How Did You Beat the Monster?

[donmuth]

I haven't beat the monster yet, but hope to one day. I'm at about 70 cards, so around 13% complete now.

Mainly I have taken the opportunistic approach - i.e. whenever I find a deal and have some spare cash I'll pick up a card or two.

My more methodical self has been working on the complete backs set (toughest one I have now is a Carolina Brights) as well as pursuing Cubs/Detroit/Giants/Pittsburgh team sets, SL'ers, and any of the tougher commons (150 only series, Ganley, etc.).

I've been at this since the late 1980's, but haven't been putting all my focus or resources into it.

The benefit of breaking down the monster into subsets and tackling those is that you get rewarded sooner and more often when you complete a subset (think of it like the Dave Ramsey debt snowball idea... it gets you excited about continuing on the path!). However, there's a catch... you can sometimes be halted in your tracks waiting for that one last card in the right condition, at the right price, at the right time (e.g. catching it before someone else does on the B/S/T) to become available.

So, my best recommendation is be flexible in everything - the order in which you acquire the cards, the condition, etc. Every card you pick up is one closer to the end and they are all great. Enjoy crossing off even the most common of commons from your want list. It'll make the trip easier and much more fun!

[Bicem]

The only way to beat the monster is to collect something else or have a ton of $, either way.

[iggyman]

Merely a myth! One does not beat the monster, the monster plummets its victims into submission. There is no other fate!

Oh, and to answer your question. Took 10+ years (but I'm still collecting it), a bunch of flipping, and now I can die with a smiley on my tombstone.

Lovely Day...

[DixieBaseball]

The short answer is I didn't... I got the 48 Southern Leaguer's completed, and decided I could not focus and dedicate myself to the remaining balance. Was I upset ? No. Did it kick my arse ? Sure.

[Jim VB]

Jeff nailed it in post #4. None of the cards in T206 are really difficult to find. I'll bet every single card in the set has come up for auction in the last 2 years. (I think I remember a Doyle in REA 2009, but I may be wrong.)

It does come down to a question of your available cash, and your definition of "set." If you are satisified with 518 (or 520) out of 524 (or 525 if you like Cobb/Cobb) it's actually pretty easy.

[ChiefBenderForever]

After a couple years I was at around 130 or so and got beat, gave up and let the monster win, I just couldn't stay focused and moved on. Best of luck on your journey.

[tonyo]

Here is another favorite Monster quote from the esteemed Barry Arnold:

"It is an amazingly shrewd adversary,yet a most intriguing friend."

My advice (after only two years of collecting t206's) is:
Don't look at it as if you are going to "beat the monster"

Approach the task with much patience and a disciplined monetary plan.

The cards are so plentiful and available in wide ranges of condition, it's easy to get sucked into spending a little more than you really had intended on each purchase.

[sb1]

The worst way to tackle it is one card at a time. You will pay more and it may take forever. Buy as large of groups as you can find (and afford) and buy them. Keep what you want and sell the rest, just keep repeating this and in a matter of time you will have a large portion of the set. When you get towards the end you will have to buy some singles, but even early on you will be surprised by the number of HOFers, even off grade Cobbs, that are included in small, medium and large size groups.

[mickey7mantle7]

Originally Posted by Bicem

The only way to beat the monster is to collect something else or have a ton of $, either way.

hell yea...

[judsonhamlin]

It has taken me 23+ years to get to 518, but I have made it difficult on myself - I have only purchased a couple of Piedmont and Sweet Caporal backs since '93 or so. I started by shooting for one of each major league player and the minor and SL guys who had been in the majors. For a little while, I deluded myself into thinking that I was good with just that, but I drank the Kool-Aid or Drum-Aid or whatever you want to call it and I was hooked on finishing it. Realistically, I should get to 520 soon and, with some luck (and $$), maybe 521 (Magie).

[lharri3600]

Believe it or not, it took me 2 years to complete my first set (graded out to 4.5. Then it took me 4 months to do my raw/graded set. i'm busted but i'm happy

[kllrbee]

I just started not too long ago. Im only about 10% complete and its already beating me up. LOL. But it really is alot of fun.

Im trying to get the Hof's I like first graded (2-4), then I will move onto SL's graded. And in the meantime, I will pick up raw common lots as they come up to bulk up the set.

As stated above, I will pick out the raws I want to keep and trade or sell the rest. When that time comes, I hope to meet alot of folks here on the forum.

Thats my plan at least.....I will see what happens along the way.

[tbob]

Card by card, all raw but creaseless, from ebay over 10 years ago. It was a lot easier then I am afraid. Have the set minus the Big 4 although I think Magie will fall this summer.

[Scott T]

I went about tackling "The Monster" in entirely the wrong way, but have enjoyed doing so. My collection is 98% complete (SGC graded, mainly 20's and 30's)

I bought most of my collection raw in one and two card lots and then submitted them to SGC.

However you get there (and I never will) tackling "The Monster" is a worthy goal and a fun journey.

[ethicsprof]

excellent, drew!!!
not being able to hear is a winning technique!!
all the best,

barry