Results from Dec. 22

How about I put up some results from last week? It's been crazy holiday time since then... As usual, an asterisk * marks invalid words.

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
David	4 - 0	+206	TOONIES 68       RECITED 74
			IOD(I)ZES 84       EUDAIMON 80
Betty	2 - 1	+28	TONGUED 68       MIRACLE 86
Victoria	2 - 1	-6	SCANTER 91       M(E)NDERS 86
			ACONI(T)E 89       SUNLESS 81
Jan	2 - 2	+75	DONNIE(S)* 66       OUTDATE 66
Janny	1 - 2	+53	(P)ANSIES 69       QUART(E)T 83
Cheryl	1 - 2	-162	ENTRIES 64       ENGRAVES 64
Rita	1 - 3	-12	SPRINTS 70       ARTSIER 73
Will	0 - 2	-227	INNATELY 86       INSCAPED* 88

Club 12/22?

Anybody coming today? I have a myriad of things I need to do but I am also traveling with game gear, so if anyone else is coming I'll be there.

Results for Dec. 15, 2013

It was "romp and stomp" for Steve today.

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Steve	3 - 0	+474	DOGBANES 68       NORMALS 96
			VITIATE 82         ROTATED 70
			INHALER 81       NEGATES 70
Rita	2 - 1	+131	HUSTLING 65
Cheryl	1 - 2	-236	(H)OSTE(L)S 67       BEANIE(S) 67
			FILTERS 89
Janny	0 - 3	-369

Club today (12/15)

I'll be there, for a couple of games at least.

I think it's a bit too icy for travel today although I plan to be out around 4 PM.

Club results, Dec. 1

We had six players on Sunday. I love even numbers. Rita gave everyone a good run: Her only loss was by one point, and she had the two highest-scoring bingoes. Victoria was the bingo champ, with seven in four games.

We had 19 bingoes in nine games.

Results:

Rita   3-1, +101   SINUATE 94, LOTIONS 95
Will   2-1, +104   PORTENDS 68, GASOLINE 71, SNARFED 78, AVIATES 76, HAYSEED 84
Victoria   2-2, +82   HERNIAS 84, MERITORY* 68, AEOLIAN 67, ORATION 63 NESTLER 78, GRAVIDAE 64, DENOTED 70
Steve   1-1, +25   EDGIEST 70, PRALINE 87, GESTURES 80
Betty   1-2, -66   AREOLAE 63, REPOSIT 67
Janny 0-2, -151

Club Dec. 1

I'm hoping we'll have another good turnout tomorrow at club.  Perhaps I'll even be able to make it there.  :)

We had a strong turnout at club today: eight players, including Rita Guffy, who was visiting family in the area, and Jan's sister Marsha, who also was visiting. It was Marsha's first exposure to tournament-style Scrabble.

However we don't have the scores for the final Rita/Marsha game, so these results don't reflect them. An asterisk * denotes invalid words.

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Victoria	4 - 0	+348	SENORAS 67       SERRANO 77
			NARCIST 81       VERITAS 70
Will	2 - 0	+209	UNITABLE* 63       ISOLEAD 70
			LOCATES 75       DRENCHES
Rita	1 - 1	+109	SLANGED 67
Betty	1 - 1	+97	REGULATE 80       RONDELS 76
Jan	1 - 2	-322
Cheryl	1 - 3	-215	RELENtE(D) 69
Marsha	0 - 2	-172
Janny	0 - 3	-194	NICETIES 61

Scrabble on Sunday, Nov. 24

I'm a maybe; hope to be there. Others?

Nov. 16 Tourney Results

We had a great turnout yesterday, 22 entrants from 6 states in 3 divisions!  Prizewinners are listed below.  The full results can be seen at: http://cross-tables.com/tourney.php?tourneyid=8306

Thanks for everyone's participation, see you next time!

Division A:
First Place:  Marc Broering, 6-2, +678, $120
Second Place:  Ruchi Gupta, 5-3, +386, $60
Third Place:  Eric Harshbarger, 5-3, +363, $40
High Win:  Eric Harshbarger, 541, round 2
High Loss:  Marc Broering, 417, round 6

Division B:
First Place:  Betty King, 6-2, +417, $120
Second Place:  Margaret Yoder, 5-3, +36, $60
Third Place:  Beth Palmer, 4.5-3.5, +183, $40
High Win:  Beth Palmer, 496, round 7
High Loss:  Trish Harrop, 425, round 7

Division C:
First Place:  Thomas Hehl, 6-2, +451, $100
Second Place:  Kelly Lee (new player!), 6-2, +433, $40
Third Place:  Jan Hatton, 5-3, +74, $25
High Win:  Thomas Hehl, 444, round 5
High Loss:  Andrea Carman, 346-360, round 1

Sunday Nov. 17

Everyone who went to the Richmond tournament yesterday will likely NOT be at Bob Evans today, so see you next weekend!

I'm off on a road trip to Ohio today we've planned for a couple of months, so won't be at Club today.

Tourney less than 2 weeks away!

Tourney time is closing in!!!  Eight games of NASPA-rated action, for one low $35 entry fee.  The venue (Cosmic Oasis) is free, so we will have good payouts like last time.  If you've been on the fence about whether to join us, what are you waiting for?

So, if you're interested in playing, please shoot me an email soon, at bush3262@yahoo.com.   I would like to  have all entry fees in hand by Wednesday, 11/13, but the sooner the better.  You can mail it to me here:

Steve Bush
913 Country Oaks Drive
Richmond KY 40475

Or, if you plan to be at club this coming Sunday for the November meeting, you can give it to me in person then.  I hope to see you at both events!

Club for Nov. 3

I'll be there. Who else?

Club for Oct. 27

I'm tied up today and next weekend is my usual weekend to work, so I won't be in for two weeks. And I solemnly swear to mail my tournament entry today...

Club results for Oct. 20, 2013

David is home for fall break and dropped in today. We had a few phonies pop up during the afternoon, which are noted with asterisks. (Sorry Vic, I ran one of yours thru Zyzzyva...)

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Betty	3 - 1	+428	STERNAL 69       SOLATED 71
			RELEARNS 59       (D)ISTILL 69
			FOILERS* 78       SCARING 73
David	3 - 1	+91	HEROINS 66       ENTIRELY 72
			OVERSAY* 91       ARENOUS 68
			SAUTOIRE 68
Jan	2 - 2	-26
Victoria	2 - 2	-77	FAGOTED 82       NAILERS 76
			PROSIEST 62       COATIES* 88
Cheryl	1 - 3	-58	O(P)ENING(S) 59       (I)NSIDES 73
Janny	1 - 3	-348

Tourney Reminder

Hi everyone,

Just a friendly reminder that our Nov. 16 tournament is less than a month away.  If you're interested in playing, please shoot me an email so I can add you to the entrants list on cross-tables..  If you've already done so but haven't gotten your entry fee to me, please do so soon.  Note that I'm traveling and won't be at club for you to give it to me in person, so please mail it to me at the following address:

Steve Bush
913 Country Oaks Drive
Richmond KY 40475

Thanks, and hope to see you there!

Club Today

I'm unlikely again for today.

In fact, due to travel over the next several weeks, my next Scrabble "appearance" will be our Nov. 16 tournament at Cosmic Oasis.  If you're planning to attend, please let me know and get your registration to me soon.

Club Sept. 29

I'll be there tomorrow.  Who else?

I couldn't make it yesterday and am unlikely for next week as well. Weekend after that I have to work; weekend after *that* is the Charleston WV tournament.

Club Sunday 9/22

I'm a "likely" at this point, for a couple of games anyway.  Who else?

Club results for Sept. 15

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Betty	4 - 0	+501	SITTERS 70       SUSPEND 66
			BRISTLED 76
Victoria	3 - 1	-20	SHUT(T)ERS 80       EXILIAN 86
			TREADING 72       ENTASIA 67
			CITHERN 94       LANCETS 72
Cheryl	1 - 3	-108	COGITA(T)E 74
Janny	0 - 4	-459

NASPA rules changes

If you didn't get the email from NASPA about upcoming rules changes, here's a link: http://www2.scrabbleplayers.org/rules/changes-20130910.pdf

September Meeting Results

We had a nice crowd yesterday, 8 folks, including an out-of-town visitor (Joe Roberdeau), and a new (in-town) visitor, Joe Deas.  Thanks to both for joining us!

Here are the results (the monthly stats have been updated accordingly):

Steve, 4-0, +502, HIDEOUS 70, NAIADES 69, TRUDGES 76, VIEWERS 107, GRANTORS 68, ORIFICE 76, INARMED 66
Joe R., 3-1, +69, ROARING, NATTERS 78, AMOUNTED 62, POUTINE 76, OUTCRIED, VASTEST 71
Margaret, 2-1, -114, TUNNELS 83, SARKIER 68, HASTIER 71
Victoria, 2-2, -81, ROILIER 67, URINATE 68, DEVISOR 70, ETESIAN 75, SENARII 65, RECEIVES 59
Betty, 1-2, +84, EXORDIA, OBLASTI 68
Janny S., 1-2, -206
Jan H., 1-3, -111, CONKIER* 73
Joe D., 0-3, -143, AIRLINE 62, FUSSIER 91

Hope to see you next time.  Also, don't forget our Nov. 16 rated tournament.  Let me know if you're interested in attending...details can be found here:

http://cross-tables.com/download/2013/11/richmond.pdf

September Official Meeting

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that tomorrow (9/8) is our September official monthly meeting, at the usual time and place, 2-6pm at Bob Evan's on Richmond Road.  Hope to see everyone there!

Club Tomorrow (9/1)

I'll be there.  Who else?

Mark Your Calendars

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to announce that our THIRD rated tournament for this year is now on the NASPA calendar, for November 16 at Cosmic Oasis.  It will still be a single-day event, but 8 games this time.  The fee will stay at $35, though; 8 games for the price of 7.  :)

Watch cross-tables.com for the official announcement and flyer soon!

Club Tomorrow (8/25)

Well I apologize for sounding like a broken record, but I won't be able to make club again tomorrow.  Also, we had several that went and played at Indy today and are getting back late tonight, so numbers may be pretty slim.  So, if you're one of the ones that can make it, please post a comment.

I hope to get back in the swing of things soon, if not next week, then for sure the official monthly meeting the week after.

Results from Sunday, Aug. 18

Five people slung tiles Sunday at Bob Evans. Everyone except Cheryl got in at least four games, and Betty made us all pay.

 Betty 4-0, +230    Bingoes: EMIRATES 78, SKILLED 87
Will 3-1, +244       Bingoes: GREATENS 77, GENTLES 64, DELETION 74, TALLIES 85,
       OPENEST 65
Cheryl 1-2, -44
Victoria 1-3, -187  Bingoes: WEIRDER 80, CARLINE 83
Jan 1-4, -243          Bingoes: ALINERS 62, FAIRIES 71

Club Tomorrow (8/18)

I won't be able to make club tomorrow.  What about others?

August Official Meeting Results

Below are the results of Sunday's official meeting.  I've updated the monthly stats link also.  Thanks for Will for collecting Sunday's stats in my absence!

Will 4-1, +308   Bingoes: DESOLATE 62, GRATINS 63, CANNIEST 80, NAIVETE 70, NEWTONS 64, ANOLYTE 88
Betty 3-2, +46   Bingoes: ARENOUS 73, RATIONED 70, SNORTERS 74, SAUCIER 70, NETLESS 72
Victoria 2-3, -160   Bingoes: PAINTERS 83, FANNERS 71, EROSION 74, SATIRE 70, ANTICAR 63, RENTING 73
Janny 1-3, -147   Bingoes: ROTATES 61
David 0-1, -7   Bingoes: MINGLERS 63

Club on Sunday, Aug. 11

I plan to be at club on Sunday. It's the official monthly meeting, correct?

Dispatch from nationals, finale

Day 5: Three games and it's over, having gone far too fast. With a record of 15 and 13, I'm hoping for at least one win, which would guarantee a winning record. I've climbed within hailing distance of the leaders, which, considering my start, leaves me pretty happy no matter what happens.

Game 29: The morning starts wonderfully: Going first, I pull SCRIBERS out of the bag and play it, and opponent challenges. Two turns later, with a vowel-heavy rack, I play EULOGIAE through the U that my opponent just played. I'm up by 130 points and manage to maintain a healthy lead, then I seal the game when, with both blanks, I play ENGRAILS for 66. I make a dumb late mistake, front-hooking an A onto VIS, but I follow with FLAW for 42. Final score: 453-333. I'm going to finish with a winning record. Woohoo!

Game 30: Opponent opens  with QUANT for 48 followed by DALLIED for 67, but I answer her bingo with DOWDIEST for 89, then TREATER for 70. Three turns later I have PIRATES for 63, and a few high-scoring small plays keeps me out of trouble. Final score: 436-351. Record: 17-13.

Game 31: In a rematch from game 22, which I lost by 10, opponent opens with QUOTE for 48 and gradually increases her lead. On turn 4, I play JINGOIST for 68 (JOISTING also would have played, but I wasn't as sure of it). Opponent answers with RAVENING for 89, but I then play JAUK for 45, followed by APHONIAS for 72, using the first blank. Opponent regains the lead, but I draw the second blank and play TORNADO for 70. With a crowded board and little in the bag, we make a series of small plays, and I squeak out a win, 425-409.

Final record: 18-13, +964. I finish in 21st place, after having dropped to 121st place after game 5. I finished in the top 10 in points scored, more than 12,000, and average score, 411.5. I have better than average luck, drawing 34 of the 62 blanks, but I played well, too: 62 bingoes, exactly 2 per game, compared to 36 for my opponents. My rating is now 1451, a 164-point gain, and I find out later that I won $150 for second-best performance over my seeding. I can identify at least two games that I could have won, but other than that, this was an overwhelming success, and a blast to boot.

Dispatch from nationals, Day 4

Game 1: I wish I had this game back. After trailing by 20 points or less most of the game, I finally took a lead on a 52-point XI/AX play. Two turns later, I was ahead by 14 and opponent had exchanged. Finally I had a bingo rack, with a few tiles available for an eight, but no obvious 7-tile bingo spots. I dithered for a long time, going more than 3 minutes overtime, and finally I played a desperation phony: REALEST, placing the E under MUCIN to make MUCINE*, for 78 points. Opponent held but wisely didn't challenge, because she had a 61-point bingo and knew I would lose 40 points on time. When it was over, I lost by 10.

Game 2: Playing the No. 24 seed, I got off to an unusual start. I drew first, but with four Es, I exchanged. On my second turn, I bingoed with MINUTEST for 70, but I drew three Es, three Os and a U, so I exchanged again. And again it paid off: I played UNSTOWED off the U in MINUTEST for 86. So my first four turns were: exchange, bingo, exchange, bingo. Unfortunately, opponent was keeping up, with the bingo AEDILES and high-scoring short plays. On turn 12, opponent had a 15-point lead, and with two tiles in the bag, I had the Q and a U, with only one spot to make a decent play. Opponent took a long time, laying down a P on a 30-point spot, then picking it up and shuffling tiles. Finally he looked up and said, "Pass." I could hardly believe it. I double-checked the score, checked my tracking for the nine unseen tiles, and made my play: QUIRE/ERE, with the Qon a double-letter and the R on a double-word, for 51 points. Opponent was stunned. He'd overlooked the possible hot spot, thinking that with the junk left over, I couldn't make a decent play, and he'd passed because he didn't want to risk getting stuck with the Q. So one game after apparently handing over a game, I stole one back.

Game 3: On turn 2, opponent bingoed with MEDIANS for 78. One turn later, I answered with DELATION for 70 to take a brief, narrow lead. It was back and forth for several turns, and then opponent played SMUGGER for 80. That was during a four-turn stretch when I averaged 38 points a turn, but I couldn't regain the lead, and I lost by 14, 428-414.

Game 4: I had my chances, with two bingoes -- MARKETED for 71 and AROUSING for 62 -- plus FAUX for 58 and HIVER for 51, but I hurt myself by trying to hook an S onto DE on a bingo play and getting it challenged off. The game ended with opponent winning by 1 point, so I requested a recount. I'm embarrassed to say I had three math errors, overcounting by 2 on one play and undercounting on two other plays by a total of 5. Opponent undercounted on one play, and once we fixed our mistakes, I had won by 3 points. I'm not proud of that win.

Game 5: Challenges were my friend in this game. I challenged off REGALIAS* on turn 5, then my subsequent 48-point play of KNAWE survived opponent's challenge. Later, I played FATTIES for 85 and an unrecorded bingo for 80. I allowed a phony when opponent played MONEY for 49, placing the N above OILIEST. (NOILY is good, but not NOILIER* or NOILIEST*.) By then, though, I had enough of a lead, and I won, 460-391.

Game 6: Opponent drew both blanks and played each for bingoes, but I was able to hang close until the end. I had SUNBEAM for 74, plus JARRED for 42 and AALS on a busy spot for 41, but it wasn't quite enough: I lost, 377-354.

Game 7: I had gradually built a 50-point lead when luck started falling my way. I played ACROBAT for 73, opponent answered with TINNERS for 66, but I had MAESTRI for 75 and then HAW in a rich spot for 57. Final score: 456-339.

I had a consistent pattern on Day 4: W, L, W, L, W, L, W. That was fine by me: With three games left, I already had exceeded my "expected wins" of 11, and one win in the final three games would guarantee a winning record.

Results for August 4, 2013

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
David	4 - 0	+661	ESTIV(A)L 80       REALISE 64
			REACHE(D) 80       RATLINE 71
			SEN(D)ING 71       UnEARTHS 74 72
Betty	3 - 1	+298	SUSTAIN 73       TORTURES 69
Victoria	3 - 1	+29	GUILDERS 64       LAWINES 72
			RETINAE 69       ANISOLE 72
			DIORI(T)ES 62
Janny	2 - 2	-66	RETAIL(S) 68       DaNGL(E)RS 63
Cheryl	0 - 4	-344
Jan	0 - 4	-578	ENTRIES 66

Club on Sunday, July 28

I won't make it to club today. I hope everyone has a good time. Still catching up. I hope to have Day 4 of my nationals write-up posted by the end of the night.

Dispatch from nationals, Day 3

Less craziness today, but more wins. I went 5-2 to end the third day with a winning record, 11-10. Woohoo! After I started 0-5, that feels pretty good.

I saw more blanks today: 10 of 14. That always helps. In game 1, I squeaked out a 16-point win with a mix of guile and good play. Ahead by two midgame, I decided to take a risk, playing PESTING for 92. I doubted it was good, but to my surprise, my opponent held but didn't challenge. My next turn, I played FATED in a hot spot for 49. I was in control with a 115-point lead, but two turns later my opponent played KUDZU to a triple for 54 points, WAD for 33 and then LOONIES for 86 to take a seven point lead. With no tiles left, I needed points, and I found YLEM on a triple, parallel to the OONI in LOONIES, for 43 points, enough to win the game. Final score, 410-394. Whew!

In game 2, I drew both blanks, played two bingoes and won a challenge, yet I managed to lose, 434-396. I played VARIATE on turn 3 for 77 and later played DIPPABLE for 66, drawing the challenge, but I couldn't capitalize on a 76-point lead. Opponent scored 46 with the Q and 51 with the Z, sandwiching plays of 39 and 26 points. I had to waste the blank on a 14-point play late in the game, followed by three single-digit plays. Not the way to take advantage of a lead.

In game 3, I opened with ANTIAIR, drawing a challenge. Opponent bounced back, though, with SCENDING for 60 on his next turn. Later I drew a challenge on ANTICK, but opponent stayed close. Late in the game, I held a nearly 50-point lead, and opponent played HURTLERS in the only available bingo lane. I challenged it off, and I couldn't see how he could bingo in that spot with EHLRTU?, so I played elsewhere for points. Opponent tried again with CHURTLE and I won my fourth challenge of the game. I played off my Y for 23 points. Opponent finally played THUD elsewhere for 32, but the game was mine, 402-334.

In game 4, I had two bingoes, TAWNIES for 95 (I think that was my highest-scoring play of the tournament) and CINEOLE for 65, plus the high-scoring plays of HAW for 37, BARYE for 46 and ZONED for 45. Opponent had SOARING for 83, but I won, 444-328.

In game 5, opponent opened with AVOIDED. I answered with JOVIAL for 32, and two turns later I caught up with DOPANTS for 76. On turn 5 I played REALIZE for 219 a 57-point lead, but that was short-lived. After playing MUS/REALIZES for 40, I tried to play through a junky rack, then I exchanged, but it didn't help. I hurt my chances when opponent played OXY, hooking the Y onto CLANG. I held, but I thought CLANGY, CLANGIER and CLANGIEST were plausible. What I didn't do and should have was to arrange the letters as an alphagram. CAEGILNR should have triggered my memory that the "good" words in that combination were RELACING and CLEARING. Therefore, CLANGIER* was no good, and CLANGY* probably wasn't, either. A challenge there might have changed the outcome.

In game 6, game 21 of the tournament, I opened with FRAME for 28, with the F on the double-letter square, three spots in from the triple-word score. On his second turn, opponent bingoed with RESONATE for 62, but I answered with SIGNETS/RESONATES for 75.Three turns later, after opponent played COW in a great spot for 41, I played TOLUIDES for 70. I drew drek, though, and exchanged on my next turn. Opponent then played BED in front of FRAME to make BEDFRAME for a triple, scoring 48. My lead was down to five points. Three turns later, holding ACLORT? and with three spots to play a bingo, I put down SCROTAL through a triple-word score for 80 points. Opponent challenged, and I built a 105-point lead. Opponent closed the gap on the last few turns, but I won, 436-362.

In game 7, it was a close game for seven turns. On turn eight, down by 18, I played SKIRTING for 64. Two turns later, holding a 36-point lead, I exchanged five tiles. Opponent then put down UMPTEENS through the M, with a blank as the U, for 74. I held. And held. The plurals of many numbers are good, but UMPTEENS? I decided UMPTEEN and UMPTEENTH were adjectives and couldn't be pluralized, so I challenged. And I won the challenge. My exchange on my previous turn paid off: I played FARSIDE for 80, building a 116-point lead. Opponent then found another bingo spot, playing STEEPEN for 67. But I answered with AYE for 52, followed by a 42-pointer (I didn't record the word). By then, the board was all clogged up, and we took 17 turns to end the game, 435-339 in my favor. Finally, I had a winning record: 11-10.

 

Dispatch from nationals, Day 2

I topped yesterday's craziness, right off the bat.

In Game 1, I went first and drew DOLEFUL for 80. My opponent challenged, and I drew GILMPSR. Wasn't sure about GLIMPSER, but what the hey. Opponent challenged, and it was good! Now I'm up 156-0. So I draw AINRR?? on a wide-open board. I play DRAINeRs down to the triple-word score for 74. Now it's 230-0. My opponent answered with UNSIGNED through the I in GLIMPSER, but nothing was going to go against me this game. Later I played TRACTION for 72, followed by DETACH for 41. My opponent later played RELEARNT, and the final score was 522-381.
,
In game 2, again I could do no wrong. I exchanged junk on my first turn, and played AH for 6 on my second turn. Then the fireworks began. I played VEALING for 68, followed by PRONATED for 76, followed by ANCHORET for 66. Three turns later, I played OVERBITE for 66. My opponent played EXcITES for 99, hooking the C to MAGI to make magic. She kept it close, and I won, 460-418.

Game 3, I lost when my opponent bingoed out with ENGRAILS, but I had three bingoes (not in a row): YEARLING for 74, EXTRUDES for 81 and NERVIEST for 76.

Game 4, I again had three bingoes in a 417-341 win: SMELTED for 70, DEFLATES for 74 and SECONAL for 69.

After lunch, it was back to reality. I beat my friend and nemesis Bruce Shuman, 395-369, but the magic ran out in game 6: I played INHALER for 61 on my fourth turn, but I drew drek for the rest of the game and had no answer for my opponent's high plays. She won, 414-316.

In game 7, I had an intense and close contest with a Thai-born player from Florida. I managed to play BRINGER for 69 and SONSIER for 71, but my opponent stayed close with high-scoring plays and had a late bingo, AIGRETS for 71, with both blanks, and I couldn't catch her, losing 411-397. We spent 15 minutes looking at our last four sets of turns, but we couldn't find any way for me to scratch out a win. I really thought I played my best. It'll be interesting what a computer analysis finds.

This has been my most memorable tournament by far. How could I top the last two days? Maybe I'll win all 7 tomorrow.

Dispatch from nationals, Day 1

I arrived Friday evening, and I was treated to an unexpected sight: a furious thunderstorm. Not what I expected on my first day in the desert. Wind gusts of 70 mph, golf ball-size hail in some places, and downtown Las Vegas was flooded in some areas.

On Saturday, I got off to a terrible start. Game one was against Stefan Fatsis, author of "Word Freak," and after a close game, I thought I had the game with a late bingo of RETINAL, but immediately he laid down an out bingo of REALISTS to win by 21.

I lost my next four as well, staying close but not close enough. Against the No. 3 seed, Robin Lewis, I played a nine-letter bingo through two unconnected letters: RENOUNCED, with the first N and the D on the board. That was fun.

In game 6, my luck turned dramatically. On my second turn, I played ZOUNDS for 32, then drew the first blank. I played OUTBRAG for 89, then drew the second blank and played SHAKEUP, also for 89. After challenging off a phony, I played VAIRS/SHAKEUPS for 64. After that, I scored in smaller chunks, winning 503-245, my spread of 258 wiped out my accumulated negative spread.

Game 7 was similar. I played REDOLENT for 72 on turn 6 to take the lead, then two turns later, I found UNCREATE for 83 on a triple from the U. That left the E on a triple lane, but my opponent decided to open the board further, playing CAID elsewhere for 27. With AIILSTV, I played VITALISE to that open E on another triple for 86. I then played PEWEE to block the best triple lane, and opponent challenged. On his next turn, opponent, short on time and holding both blanks, played LISTAGE*, which I challenged off. Opponent finally bingoed out with the nice WATERAGE for 60, but I won by 171, 467-296.

That was one of my craziest tournament days ever. I wonder what Day 2 will bring.

Off to nationals!

I received my replacement tile and a new set of Protiles on Wednesday, and my new fold-up board arrived Wednesday. Just settled in at the Riviera, and ready to sling tiles tomorrow morning. Woohoo!

July Official Meeting Results

Seven of us made it out to play today.  The highlight of the day was Jan's triple-triple play of MOUNTERS for 140.  Woohoo!  The rest of the results are as follows:

Steve, 3-0, +325, URODELE 64, DECIARE 72, TAUTOMER 80, DONATIVE 86, WAILERS 75, DOMAINS 63, BETAINE 72

Betty, 3-1, -5, DEBACLE 66, ENDICES* 74

Will, 2-1, +209, SORITES 66, NARWHALE 65, EVENINGS 78, DELATES 77, SLAINTE 77, RINGERS 70

Jan H., 2-2, -220, MOUNTERS 140

Victoria, 1-2, -122, CARATES 66, TENNIST 71, AVENGED 80

Margaret Yoder, 1-3, +71, MOLDIEST 70, SATIATE 72, TEENIEST 66, DONATER* 66, SINUATE 65, BLUNTER 63

Janny S., 0-3, -258, REPAIRS 83

Best of luck to Will as he travels to National in Vegas this coming weekend!

July Official Meeting This Sunday (7/14)

Our monthly (second Sunday) official meeting for July is this weekend, 2-6pm at Bob Evans Restaurant on Richmond Road in Lexington.  Hope to see you there!

Club tomorrow (July 7)

Sorry, I haven't sent out one of these notices in a while.  Who will be there tomorrow?  I'm hoping to make it but not 100% sure yet.

June Meeting Results

It was day of ups and downs at club today.  On the plus side, Jan, Janny, and Thom all brought their A games.  Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the staff at Bob Evans.  :(  Let's keep our eyes open for an alternate venue if things don't improve there soon.

Anyway, on with the results:

Thom, 2-0, +185, FENCING 73, TAMBRES* 83, PARTOOK 78
Jan H., 3-1, +109, DENTERS* 80
Victoria, 2-1, +92, SHOEING 83, ENTASIA 71
Steve, 2-2, +70, TRAILER 61, SAUTOIRE 77, ROAMING 80, ARENOUS 71
Janny S., 2-2, -203, SPONGES 82
Betty, 1-3, -33, ERASERS 75, QUIVERER 106 (!)
Cheryl, 0-3, -220, DEFINES 72

I've updated the cumulative stats link as well.  Good luck to those going to Knoxville next weekend!

June 1 Tourney Results

Thanks in large part to the efforts of new Director Thom Hehl, last weekend's 7-game NASPA-rated tourney at Cosmic Oasis café in Richmond was a resounding success! We had 16 players, including 5 from out of town, and 2 who were new to rated tournament play (both of whom, I might add, did quite respectably).

Here are the results (Name, W-L, Spread, OldRating, NewRating):

Division A
1) Steve Bush, 6-1, +452, 1583, 1602
2) Elizabeth Davis, 4-3, +297, 1388, 1390
3) Will Scott, 4-3, +210, 1328, 1337
4) Connie Breitbeil, 3-4, -59, 1392, 1373
5) Michael Haboubi, 3-4, -74, ---, 1237
6) David Brown, 3-4, -117, 1180, 1187
7) Andrew Wade, 3-4, -506, 1132, 1144
8) David Meredith, 2-5, -203, 1323, 1293

Division B
1) Joe Roberdeau, 5-2, +237, 1076, 1073
2) Victoria Bledsoe, 5-2, +217, 811, 835
3) Pete Swisher, 4-3, +285, ---, 848
4) Margaret Yoder, 4-3, +159, 991, 976
5) Jan Hatton, 4-3, -46, 605, 631
6) Betty King, 3-4, +123, 995, 960
7) Cheryl Coovert, 2-5, -509, 339, 349
8) Janet Scheeline, 1-6, -466, 298, 288

These results have been uploaded to NASPA's website and should appear there and at www.cross-tables.com soon.  Thanks to everyone for participating, and to Thom for directing!

And, if all this isn't enough Scrabble for you, don't forget our June Official Meeting is this coming Sunday (6/9) at Bob Evans Restaurant in Lexington from 2-6pm.  Hope to see you then!

May Monthly Meeting Results

Below are the results from yesterday's official monthly meeting for May.  The Montly Stats link has been updated with these results as well.

Will Scott, 4-0, +313, CARATES 73, ALLEGORY 78, REALIST 77, ADVISER 78, ETESIAN 79

Steve Bush, 3-1, +386, SNEERIER 68, AENEOUS 81, RETAKEN 79, MADEIRAS 83, HOISING 88, URINATED 80, RETESTS 65, SALUTED 76, TURNSOLE 68, TOWELING 63

Thom Hehl, 1-1, 0, CAUTIONS 62

Betty King, 1-2, +104, POISONS 79, WORRITS 75,  DAMAGES 95, STUNNED 61, SEATING 77

Victoria Bledsoe, 1-2, -96, ENCORES 70, TRUNDLE 70

Jan Hatton, 1-3, -126, NASTIER 63

Janny Scheeline, 1-3, -581

Next Sunday is Memorial Day.  We haven't cancelled the meeting, but you may want to check here before heading out to club.  Regardless, see everyone the following Saturday at the tourney!

May Meeting, June Tourney Reminders

Hi everyone,
Two reminders:

1) Our June 1 tournament at Cosmic Oasis is fast approaching, just 16 days away!  To date we have only 11 on the entry list, so there's plenty of room for more.

Details can be found on the tourney flyer here:
http://cross-tables.com/download/2013/06/richmond.pdf

Entry list can be found here:
http://cross-tables.com/entrants.php?u=12226
Please contact Thom or me at either email address below, by May 28 if you're interested.

thom@heavyweightsoftware.com
bush3262@yahoo.com

2) If you're looking for a good warm-up for the tourney, look no further than this Sunday's official meeting for May.  Usual time/place, 2-6pm at Bob Evans on Richmond Road.

Hope to see you at both events!

May Official Meeting Postponed

This Sunday is Mother's Day.  Let's push the official meeting to the following Sunday, May 19.  See you then!

Results for May 5

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Victoria	4 - 0	+409	SIDEMAN 76       REALITY 65
			TINDERS 71       HOARdERS 64
			RAVINES 72       REPAIRS 72
Will	2 - 1	+108	NONELITE 74       MOTIVATE 76
			NITRILES 62
Betty	3 - 2	-57	AMREETAS 74       CALLERS 81
			REUSING 68       TOLUATES 60
Jan	1 - 4	+-53	TEAMI(N)G 70         FELINES 62
Cheryl	0 - 3	-407

Results for April 27

The weather was bad, the crowd was small. I managed one bingo to Will's three.

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Will	2 - 0	+134	PRANKER 82       ADUL(A)RIA 68
			A(N)TIDOTE 70       TENSEST 76
Janny	1 - 2	-19
Cheryl	1 - 2	-115	STOOLIE 72

So who's coming today? Currently I am doing house cleaning but plan to quit that at 1 and get ready.

It's Official...June 1 Tourney in Richmond!

Hi everyone,

It's back!  I'm pleased to announce that NASPA-rated Scrabble is returning to the Bluegrass region, in the form of a 7-game, 1-day tournament on Saturday, June 1, at Cosmic Oasis in downtown Richmond.  Registration begins at 9:30am, with the first game starting at 10:00am.  Entry fee is $50, entry deadline May 28.  Since Cosmic is graciously providing its venue free of charge, we should have very nice payouts.

Tourney flyer can be found here:
 http://cross-tables.com/download/2013/06/richmond.pdf

Entry list can be found here:
http://cross-tables.com/entrants.php?u=12226

I'm even more pleased to announce that heading up the event is our newest Apprentice Director, Thom Hehl, who just recently passed his director's test and is eager to hit the ground running.  I'll be acting as Mentor (Co-) Director to assist and provide backup wherever needed.

If you're interested in playing, please contact Thom or me at either of the following email addresses:

Thom: thom@heavyweightsoftware.com
Steve: bush3262@yahoo.com

Hope to see you there!

April Official Meeting Results

Here are the stats from today's meeting:

Steve, 3-1, +158, ARSENIC 68, RETABLE 90, OUTDOER 70, UNSNARL 77
Betty, 2-2, +43, NOTATED 72, NAUSEAS 61, NASTIES 62
Will 2-2, +9, LIENRES 65, STONING 76, PERIGON 68, REVERENT 76, TRAVELS 68
Victoria, 1-3, -210, HEADING 90, CLEANERS 80, NEGATOR 75, TEARIER 66

I've updated the monthly stats to include the above results.  See you next month!

April Official Meeting

Just a reminder that tomorrow is our 2nd Sunday official meeting at Bob Evans in Lexington, from 2-6pm.  Hope to see you there!

Results for April 6

If I'm not going to get any sleep, I might as well get this posted.

There were a lot of close games today, and I hope Victoria is feeling better now, she was under the weather.

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Betty	3 - 1	+122	SPL(E)NDOR 74       SENORAS 82
			ARRESTEE 77
Janny	2 - 2	-30	SWEATED 67       TAXONES* 107
Cheryl	2 - 2	-36	FIL(L)IES 73
Victoria	1 - 3	-56	LORRI(E)S 59       SNAFUED 80
			FINALES 77

*phony

Easter Sunday?

Who's taking off for Easter? One of my homies is planning a trip to Cincinnati. I imagine the family/church folks will be busy as well. It's rather a good thing I had to work last weekend, otherwise I would have fallen victim to that storm of bingoes.

March 24 Results

Here are Sunday's results:

Will, 2-0, +84, SPEARING 94, CURATES 83, ENABLED 89

Jan H., 3-1, -47, SAILING 59, PREDATE 79

Steve, 2-1, +343, VITAMERS 67, ASCETIC 78, ADRENAL 75

Betty, 2-2, -35, TONNERS 86, WHISTLES 83, REFUSING 72, AEDINES* 71

Thom, 1-2, -37, SEIZURE 84, ENATION 79

Victoria, 1-2, -88, AGONIES 70, ENTITLE 64

Janny S., 0-3, -220, SEXTING* 78

Club tomorrow

I'll be at club tomorrow.  Who else?

March Meeting Results

Here are the results from yesterday's Monthly official meeting, in which Will unleashed a torrent of bingoes (including 5 90+ pointers) on the rest of us unsuspecting opponents..  I've also updated the cumulative stats page with the figures for 2013 thus far.  Hope to see you next time!

Steve Bush, 3-0, +461, HURRIERS 72, ACORNED 67, HAPTENE 69, ETOILES 67, RATOONS 66, DESTINY 82, REJOICER 84, GROUPIE 71

Will Scott, 4-1, +742, ETHANOL 76, FLORETS 90, LEATHERS 92, TAUTENED 75, STOPOVER 92, OVERLOANS* 90, OVERTIP 95, LESBIAN 76, COLINEAR 72, MARINER 66, GADGETY 76, INSNARE 62

Thom Hehl, 1-2, -219, TRACTOR 70, RESPOOL 88, SHAFTED ?

Betty King, 1-3, -270, TALONED 65, TOGGLER 70, BEASTIE 76, GRIEVES 91

Janny Scheeline, 0-3, -714

March Official Meeting

Hi everyone,

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things with club, just in time for this Sunday's official meeting for March (postponed to the 3rd week this month), from 2-6pm at Bob Evans.

Will Scott posted a notice for the meeting on the Herald-Leader's online calendar; in addition, I'm told we will have a visitor from the Knoxville club.  It should be a good crowd, so come on out!

Steve

P.S.  Posting a comment if you plan to make it is appreciated, but not required!

Thursday Scrabble at Cosmic Oasis

I'm back in town, and will be at Cosmic tonight at 6pm.  Anyone else from club planning to be there?

Club results for Mar. 10

Small turnout today, and both Jan and Victoria will be absent next weekend.

First, some kudos! Betty is currently listed on cross-tables.com as one of the top 20 players who have increased their ratings in the past 12 months. Her rating gain is +251.
-----------

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Victoria	3 - 1	+209	DENIALS 63         SENARII 68
			ERAS(I)NG 61       RENTALS 66
			DEADLIER 60
Jan H	1 - 2	-79	FEELINGS 83
Cheryl	1 - 2	-130	(S)TINGED 84*

* Phony

Results for March 3

Quote of the day: "You're getting scary" (Will to Victoria)
-----

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Victoria	4 - 0	+556	FOLIATE 78       READIES 69
			ANTIRED 64       STARING 84
			MARI(N)ES 62     DEMISES 68
			THOLING 80       CHORDING 86
			LEASING 79
Will	3 - 2	-28	CONNATE 70       IDOLISES 72
			ALLOTTED 62       ASTERIA 82
			HAVENED 86       WILTING 83
Jan H	2 - 3	-191	GULLERS* 74     (G)RANITE 62
			SLAYING 70       LIQ(U)ORS 84
Janny	1 - 1	-65	STA(C)KING 74
Cheryl	0 - 4	-272	Not a single darn bingo, but played QUOTE for 99
* Phony

Club on Sunday, March 3

I plan to be there. I think Jan said she'd be there. Anyone else?

Scrabble at Cosmic Oasis tomorrow (Thursday)

Well, this winter has turned out to be much more crazy than I'd planned, and unfortunately I don't see it changing any time soon.  Due to family activities, I won't be able to make it Sunday club until March 16, so I'm postponing the March official meeting to that date.

However, on the plus side, I'm able to come out of my cave for some Scrabble at Cosmic Oasis in Richmond tomorrow, from 6-9pm.  Will anyone else from club be able to join me?

Club on Sunday, 2/24

I won't be able to make it, but I hope you have a good turnout. Anyone else?

Club results for Feb. 17

Bingoes were scarce on my rack today, but I got to play ZAP for 71 points, which did not deter Victoria from shellacking me.

The Ladies' Brigade showed up today. However, Jan will be absent next weekend and I have to work.

IN OTHER NEWS: Bob Evans closes tonight for remodeling and is scheduled to re-open next Sunday at 7 AM. If they run over schedule, I guess there won't be a club meeting next weekend.

NAME	W - L	SPREAD	BINGOES
Victoria	2 - 1	+81	ASTRIDE ?       GENE(R)ATE 82
			INSNARE 89
Betty	1 - 2	+23	GRIEVES 63       OUTSWEAR 62
			REVISING 63
Jan H	2 - O	+101
Cheryl	1 - 2	-172	SMILER(S) 85
Janny	1 - 2	-173

Club Today (2/17)

My brief hiatus continues...I won't be able to make it to club again today, but hopefully you'll see me on Scrabble Night this Thursday at Cosmic in Richmond. 

Who can make it to Bob Evans today?

Victoria the victorious, and other stories from Olive Hill

The Lexington club and the Charleston club's one-day tournament at Olive Hill drew 24 players, and no one was more successful than Victoria, who took division three with a perfect record: 7-0 and a plus-448 spread. Her average score was 358-294. Victoria picked up 59 rating points, cracking the 800 mark for the first time with a new rating of 811.

Betty finished 6-1, good for second place in division two, and because she was seeded seventh, her big day gained her 85 rating points, for a new high of 995. Rita from Bowling Green took division two, also with a 6-1 record but with a higher spread.

In division one, top-seeded Marc maintained his perch with a  6-1 record, narrowly losing to Steve in the final game.

Speaking of Steve, he finished second in division one with a 5-2 record while running the tournament smoothly. Thanks, Steve!

The 12 Lexington club members, including Marc and Andrea, gained a net 13 rating points.

February Official Meeting Tomorrow

Just a reminder that tomorrow is our February official meeting.  Unfortunately, with all the Scrabbling I've been doing the last several weekends, I have to take a break and catch up on other stuff, so I won't be there.  But don't let that stop you from coming out to Bob Evans tomorrow at 2pm!

Scrabble in Richmond Tonight

Just a reminder that Cosmic Oasis in downtown Richmond has their Scrabble night from 6-9pm tonight.  Margaret, Victoria, and I were there for the inaugural meeting last Thursday and we were all pleased with the service and accommodations there.

Who can make it there tonight?  I've been under the weather so I'm only a "maybe" at this point, but I'd love if at least a few of us can make it.

Weekly Scrabble Opportunity in Richmond

Hi everyone,

A new opportunity for playing Scrabble is now available in Richmond, at Cosmic Oasis Board Game Cafe, across from the courthouse on Main Street.  The owner, Ron Flickinger, has set up a Scrabble League Night there on Thursdays from 6-9 pm, starting this Thursday Jan. 31.  If you're on Facebook, you can get more information by joining the Group named "Scrabble Players Near Richmond KY".

Since the event is open to both competitive and casual players, it remains to be seen how games will be divided amongst various skill levels, and the structure may be a work in progress over the first few weeks as things develop.  In any case, Ron has assured me that our style of play would be a welcome ingredient to this event. He gave me a tour of the gaming rooms last week and they are more than adequate for our purposes (quiet, well-lit, etc.).  I see this as a great opportunity to reach other Scrabble enthusiasts and hopefully grow our numbers over time. 

I plan to be there this Thursday.  I know it's short notice (not to mention a bit of a drive for many of you), but I'd love it a few other members could perhaps make it there as well.  If you're one of those who can, can you please post a comment here or email me at bush3262@yahoo.com?

This weekend

Four of us (Will, Betty, Victoria, and I) will be traveling to the Knoxville tournament this weekend.  Wish us luck!

Also, it may not leave much of a crowd for meeting Sunday at Bob Evans, so you might want to leave a comment and/or check here first if you're interested in playing.

Jan. 12 Official Meeting Results

Here are the results from Sunday's official meeting, our first of 2013:

Will Scott, 3-1, +274, HUSBANDS 71, RETAINED 66, ENHALOED 66, GALERES 69, UNIONISE 66, TURTLES 76, ANULOSE* 74, SOLVABLE 69

Marc Broering, 2-1, +155, SIGNETED 62, LAURATED* 80, SPOILERS 64

Victoria Bledsoe, 2-1, +107, ELASTIN 79, RELIERS 73, POSTING 72, PEERING 67

Steve Bush, 2-1, +37, ENSURED 68, IODATION 70, OVERRAN 64, IONOMER 63, EXPOSES 74, AURATING* 61

David Brown, 2-2, -81, VIOLETS 70, INSERTED 59, DEFINITE 74, BRUNETS 68, EXPORTED 98

Betty King, 1-3, -101, NEATENS 66, RETURNS 73, BETIDES 76

Janny Scheeline, 0-3, -391

Thanks to everyone that came out and played.  See you next time!

First official meeting of 2013: Jan. 13!

Who will be at club on Sunday? I'll be there, and so will Marc Broering. I'm also working on Joetta.

Today's Results (1/6)

We had an amazing 8 folks show up today!  Here are the results (sorry, I was too lazy to record bingoes):

Name	W-L	Spread
Steve	4-0	458
Betty	1-3	-51
Jan H.	2-1	188
Cheryl	0-4	-321
Margaret	3-1	108
Janny S.	1-2	-222
Victoria	2-2	-44
David	2-2	-116

Next Sunday is our first Official meeting of 2013.  Hope to see you then!

Club Tomorrow (1/5)

I'll be there, for the inaugural 2013 meeting (even if it's an unofficial one).  Who else?

Carter Caves Tourney Feb. 2 (Reminder)

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that our Groundhog Day Carter Caves tournament just a little over 4 weeks away.  So far we have only 10 entrants listed, so please let Brad Mills or me know if you plan to attend.

Note that this time around, the tourney is a full Open Rated Tournament, not just restricted to KY/WV residents the way it was last year. The date will be Feb. 2, 2013 (yes, Groundhog Day).  This time around, although there is a slight increase in the entry fee (from $25 to $30), the tourney will be a full Open Rated Tournament, open to any NASPA member, and not just restricted to KY or WV residents like last time.  Other than that, it will basically be the same 7-game format as before.

There are also excellent lodging rates for those that would like to stay over ($59 for one night, or $50/night for two nights).

See the NASPA link here:

http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/tourneys/listings.html#2013020220130202olive

You can also see the flyer and entrants list at www.cross-tables.com.  I hope to see you there!