" section of my collection.

Might want to consider picking up a Fed 52 or Gold certificate,  as thats probably the cheapest they'll ever be,  and he said that he will no longer be selling them on the website after the sale.

I know I know, and it's probably a great investment too, but I've spent so much on cards already this month (stop me if you've ever heard yourself say that) that I just can't bring myself to buy more unless they are at like dirt cheap. And I'm lucky because the Silver Cert. and the Reserve Note are my favorites of the series and they turned out to be the cheapest, not by much, but still.

[Sher143]

How long will these last, I wonder. I'm debating whether I should go for this or the sale over at Kings Wild. If this box is still available in two weeks, it'll be easier for me to choose Kings Wild (since that will end sooner).

Thanks for the heads up, I'm gonna pick up a Silver Certificate and a Reserve note (not black). They'll be my first Fed 52 decks. These will probably go in the "never to be opened" section of my collection.

Might want to consider picking up a Fed 52 or Gold certificate,  as thats probably the cheapest they'll ever be,  and he said that he will no longer be selling them on the website after the sale.

I know I know, and it's probably a great investment too, but I've spent so much on cards already this month (stop me if you've ever heard yourself say that) that I just can't bring myself to buy more unless they are at like dirt cheap. And I'm lucky because the Silver Cert. and the Reserve Note are my favorites of the series and they turned out to be the cheapest, not by much, but still.

I know what you mean. I keep telling myself I've spent far too much already. My logic sometimes doesn't make sense, though. One day, I might be hesitant to buy a $5-10 deck on eBay, the next day, I'm bidding for a $50 deck. 

I wasn't insisting you get them, though. Just thought you'd want to know about the plans to take them off the site after the sale, in case that would somehow affect what you'd buy.

[Don Boyer]

And with that I have successfully  harpooned one of my white whales. *humps air*

Hey - put that air humper back in its holster!  You're scaring the normals! 

I looked at the VB this morning and personally, I wasn't terribly impressed. I have almost all of the decks available for placement in the box, and the ones that I don't have haven't impressed me enough to buy them before now. The gold S&M would impress me enough to buy the box if they hadn't already run the S&M line into the ground with seeminigly infinite colors and reprints on what I consider a blah design. I don't even consider the gold edition worth my time, and that says a lot since I buy almost everything that comes out. That's just how I view it in my own eyes, for my tastes and collection. It's not a bad price overall, especially if you don't have most of those decks. I probably would have supported a more expensive brick with more rare decks in it though.

The sad part is that this VB is probably one of the better ones they made.  First was great, second was almost as great, the rest were lame except for the Vintage Edition, which had people waking up with night sweats it was so good - but it was also a one-of-a-kind contest prize!

[DarkDerp]

What was in the vintage?

[Card Player]

Well my fellow card collectors, the VB(s) have arrived.

Do you want the good news OR the bad news?

[DJT]

My VB arrived also, I will try and get some photos up later. here are the details:

Assembled: 2/14
Edition No.: 69/144

Decks included:

HMNIM
Black Jaqk Cellars
Red Imps
Fulton's October
S&M Private Reserve
Deck Starter Limited
Silver Monarchs
Ultimate Deck
Clip Joint Private Reserve
Arrco Tahoe # 1383/2500
Fulton's Chinatown: Game of Death
Blue Aristocrat

Not a bad batch of VB IMO.

[Sher143]

Well my fellow card collectors, the VB(s) have arrived.

Do you want the good news OR the bad news?

Both! But maybe bad news first

[Card Player]

Well my fellow card collectors, the VB(s) have arrived.

Do you want the good news OR the bad news?

Both! But maybe bad news first

The bad news

1. That burning question about the "no two VB's are the same". I bought two and they are both identical. What are the odds!

2. My package came to me beat the shit out of. Not D&D's fault. Just stating a fact.

The good news

1. D&D packages their stuff so well, nothing was damaged.

2. Completely happy with the decks I got.

[HandSkillz]

Well my fellow card collectors, the VB(s) have arrived.

Do you want the good news OR the bad news?

Both! But maybe bad news first

The bad news

1. That burning question about the "no two VB's are the same". I bought two and they are both identical. What are the odds!

2. My package came to me beat the shit out of. Not D&D's fault. Just stating a fact.

The good news

1. D&D packages their stuff so well, nothing was damaged.

2. Completely happy with the decks I got.

What decks did you land?  It looks like the people that jumped on the deal early got some nice ones (saw DJT got Game of Death, Private reserved, numbered Tahoe, nb).

When I ordered mystery decks the packaging was destroyed too, so much so that they had to replace a few of the decks, but they were cool about it.

[DarkDerp]

Well my fellow card collectors, the VB(s) have arrived.

Do you want the good news OR the bad news?

Both! But maybe bad news first

The bad news

1. That burning question about the "no two VB's are the same". I bought two and they are both identical. What are the odds!

2. My package came to me beat the shit out of. Not D&D's fault. Just stating a fact.

The good news

1. D&D packages their stuff so well, nothing was damaged.

2. Completely happy with the decks I got.

See!! Nothing like a good ole sift kick to the goods to make two things that were identical, not so much anymore.

[DarkDerp]

Also they are still in stock. You could ask for a replacement VB as well as state your disappointment they were all the same decks. Might increase the chance of some Variety.

[Aptombstone]

Just got mine, came in great condition.

Of the variants, I got a Silver Monarch, Blue Tahoe (2500 limited), Game of Death Chinatown (YES!), and a normal blue Aristocrat.

The game of death was a welcome surprise and the other cards I got made this bundle a worthwhile purchase.

[Card Player]

Well my fellow card collectors, the VB(s) have arrived.

Do you want the good news OR the bad news?

Both! But maybe bad news first

The bad news

1. That burning question about the "no two VB's are the same". I bought two and they are both identical. What are the odds!

2. My package came to me beat the shit out of. Not D&D's fault. Just stating a fact.

The good news

1. D&D packages their stuff so well, nothing was damaged.

2. Completely happy with the decks I got.

What decks did you land?  It looks like the people that jumped on the deal early got some nice ones (saw DJT got Game of Death, Private reserved, numbered Tahoe, nb).

When I ordered mystery decks the packaging was destroyed too, so much so that they had to replace a few of the decks, but they were cool about it.

2 Red Chinatown
2 Red Monarchs
2 Red Aristocrats
2 Blue Tahoe

[jwats01]

I got:

Assembled: 2/14
Edition No.: 81/144

Decks included:

HMNIM
Black Jaqk Cellars
Red Imps
Fulton's October
S&M Private Reserve
Deck Starter Limited
Black/Gold Monarchs
Ultimate Deck
Clip Joint Private Reserve
Arrco Tahoe # 1331/2500
Fulton's Red Chinatown
Red Aristocrat

Side note: I also got a deck of the DeckStarters (original 500?!) and there is a difference. The AoP deck is not wrapped in cellophane, and has a black spade seal. The DeckStarter deck that came in the box is wrapped in cello and does not have the seal.

[doubledouble]

^ I got the variety box too, and the DeckStarter that came with it has no cellophane and has a black spade seal.

[Don Boyer]

What was in the vintage?

Lots of AWESOME stuff, hard to find.  I think there was a Jerry's Nugget in it, among others.

http://dananddave.com/contests/2011-holiday-giveaway/

That's the best image of the box I can find, and it's not the best.

[DarkDerp]

Hey - put that air humper back in its holster!  You're scaring the normals! 

That got me.

You...dear sir, owe me a new keyboard. I reverse snorted my tasty beverage when I read this.

[Wilko]

I took the plunge this afternoon. I will be happy if I get a game of death Chinatown. All the decks with the exception of ultimate, private reserve & game of death Chinatown I have. If I get those 3, along with deckstarter I'll be a happy chappy.
Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Card Player]

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

I got:

Assembled: 2/14
Edition No.: 81/144

I don't see where your getting the Edition No. from?

[jwats01]

I got:

Assembled: 2/14
Edition No.: 81/144

I don't see where your getting the Edition No. from?

It's on the front part of the box, under the flap, once you move the flap. I can take a pic if that doesn't make sense.

[Card Player]

I got:

Assembled: 2/14
Edition No.: 81/144

I don't see where your getting the Edition No. from?

It's on the front part of the box, under the flap, once you move the flap. I can take a pic if that doesn't make sense.

Ok, I will have to look again. I was looking at the certificates for 20 minutes scratching my head. Thank you. That's good news.

[Sher143]

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

[Card Player]

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

Every collector is different. I know you favor art over usage. I did pick S&M. I don't own fed 52 because they don't fit my personal needs in a playing card. The art is absolutely awesome. I did buy one of Jackson's Red Reserve Note Screen Prints, signed and numbered.

[HandSkillz]

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

I absolutely agree with !An0nym0u5 that it comes down to personal preference if you had to pick between the two individual decks.  That being said, it's definitely possible the Gold Private Reserves will be made available in some other fashion (say, on art of play for individual sale at a likely overpriced amount). The main appeal of the box is the variety and quality of the 12 decks as a group.  If I had to choose between individual decks though, I would probably go with the Black Notes, their just so gorgeous.

Now, this is would I would actually do if I were in your shoes (but for some people this may be impossible or too much of a hassle):  The Black Reserve notes on on sale for $45 + tax and shipping.  I would get the Variety Box, keep the Gold Reserve, and sell a handful of the decks in the box as a package for like $60 to fund the purchase of the Black Reserves.  The market hasn't quite been set yet, but the "Deckstarter" deck may fetch a few bucks and it's not exactly the best looking deck I've seen.

Just my 2 cents.

[Sher143]

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

Every collector is different. I know you favor art over usage. I did pick S&M. I don't own fed 52 because they don't fit my personal needs in a playing card. The art is absolutely awesome. I did buy one of Jackson's Red Reserve Note Screen Prints, signed and numbered.

Okay, thanks for your input So when you said the gold S&Ms were phenomenal, did you mean primarily because of the way it handles? I think the tuck box is very nice. I haven't seen the courts, but the tuck box itself is well designed, so that's kind of why I want it.

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

I absolutely agree with !An0nym0u5 that it comes down to personal preference if you had to pick between the two individual decks.  That being said, it's definitely possible the Gold Private Reserves will be made available in some other fashion (say, on art of play for individual sale at a likely overpriced amount). The main appeal of the box is the variety and quality of the 12 decks as a group.  If I had to choose between individual decks though, I would probably go with the Black Notes, their just so gorgeous.

Now, this is would I would actually do if I were in your shoes (but for some people this may be impossible or too much of a hassle):  The Black Reserve notes on on sale for $45 + tax and shipping.  I would get the Variety Box, keep the Gold Reserve, and sell a handful of the decks in the box as a package for like $60 to fund the purchase of the Black Reserves.  The market hasn't quite been set yet, but the "Deckstarter" deck may fetch a few bucks and it's not exactly the best looking deck I've seen.

Just my 2 cents.

Oh, that's a really good idea.  In regards to the Deckstarter deck, there's already one on eBay selling for $80. If someone buys that and a bunch of people follow suit with pricing, I will be super tempted to do just what you said.

[DarkDerp]

Im actually selling a Private reserve as we speak. Its the only one that isnt a "buy now" for 5,000 dollars.

[Card Player]

Okay, thanks for your input  So when you said the gold S&Ms were phenomenal, did you mean primarily because of the way it handles? I think the tuck box is very nice. I haven't seen the courts, but the tuck box itself is well designed, so that's kind of why I want it.

Well no. I have not handled the actual cards yet. I mean the entire S&M series in terms of usage. The private reserve is phenomenal because you can tell by picking one box of cards up and putting it in your hands, it's not just an ordinary deck. It's meant to exhibit the highest quality. The attention to detail and tightness of its clean yet complex tuck design are instantly apparent.

[Don Boyer]

Hey - put that air humper back in its holster!  You're scaring the normals! 

That got me.

You...dear sir, owe me a new keyboard. I reverse snorted my tasty beverage when I read this.

Hey, it's not my fault you don't have a keyboard condom.  Always practice safe sext!

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

Speaking as someone who got bored with Dan and Dave deck designs a long time ago, I'd go for the Black Reserve Note - but speaking from a practical perspective, it's a matter of what will make you happier.  Use that as your guide and it's harder to make bad choices.  Maybe you'll get the other deck down the road - and maybe you won't.  But the fact remains that there's ALWAYS new decks - they're starting to become like locusts!  Always something interesting around the corner.  So you didn't get THIS interesting deck, maybe you'll get THAT interesting deck...

Im actually selling a Private reserve as we speak. Its the only one that isnt a "buy now" for 5,000 dollars.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!  Anyone who pays US$5,000 for ANY brand-new pasteboard deck needs their head examined - and lobotomized!

Okay, thanks for your input  So when you said the gold S&Ms were phenomenal, did you mean primarily because of the way it handles? I think the tuck box is very nice. I haven't seen the courts, but the tuck box itself is well designed, so that's kind of why I want it.

Well no. I have not handled the actual cards yet. I mean the entire S&M series in terms of usage. The private reserve is phenomenal because you can tell by picking one box of cards up and putting it in your hands, it's not just an ordinary deck. It's meant to exhibit the highest quality. The attention to detail and tightness of its clean yet complex tuck design are instantly apparent.

All that means is that they spend good money making a really cool package.  It's the exact same reason why cigarette companies started using that box design in the first place - it made the product look more appealing.

I don't know about you, but while I may like a good box as much as the next guy, I buy the box for its contents, not because it's a pretty box!  To my knowledge, the Gold Reserve deck is IDENTICAL to the v7 Carbon deck, except it has gold accents.  I doubt it even has the unique courts and pips they used for all the decks through version 6!  It's likely got the standard faces of v7, a little recolored, and the same exact back design they've used for the past five versions of S&M, including this one.  Same Ace of Spades, same jokers.  It's why I have a hard but humorous time believing that there are idiots out there shelling out four figures for a freshly-printed 4-ounce pile of paper!

[Sher143]

Hey - put that air humper back in its holster!  You're scaring the normals! 

That got me.

You...dear sir, owe me a new keyboard. I reverse snorted my tasty beverage when I read this.

Hey, it's not my fault you don't have a keyboard condom.  Always practice safe sext!

Took a closer look at the decks in the variety box. Those GOLD Private Reserve S&M's are phenomenal. The Red Whispering Imps & Red Chinatown decks look amazing now seeing them in person.

Would you pick the gold private reserve over the branded black reserve note? Just curious.  I'm now leaving towards getting the box.  I figured I'd have more chances getting the black reserve note,  but this maybe one of the few chances I have of getting the gold private reserve...

Speaking as someone who got bored with Dan and Dave deck designs a long time ago, I'd go for the Black Reserve Note - but speaking from a practical perspective, it's a matter of what will make you happier.  Use that as your guide and it's harder to make bad choices.  Maybe you'll get the other deck down the road - and maybe you won't.  But the fact remains that there's ALWAYS new decks - they're starting to become like locusts!  Always something interesting around the corner.  So you didn't get THIS interesting deck, maybe you'll get THAT interesting deck...

Hahaha! Well, thank goodness I actually have a keyboard condom! If I didn't, it would have been a pity if I had been drinking or eating while reading that comment. xD

I ended up buying two Branded Black Reserve Notes. It was an impulse buy. I know I had been thinking about it for a while, but I still consider it an impulse buy because I definitely had not planned on purchasing it that day. I woke up and checked my phone (yeah, this is the first thing I do when I wake up, because I'm really that addicted to the internet) and saw Jackson's post about the Reserve Note "Black Edition" Force Deck and I just had to have it. I like that the seal is broken because now I can finally look at and handle the Reserve Note "Black Edition" cards without feeling guilty that I just tore open a deck worth $150-$200. I ordered it right away, since I figured there was only one force deck available for each type of card and I wanted to make sure I got a card with illustrations (either the jokers, aces, or court cards). Since I was already ordering form the site, I figured I should get the Branded Black Reserve Notes, too. So my order came out to be:

- 2 Branded Black Reserve Notes
- 2 Reserve Note "Black Edition" Force Deck (Jack of Clubs and Jack of Diamonds)

And that came out to almost as much as the cost of the Variety Box. Whoever got the diptych jokers is lucky, because that was a really good deal - two decks for $45 as opposed to $60.

And here I thought I was exercising good restraint because the day before, I almost decided not to purchase either of them!

[Card Player]

All that means is that they spend good money making a really cool package.  It's the exact same reason why cigarette companies started using that box design in the first place - it made the product look more appealing.

I don't know about you, but while I may like a good box as much as the next guy, I buy the box for its contents, not because it's a pretty box!  To my knowledge, the Gold Reserve deck is IDENTICAL to the v7 Carbon deck, except it has gold accents.  I doubt it even has the unique courts and pips they used for all the decks through version 6!  It's likely got the standard faces of v7, a little recolored, and the same exact back design they've used for the past five versions of S&M, including this one.  Same Ace of Spades, same jokers.  It's why I have a hard but humorous time believing that there are idiots out there shelling out four figures for a freshly-printed 4-ounce pile of paper!

Well... Of course we buy the product for its contents but a "designer" spends as much time designing the tuck box "conceptually" as they do each court card. I'm NOT talking about those illustrating their decks. Tuck boxes are still a very important part of the design. I don't recall any cigarette box ever being engineered sideways. Thought and craftsmanship was still put into it, rather a standard uspcc box. Just because D&D upgraded the box for this private reserve, does not make the cards any less applicable. In this case they are as applicable as any other version of S&M.

I believe these are the deluxe v7 court cards. Would I prefer the older style. Sure. Since the v7 deluxe version uses the more standard court cards already, I'm fine with continuing the trend for this private reserve.

4 figures? I wouldn't pay 3 figures for ONE. Even if it were a JN. A collectible box set of 12, less < then $200. Sure.  I like value for my $.

[Nurul]

These are officially now out of stock on the D&D website.

[Don Boyer]

Well... Of course we buy the product for its contents but a "designer" spends as much time designing the tuck box "conceptually" as they do each court card. I'm NOT talking about those illustrating their decks. Tuck boxes are still a very important part of the design. I don't recall any cigarette box ever being engineered sideways. Thought and craftsmanship was still put into it, rather a standard uspcc box. Just because D&D upgraded the box for this private reserve, does not make the cards any less applicable. In this case they are as applicable as any other version of S&M.

I believe these are the deluxe v7 court cards. Would I prefer the older style. Sure. Since the v7 deluxe version uses the more standard court cards already, I'm fine with continuing the trend for this private reserve.

4 figures? I wouldn't pay 3 figures for ONE. Even if it were a JN. A collectible box set of 12, less < then $200. Sure.  I like value for my $.

While cigarette boxes aren't meant to be opened from the side, they are meant to have that flip-top style in many cases - a few examples are provided below.  Someone informed me on the topic about that deck that the design was actually inspired by such boxes.

And you're not the only one who likes value for his money!  The only deck I bought for more than $50 was a magic deck that performed an amazing trick.

[Card Player]

Well... Of course we buy the product for its contents but a "designer" spends as much time designing the tuck box "conceptually" as they do each court card. I'm NOT talking about those illustrating their decks. Tuck boxes are still a very important part of the design. I don't recall any cigarette box ever being engineered sideways. Thought and craftsmanship was still put into it, rather a standard uspcc box. Just because D&D upgraded the box for this private reserve, does not make the cards any less applicable. In this case they are as applicable as any other version of S&M.

I believe these are the deluxe v7 court cards. Would I prefer the older style. Sure. Since the v7 deluxe version uses the more standard court cards already, I'm fine with continuing the trend for this private reserve.

4 figures? I wouldn't pay 3 figures for ONE. Even if it were a JN. A collectible box set of 12, less < then $200. Sure.  I like value for my $.

While cigarette boxes aren't meant to be opened from the side, they are meant to have that flip-top style in many cases - a few examples are provided below.  Someone informed me on the topic about that deck that the design was actually inspired by such boxes.

And you're not the only one who likes value for his money!  The only deck I bought for more than $50 was a magic deck that performed an amazing trick.

http://www.playingcardforum.com/playing-card-plethora/smoke-and-mirrors-gold-reserve-edition!!/msg89074/#msg89074

I just wish people would drop the "cigarette box" references.  Does it vaguely resemble a cigarette box?  Sure, but perhaps from days gone by.  It's just a flip-top box - and it's not even the first deck to employ a flip-top box, though it is to my knowledge the first to do so and be side-loading, at least among modern custom decks.  Bent Castle Workshops released their Pegleg Pete decks, Extraordinary Voyages decks and I think a few more using just such a box.  The construction of the BCW boxes is insanely sturdy, with walls that are thicker and stronger than on any measly old tuck box I've ever seen.  It wouldn't surprise me in the least if this deck's box had similar construction properties.

Don - Did you change your opinion? I could swear on the Smoke & Mirror Gold PR thread, you actually defended the NON-association of cigarette boxes and wished people would drop it? Now your bringing it up and defending its association with cigarette boxes? It seems you knew of its inspiration at the time you asked people to drop it.

Yes, there is a strong association with cigarette boxes. I "believe" even Dan & Dave made reference. Personally, I DON'T smoke (only my avatar (Alan Moore)). I don't think of cigarettes when I hold GOLD PR in my hands. I've held a cigarette box before and the Gold PR is actually made of thicker quality paper. You can instantly tell once in your hands, its meant to exhibit a higher quality. I never got that feeling from a cigarette box. The same engineered properties, with higher quality materials.

[Don Boyer]

It's less about changing my opinion, more about being proven wrong!  Hey, it happens, I've been wrong before, and surely will be again sometimes.

I've seen high-quality cigarettes like Dunhill use a box that's comparable on quality if not the same grade.  I've also seen other deck makers use a similar design (Bent Castle Workshop, for one).

[Card Player]

It's less about changing my opinion, more about being proven wrong!  Hey, it happens, I've been wrong before, and surely will be again sometimes.

I've seen high-quality cigarettes like Dunhill use a box that's comparable on quality if not the same grade.  I've also seen other deck makers use a similar design (Bent Castle Workshop, for one).

I'm not keeping score. I'm too far behind. lol

[Wilko]

Well I got my VB from d&d today.
#29 of 144
Red aristocrat
Fultons October
Chinatown game of death
Red Tahoe #1332 of 2500
Stranger stranger Ultimate
Black/gold monarch
Fultons clipjoint black label
Private reserve
Deckstarter no cellophane black deck seal
Red whispering imps
Black JAQK
HMNIM

I'm happy with what was I'm my box. I really wanted the game of death for this to be a win for me.
Only negative was that my clipjoint black seal was printed way off centre on the tuck box. I'll post a picture if I can figure out how!
Can't really say it's a negative though. I contacted d&d and there sending out a replacement.
Happy days.

[Wilko]

Wow. That was easy!! Here's the pics.

[Wilko]

Here's another.

[jwats01]

Well I got my VB from d&d today.
#29 of 144
Red aristocrat
Fultons October
Chinatown game of death
Red Tahoe #1332 of 2500
Stranger stranger Ultimate
Black/gold monarch
Fultons clipjoint black label
Private reserve
Deckstarter no cellophane black deck seal
Red whispering imps
Black JAQK
HMNIM

I'm happy with what was I'm my box. I really wanted the game of death for this to be a win for me.
Only negative was that my clipjoint black seal was printed way off centre on the tuck box. I'll post a picture if I can figure out how!
Can't really say it's a negative though. I contacted d&d and there sending out a replacement.
Happy days.

Nice! I was hoping for a Game of Death too, but no luck! Oh well, off to the ISO pages. LOL

[Don Boyer]

Here's another.

Some collectors put a premium on misprints like that.  It's clear that the tuck box sheet shifted before reaching the cutter, making the box look skewed without actually being folded the wrong way.

[bhong]

Here's another.

Some collectors put a premium on misprints like that.  It's clear that the tuck box sheet shifted before reaching the cutter, making the box look skewed without actually being folded the wrong way.

I believe has been brought up before, but are misprints and mistakes like these as valuable in the playing card world? I know in other collectable worlds (ie. coins, stamps, toys, etc), errors and mistakes bring things up as they are that handful that exist in that state.

But back to topic. Pretty fun misprint and the big question is, are you going to open it, Wilko?

[Wilko]

Here's another.

Some collectors put a premium on misprints like that.  It's clear that the tuck box sheet shifted before reaching the cutter, making the box look skewed without actually being folded the wrong way.

I believe has been brought up before, but are misprints and mistakes like these as valuable in the playing card world? I know in other collectable worlds (ie. coins, stamps, toys, etc), errors and mistakes bring things up as they are that handful that exist in that state.

But back to topic. Pretty fun misprint and the big question is, are you going to open it, Wilko?

To answer your question bhong. No, I'm not going to open the deck up. It's kinda cool that it's misprinted. It makes it unique.

[Don Boyer]

Some collectors put a premium on misprints like that.  It's clear that the tuck box sheet shifted before reaching the cutter, making the box look skewed without actually being folded the wrong way.

I believe has been brought up before, but are misprints and mistakes like these as valuable in the playing card world? I know in other collectable worlds (ie. coins, stamps, toys, etc), errors and mistakes bring things up as they are that handful that exist in that state.

Hmm...  You did read what I wrote just before you, right?  If this was a court of law, my lawyer would be saying "Objection - asked and answered." 

[Card Player]

Here's another.

Some collectors put a premium on misprints like that.  It's clear that the tuck box sheet shifted before reaching the cutter, making the box look skewed without actually being folded the wrong way.

I find it strange no one from D&D caught it while putting the VB's together. Why throw it in a VB purposely?

I know currency collectors put high premium on errors. It can take something that is considered common and increase value to it. I believe most errors with value have more to do with being government issued. Mostly because they rarely make it to circulation before being destroyed and replaced. If you ever see an American dollar with a "*" on the serial number, those are replacement bills for destroyed currency.

[Sher143]

Here's another.

Some collectors put a premium on misprints like that.  It's clear that the tuck box sheet shifted before reaching the cutter, making the box look skewed without actually being folded the wrong way.

I find it strange no one from D&D caught it while putting the VB's together. Why throw it in a VB purposely?

I know currency collectors put high premium on errors. It can take something that is considered common and increase value to it. I believe most errors with value have more to do with being government issued. Mostly because they rarely make it to circulation before being destroyed and replaced. If you ever see an American dollar with a "*" on the serial number, those are replacement bills for destroyed currency.

Oh, cool. I didn't know that. I must remember to check for those sometime!

[PurpleIce]

I'm taking that its Summer/Autumn 2014 since the last one was Winter/Spring 2014.

Dropping this Friday, July 4th. Our seasonal Variety Box featuring a collection or 12 different decks of ‪#‎playingcards‬. Limited to 144. Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity included.

[Don Boyer]

I'm taking that its Summer/Autumn 2014 since the last one was Winter/Spring 2014.

Dropping this Friday, July 4th. Our seasonal Variety Box featuring a collection or 12 different decks of ‪#‎playingcards‬. Limited to 144. Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity included.

The decks inside are hard to discern from that faux reflection.  I can see a Virtuoso, a NOC and a HMNIM.  I can make out a dark box with a "Distributed by D&D" design on its side as well.

Who wants to wager that there's Deckstarter decks in the box? 

[IAmTheChin]

Can I ask if there are a lot of brick box collectors around here? I've collected only a couple when convenient but never actively sought it out.

[Don Boyer]

Can I ask if there are a lot of brick box collectors around here? I've collected only a couple when convenient but never actively sought it out.

Some people do collect the brick boxes, especially if they're sweet-looking customs, but I think that would be more of a minority in a minority hobby.  The thing of it is that in most cases, to get a brick box you have to buy a brick, and not as many people buy anything by the brick these days because there's just so many new designs hitting the market - the money has to go a little further than it did before.

It would make an excellent limited-edition release.  If there's one thing that some collectors go nuts for, it's limited editions.  But that will work only if the "barrier to entry" isn't as high - either offer the boxes flat and empty as an add-on, or consider the new half-brick boxes - check out the Ornate White decks and you'll see what I mean about the half-bricks.  Where someone won't buy a brick, they might buy a half-brick.

[Anthony]

I'm taking that its Summer/Autumn 2014 since the last one was Winter/Spring 2014.

Dropping this Friday, July 4th. Our seasonal Variety Box featuring a collection or 12 different decks of ‪#‎playingcards‬. Limited to 144. Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity included.

The decks inside are hard to discern from that faux reflection.  I can see a Virtuoso, a NOC and a HMNIM.  I can make out a dark box with a "Distributed by D&D" design on its side as well.

Who wants to wager that there's Deckstarter decks in the box? 

I would say that's a certainty Don 

[Card Player]

I'm taking that its Summer/Autumn 2014 since the last one was Winter/Spring 2014.

Dropping this Friday, July 4th. Our seasonal Variety Box featuring a collection or 12 different decks of ‪#‎playingcards‬. Limited to 144. Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity included.

The decks inside are hard to discern from that faux reflection.  I can see a Virtuoso, a NOC and a HMNIM.  I can make out a dark box with a "Distributed by D&D" design on its side as well.

Who wants to wager that there's Deckstarter decks in the box? 

I see a Bruce Lee, what might be a Black Label Clip Joint, possibly an Exquisite Bold. I would not be surprised if the orange Voltige and the Magic Con 2014 decks are included.

[IAmTheChin]

It would make an excellent limited-edition release.  If there's one thing that some collectors go nuts for, it's limited editions.  But that will work only if the "barrier to entry" isn't as high - either offer the boxes flat and empty as an add-on, or consider the new half-brick boxes - check out the Ornate White decks and you'll see what I mean about the half-bricks. 
[/quote]

Hey Don, do you think you could post a picture or link me to one of these half-bricks? I can't seem to find a picture on the KS unless I'm just blatantly missing it?

[RandyButterfield]

Hey Alex,

It's good to see you back again! It's great to see some new Seasons coming soon as well!

We did the 6pk Boxes for the original Amethyst and Emerald Ornates and the Imperial Decks only. The White Ornates has the 4 Deck wide Brick Boxes.

Thanks, Randy

[Justin O.]

It was the Private Reserve I was hoping would be here... Missed it before and glad to see it included.
Between that and a few other decks in there I have had my eye on I picked one up.

Variety Box, Summer 2014
http://shop.dananddave.com/playing-cards/variety-box.html

1.Thick Lines
 2.Virtuosos, Spring/Summer Ed.
 3.HMNIM
 4.Exquiste, Bold
 5.Clip Joint
 6.Arrco® Tahoe
 7.Private Reserve
 8.Bee® RJRTC
 9.Bruce Lee, v2
 10.Smoke & Mirrors, Carbon
 11.DeckStarter®
 12.Whispering Imps, Special Edition Red Box

[PurpleIce]

It was the Private Reserve I was hoping would be here... Missed it before and glad to see it included.
Between that and a few other decks in there I have had my eye on I picked one up.

Variety Box, Summer 2014
http://shop.dananddave.com/playing-cards/variety-box.html

1.Thick Lines
 2.Virtuosos, Spring/Summer Ed.
 3.HMNIM
 4.Exquiste, Bold
 5.Clip Joint
 6.Arrco® Tahoe
 7.Private Reserve
 8.Bee® RJRTC
 9.Bruce Lee, v2
 10.Smoke & Mirrors, Carbon
 11.DeckStarter®
 12.Whispering Imps, Special Edition Red Box

Only interested in the Private Reserve and the Virts. The rest I either have or have no interest in. Just feel they should stop repeating decks from previous Variety Box.

I already can predict the next Variety box will have a clip joint and a arrco tahoe

[DarkDerp]

Just feel they should stop repeating decks from previous Variety Box.

I already can predict the next Variety box will have a clip joint and a arrco tahoe

I keep waiting for them to show up on deckstarter for "funding".

[Mydnyghte]

I keep waiting for them to show up on deckstarter for "funding".

For cards or coffee?

[DarkDerp]

Yes     

[BiggerDee]

Randy does an awesome job with brick boxes! It's like getting Christmas presents that are wrapped in cash! Win-win! :-) Back when his store was open, I picked up several of the original ornate (and MCC) boxes, intending on using them as storage for the decks that I had then. Once I got them, they were so beautiful that I couldn't bear to pack them full and put wear and tear on them, so I still have them packed flat in my "Randy Butterfield Collection" crates! I like the added benefit of having the half brick boxes to reward those who don't (or simply can't) spring for a full brick. Showing everyone the love!

Back to this set...it's good if you are new to collecting (Whether to save or use), or have missed out on a significant number of the included releases, but for anyone else who has been around a few years, they are a pass. I'd love to see more rare/older decks in a half or full brick...although pricey for sure, it's something that everyone could get excited about. This kind of reminds me of the old days where I would buy an entire cassette or CD for one or two songs, with little to no interest in the rest. Now, it's easy to just buy what you like and ignore the rest.

Do some extremely limited EPCC/LPCC "Brick exclusive" versions to thrown in there, and maybe a mystery old rare deck as well and that would pique my interest.
As always, just my two cents' worth of rambling. :-)

[GBrown]

Another Variety Box release:

Our Endless Summer 2014 Variety Box includes the following decks of playing cards.
1.Boardwalk Papers
2.Bee® "Watermelon" RJRTC
3.Misc. Goods Co.
4.Fontaine, Blue
5.DeckStarter®
6.Virtuoso, Summer 2014 Ed.
7.Voltige, Parisian Blue
8.Magic-Con 2014
9.Smoke & Mirrors, Blue
10.NOC, Yellow
11.Bohemia, blue
12.Polaris

Limited to 144 numbered boxes. Signed certificate of authenticity included.

[GBrown]

Apologies for the misspelling of the title; must use spell check!

[Don Boyer]

Apologies for the misspelling of the title; must use spell check!

Fixed.  When you re-edit the first post's title, the topic's title changes.

As far as VBs from them go, they've had much worse.

Link: http://shop.dananddave.com/variety-box.html

[GBrown]

I agree Don; its an interesting mix and there are half of them that I have yet to incorporate in my own collection.  I was tempted to pick it up, but at circa $70 for international shipping (express option only), its a no go.

[PurpleIce]

It's a nice mix of decks, but none of which are particularly rare that interests me. I skip the previous one with the Private reserves already, this one seems much easier to miss.

[aldazar]

This one doesn't seem to be that special to me... Are there any exceptionally rare or cool decks at all? Unless I'm missing something (very possible since I'm a n00b =P), they all appear to be relatively easy to obtain decks...

[Msp062]

The variety box seems light and refreshing ! Nothing groundbreaking, but it's a decent variety of fun cards

[Don Boyer]

This one doesn't seem to be that special to me... Are there any exceptionally rare or cool decks at all? Unless I'm missing something (very possible since I'm a n00b =P), they all appear to be relatively easy to obtain decks...

The Deckstarter deck isn't for sale, for one.

A few of the others have been sold out for some time.  They're not uber-rare or hard to find, but they're certainly not selling at the original MSRP., to wit:

Bee RJRTC
Fontaine, Blue
Virtuoso, Summer 2014
Magic-Con 2014
Bohemia, Blue
Polaris

[KPopFever605]

This Variety Box was okay for me. I wanted the Private Reserves to be included, but it looks like that's not going to happen. It's a decent purchase if your looking for variety, hence the name, I'll give them that.

[Fess]

This Variety Box was okay for me. I wanted the Private Reserves to be included, but it looks like that's not going to happen. It's a decent purchase if your looking for variety, hence the name, I'll give them that.

I agree with you it's a nice variety of cards. It's perfect for someone starting out as well, a nice little mini collection that can give someone a taste of whats out there without a bike on it. While it's not for me, and probably not geared toward most of us here because we probably have a majority of the decks already. I think those new to the scene would really enjoy them. There are a few really great decks included, the watermelon Bees, Boardwalk Papers, Bohemia blues, Virtuoso's are very nice decks. I love the Lemon slice Noc V3's too but I like all Noc v3's. 

Edit: Couldn't stand it. They also added some real stinker decks in this one. Blue Fontaines, Magic-con 2014 etc, honestly you can piece meal this variety box together and save some cash by sticking your own into a CARC brick box. Unless you really like poorly designed decks like those two. Just sayin, it's subjective but hey tossing it out there so I can sleep at night. No offense to anyone intended at all.

[PurpleIce]

This Variety Box was okay for me. I wanted the Private Reserves to be included, but it looks like that's not going to happen. It's a decent purchase if your looking for variety, hence the name, I'll give them that.

I agree with you it's a nice variety of cards. It's perfect for someone starting out as well, a nice little mini collection that can give someone a taste of whats out there without a bike on it. While it's not for me, and probably not geared toward most of us here because we probably have a majority of the decks already. I think those new to the scene would really enjoy them. There are a few really great decks included, the watermelon Bees, Boardwalk Papers, Bohemia blues, Virtuoso's are very nice decks. I love the Lemon slice Noc V3's too but I like all Noc v3's. 

Edit: Couldn't stand it. They also added some real stinker decks in this one. Blue Fontaines, Magic-con 2014 etc, honestly you can piece meal this variety box together and save some cash by sticking your own into a CARC brick box. Unless you really like poorly designed decks like those two. Just sayin, it's subjective but hey tossing it out there so I can sleep at night. No offense to anyone intended at all.

As much as you hate it, the Blue Fontaines and all Magic-Con decks are quite highly sought after, at least around where i am. Why these two decks? I don't understand as well. (Especially Magic-Con 2014, really not my style.) But they are still considered "good" market value decks. I think compared to previous VBs where there is 1-2 rare decks and the rest are cheaper 1s, this VB seems a little more balanced out. Bohemia, Virts and Watermelons though not hard to find, do still command some good market value in the resellers market.

For this VB, there is not one deck that makes us go "WoW", but i think the overall "value" is still ok. At least finally no more Clip Joints and Arrco Tahoe.

[Don Boyer]

For this VB, there is not one deck that makes us go "WoW",

Why would someone go "World of Warcraft" for a deck?? 

It's not a super-stellar box, just a mellow mix, mostly on the decent-to-good side with perhaps a few clunkers.  As pointed out, at least they're not the same clunkers that have appeared in all-too-many of their Variety Boxes.  I'm usually one to complain about the selection in these things (which is why I rarely get VBs from anyone) but this, aside from the lack of a real showstopper of a deck, is not something you could complain too much about, unless you already owned most of what's being offered and didn't need or want more.

As of 1:13AM Eastern, they're still available.

[Fess]

This Variety Box was okay for me. I wanted the Private Reserves to be included, but it looks like that's not going to happen. It's a decent purchase if your looking for variety, hence the name, I'll give them that.

I agree with you it's a nice variety of cards. It's perfect for someone starting out as well, a nice little mini collection that can give someone a taste of whats out there without a bike on it. While it's not for me, and probably not geared toward most of us here because we probably have a majority of the decks already. I think those new to the scene would really enjoy them. There are a few really great decks included, the watermelon Bees, Boardwalk Papers, Bohemia blues, Virtuoso's are very nice decks. I love the Lemon slice Noc V3's too but I like all Noc v3's. 

Edit: Couldn't stand it. They also added some real stinker decks in this one. Blue Fontaines, Magic-con 2014 etc, honestly you can piece meal this variety box together and save some cash by sticking your own into a CARC brick box. Unless you really like poorly designed decks like those two. Just sayin, it's subjective but hey tossing it out there so I can sleep at night. No offense to anyone intended at all.

As much as you hate it, the Blue Fontaines and all Magic-Con decks are quite highly sought after, at least around where i am. Why these two decks? I don't understand as well. (Especially Magic-Con 2014, really not my style.) But they are still considered "good" market value decks. I think compared to previous VBs where there is 1-2 rare decks and the rest are cheaper 1s, this VB seems a little more balanced out. Bohemia, Virts and Watermelons though not hard to find, do still command some good market value in the resellers market.

For this VB, there is not one deck that makes us go "WoW", but i think the overall "value" is still ok. At least finally no more Clip Joints and Arrco Tahoe.

If someone isn't a magic-con deck collector the bicycle star deck almost the same deck and has a much better tuck. Need a blue deck with a solid back? Blue Noc and it won't have a 1/5000 on the bottom of the tuck. Blue Fontaines, 15,000 deck run, not 5,000. Very unimpressive imho. I had 1 deck of each of these, traded them both. One for a red bike and one for a blue bike. Worried ever since that he'd want his bikes back when he realized he got taken. haha, I joking, I did trade them for bikes though. My pals son liked them much more than I did, I would have given them to him but he likes to haggle. Worked for me, I like bikes.

It's cool if someone thinks the Magic-con deck is the cats meow. It's cool if someone thinks the blue fontaines are the most amazing thing since sliced bread. They're wrong lol, but it's okay. I felt I should edit my post so I did, I still think the VB is an okay value and it does have a nice variety in it.

[PurpleIce]

This Variety Box was okay for me. I wanted the Private Reserves to be included, but it looks like that's not going to happen. It's a decent purchase if your looking for variety, hence the name, I'll give them that.

I agree with you it's a nice variety of cards. It's perfect for someone starting out as well, a nice little mini collection that can give someone a taste of whats out there without a bike on it. While it's not for me, and probably not geared toward most of us here because we probably have a majority of the decks already. I think those new to the scene would really enjoy them. There are a few really great decks included, the watermelon Bees, Boardwalk Papers, Bohemia blues, Virtuoso's are very nice decks. I love the Lemon slice Noc V3's too but I like all Noc v3's. 

Edit: Couldn't stand it. They also added some real stinker decks in this one. Blue Fontaines, Magic-con 2014 etc, honestly you can piece meal this variety box together and save some cash by sticking your own into a CARC brick box. Unless you really like poorly designed decks like those two. Just sayin, it's subjective but hey tossing it out there so I can sleep at night. No offense to anyone intended at all.

As much as you hate it, the Blue Fontaines and all Magic-Con decks are quite highly sought after, at least around where i am. Why these two decks? I don't understand as well. (Especially Magic-Con 2014, really not my style.) But they are still considered "good" market value decks. I think compared to previous VBs where there is 1-2 rare decks and the rest are cheaper 1s, this VB seems a little more balanced out. Bohemia, Virts and Watermelons though not hard to find, do still command some good market value in the resellers market.

For this VB, there is not one deck that makes us go "WoW", but i think the overall "value" is still ok. At least finally no more Clip Joints and Arrco Tahoe.

If someone isn't a magic-con deck collector the bicycle star deck almost the same deck and has a much better tuck. Need a blue deck with a solid back? Blue Noc and it won't have a 1/5000 on the bottom of the tuck. Blue Fontaines, 15,000 deck run, not 5,000. Very unimpressive imho. I had 1 deck of each of these, traded them both. One for a red bike and one for a blue bike. Worried ever since that he'd want his bikes back when he realized he got taken. haha, I joking, I did trade them for bikes though. My pals son liked them much more than I did, I would have given them to him but he likes to haggle. Worked for me, I like bikes.

It's cool if someone thinks the Magic-con deck is the cats meow. It's cool if someone thinks the blue fontaines are the most amazing thing since sliced bread. They're wrong lol, but it's okay. I felt I should edit my post so I did, I still think the VB is an okay value and it does have a nice variety in it.

I can tell you really do not like those 2 decks.  Like i said, i too think the Magic-Con 2014 deck is horrible, but that is just the both of us. I did not say they were good decks, I'm just saying the perceived market value for a Magic-Con and Fontaine deck is much higher, and more sought after, then a bike or clip joint. The overall "value" is more evenly balanced throughout each deck making it a good buy especially for people who do not have these decks.

As far as design-wise for each deck, i just have to say it is really up to personal opinion, but for someone who is looking for variety, or just started collecting, i would say it is a good buy compared to their previous VBs. I'm just not getting it because i already have most of the decks. To be honest, it has been awhile since i got anything from D&D though.

[Justin O.]

Hey guys, I thought that having a single post for Dan & Dave's Variety Boxes might help clean up the forum a little and make searching a little more user friendly for the boxes. Don't know if we could merge other V Box topics here or if it would even be worht it, but just an idea.

I was looking at their most recent box, the Winter 2014/2015 and really liking some of the entries in this one. Hollingworth is definitely something I have been looking to add to my collection, but didn't want an expensive clip or box set. And the Black Edition of the Whispering Imps series is another great deck to include here. The Ultimate Deck is a nice value boost, and I will be glad to get one I haven't opened without having to spend full MSRP on it. Also like seeing Voltige and the red Misc. Goods deck. Overall not the worst box they have done in recent memory and I am definitely going to be snagging one.

[Rob Wright]

Hey guys, I thought that having a single post for Dan & Dave's Variety Boxes might help clean up the forum a little and make searching a little more user friendly for the boxes. Don't know if we could merge other V Box topics here or if it would even be worht it, but just an idea.

Good idea Justin. Merge Started.


Edit- Some of the first post have the V1- V5 decks listed. If someone wanted to complete the list -V6 to current. That would be pretty cool.

[Don Boyer]

Hey guys, I thought that having a single post for Dan & Dave's Variety Boxes might help clean up the forum a little and make searching a little more user friendly for the boxes. Don't know if we could merge other V Box topics here or if it would even be worht it, but just an idea.

Good idea Justin. Merge Started.


Edit- Some of the first post have the V1- V5 decks listed. If someone wanted to complete the list -V6 to current. That would be pretty cool.

Those early Variety Boxes are like finding gold - not easy to get your hands on, especially with all the decks intact.

[Justin O.]

Edit- Some of the first post have the V1- V5 decks listed. If someone wanted to complete the list -V6 to current. That would be pretty cool.

Those early Variety Boxes are like finding gold - not easy to get your hands on, especially with all the decks intact.

Yeah, the early variety boxes included some amazing decks! These contemporary boxes hardly compare, but are still a great places to get some harder to find decks, and excellent for newer collectors to jumpstart their collections.

[Fess]

This winter box isn't bad at all, I agree. I actually like almost every deck in it this time. Who would have thought I'd ever say that about a Variety box from Dan and Dave haha. This just happened!

[KPopFever605]

I just purchased my Variety Box yesterday. With D&D's ongoing holiday special, you get a deck of Private Reserves with every order over $150, so it works out great. They are also offering free shipping on orders over $75, and I had a coupon code to save me about 10%. However, as I live in California, I had to pay sales tax, so the coupon code just alleviated the sales tax.

However, if you are anywhere out of California, the purchase is a no brainer!

I'll have an unboxing video of the package up shortly when it arrives.

[Justin O.]

I didn't realize they were giving away private reserves with purchases over $150... I only got the Variety Box, and with free shipping I was cents short and only got the mystery deck. Kicking myself a little bit now...

[KPopFever605]

I didn't realize they were giving away private reserves with purchases over $150... I only got the Variety Box, and with free shipping I was cents short and only got the mystery deck. Kicking myself a little bit now...

Oh, I'm sorry my friend. What did your Mystery Deck turn out to be?

[Rob Wright]

Except for the 12.Guy Hollingworth Deck, I already have all the decks from this set that I want. Pass for me.
For someone who is starting to collect. It is a pretty decent combination.

[Justin O.]

I didn't realize they were giving away private reserves with purchases over $150... I only got the Variety Box, and with free shipping I was cents short and only got the mystery deck. Kicking myself a little bit now...

Oh, I'm sorry my friend. What did your Mystery Deck turn out to be?

It hadn't shipped yet. Fortunately I emailed their customer service and they were kind enough to swap out the mystery deck for a gold reserve. Couldn't be more happy with their willingness to do that.

[KPopFever605]

I know, It is taking them like a week to ship out my items. Look like they're quite packed this time of year.

[Don Boyer]

I know, It is taking them like a week to ship out my items. Look like they're quite packed this time of year.

EVERYBODY is...  My expected shipments are pretty delayed as well.

[PurpleIce]

I know, It is taking them like a week to ship out my items. Look like they're quite packed this time of year.

EVERYBODY is...  My expected shipments are pretty delayed as well.

My mystery decks are still a mystery....location of it is also a mystery...just somewhere on its way here for quite a while now.

[Justin O.]

Just got D&Ds newsletter advertising their Summer box. It's always hard for me not to get the Variety Box when there are at least two three decks in there I want because of the value of the Private Reserve and I love the brick box they come in. I'm really weighing this one out right now; can't decide

[Mark]

Just received my first D&D box today (Summer) and it's a brick. I wavered a bit on this too but was interested in several of them, such as Ultimate Deck and the Fulton's. I did get a Deckstarter instead of an Antler Ltd though. Will have to find out what happened.

[Don Boyer]

Just received my first D&D box today (Summer) and it's a brick. I wavered a bit on this too but was interested in several of them, such as Ultimate Deck and the Fulton's. I did get a Deckstarter instead of an Antler Ltd though. Will have to find out what happened.

Sounds like they ran out of Antler Ltd.  Don't sweat it - I think the Deckstarter deck is tougher to get a hold of, anyway.