At 1:44 AM +0000 3/27/07, SteveFeinstein wrote:

>I've decided to start using the Strat-O-Matic board game. Right now,
>I'm not interested in replaying full seasons. My thought is to just
>buy teams I'm interested in (possibly replaying playoffs) or getting
>old-timer cards and making my own teams. In any case, I'm having a
>tough time figuring out what I need to buy. The SOM website is not
>too clear (in the purchase area).
>
>I'm guessing I need to buy the teams (which look like they run about
>1.65 ea). I have the All-Stars game from 1997. So that has dice and
>basic charts. Do I just need to buy advanced charts (and which ones)?
> For example I saw an advanced chart - cardboard and an advanced chart
>cardboard game (and the latter was less money ?????).
>
>Looking for any help.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Steve

Steve,

Welcome back to the game. You are right about Strat's Web site. It
works for those who know exactly what they want, but not for those
unfamiliar with the game. The problem is the absence of the brochure
or its information. Instead, you have to ask for it to be
snail-mailed to you. Unbelievable.

Anyway, I wouldn't presume that the All-Star Game's charts are
useable with the game today. I wouldn't make that assumption even
with a 1997 regular game. Plus, the instructions were overhauled
several years ago. And if your game doesn't have pitchers hitting
cards 5 through 8, you're going to need a new set of those too. I'd
just buy everything from scratch if I were you.

If you want some recent teams anyway, the best option is the
"Selector Set." This option, not listed on the Web site, gives you
five 2006 teams of your choice plus all game parts for $18.25. Of
course, you can always add to that more teams at $1.65 each. I'd also
invest the $1.65 for the "mixed player group."

If you want just the charts, the simplest way to get everything is to
order the so-called baseball game setup. This is all the game parts
for $15.25. Otherwise, you're going to have to order all the
following individually: 20-sided die (70 cents), basic fielding chart
($3.35), pitchers hitting cards (85 cents), basic/advanced strategy
charts (3.20), advanced fielding chart (3.70), instructions (1.30),
plus super-advanced charts on paper (2.20) or cardboard (much better,
4.75). If you're buying the whole game, you can substitute the paper
charts that come with it with the cardboard charts for an extra $2.20.

If you want the selector set, you're going to have to order the
brochure from the Web site and order through that (click "Brochure
Request" on the home page), or call the company at (800) 645-3455.
Otherwise, you can order through the Web site's product store.

Hope this helps,
Gary