Nigel Richards, the Champion of US NSC 2008!!!
p/s: Funnily enough, he is announced as from Malaysia!!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
US National Scrabble Champion 2008
Nigel Richards, the Champion of US NSC 2008!!!
p/s: Funnily enough, he is announced as from Malaysia!!!
National Scrabble Championship 2008 - Day 4
The winner plate for Division 4. Too far for my reach :(
Day 4, starting with new determination. I've got to win 5 games to even out win-loss record.
Game 22: Against Gene Tyzska, no luck... Started ok, and tried to keep up with him. No bingoes for me in this game. Played DINES(31) instead of KINES(49) at N14 down, because I was unsure of it (yes, back to study words). He phonied me with NOLLI(6) but I let it go because of the points. Looking back, I probably should have (could, should, would etc). He had EX (38), ZOA (32) and a well played NAP(31) and of course, bingoed first with LASHiNG. It was 259-321 towards end game, where I decided to play IF(30) to gain some points but opened up the triple-word line. Of course, he had the last blank and played iFf/fRIGATE on the triple word. Bingoed out with 78 points and grabbed 16 points from my rack. Lost 289-415.
p/s: Not very good at counting scores. Tend to 'overscore' *wink* *wink*
Game 23: Against Barbara Epstein, luck turned for me. Fourth rack, bingoed with VARA/EARTHeD (69). Then scored well with FOEHN(39), PLUG(30), HAHAS/SICK (31), SICKO/COOT(38) and other strategic plays. She bingoed with RETAiLE(D)(70) and kept close till towards the end where I pulled ahead. She later told me my SICK play blocked her SOLVENTS to the triple word. Woohoo! Won 444-307.
Game 24: Against Joan Gatthorn. Close game. Actually, a pretty low-scoring game for us both. She probably could have played her many 'S' and blank tiles better, as well as the Z, J, Q. She conned me with ZEN/ZONE(26) then picked up her tiles pretty quickly. I was slow, I guess. No bingoes for either of us. She tried GIRLIES/OYS, which I challenged off. Played EX(36) and the rest were pretty bland plays. She played TROTH(27) which is good, and OMAN(16), which is no good. I left it there unchallenged because it was so close towards the end, and I could not afford to miss a turn while slightly ahead. Won 341-317.
Game 25: Against Andy Ludwig, luck ebbed and flowed and turned bad against me. First, he LIONISE(70), then JOKE(30), then bingoed again with REALGAR(68), then NIX(47). At the end game, he had hWAN/AQUA(33). Me, I got JILT(57), then picked up the orphaned bingo EARNEST/EASTERN/NEAREST rack. Played ED to open up a line. Later, bingoed with BUTANES(71) but I missed NATTERS/RATTENS worth 80 points a turn ago. Got to memorize my RANTER 6+1 list again.... Then had HUGER(34) and WOMAN(37) towards the end, but he was too far ahead. Lost 359-462.
Got to win all three games after lunch to even out at 14W-14L. Yes, set target. Possible, yes, probable, no.
Now typing this at lunch, where I am having Asian Chicken Salad at the poolside bar & grill. It's gonna pour soon. I hope it showers some luck on me for the last three games. Signing out!
p/s: Nigel Richards, after 24 games, is tied 19W-5L with Brian Cappelleto but loses out in spread, so in 2nd position now. The others are at 19Ws, so not likely that they can catch up against the two of them.
Part 2...
Game 26: Against Jerry Schwartz, it went smooth for me. He was to started but changed tiles instead. Early on, I played ZItI(54). I challenged off two of his non-words, JULIP (should be JULEP) and NEAF (should be NEIF). I played somewhat dangerously because I wanted to get rid of the Q on my rack. I played QIND(a)R for 25, leaving the end exposed to a double-word tile. Both blanks and three of the 'S' tiles are already played out, mostly by him. There was still one 'S' tile either left in the bag or on his rack. It actually took ten turns between us before I drew it! Before playing QINDaRS/OMS(42), I scored with JAMBE(34) and BELONG(30) and picked up the 'S' tile!!! Later, a nice play of KEPT/REE/YAP/UT for 34. He played IXIA(35) and OVARY(36) but was otherwise fishing for a bingo or have a really bad game. I won 367-321.
Game 27: Against Tim Wise, my luck continued to roll. ZOA(32) early on, JIG(31), then bingoed with SOARING(66), then FUME(30) and bingoed again with MANNErS(65). He had KAY(32) and QaID(52) but was pretty much low scoring with the rest of his tiles. Won 415-289.
Game 28: Against Marie Gier, this game I deserved to lose. I had good tiles but did not see the words. She changed seven tiles on her first move, and I played ULU(7) on second turn. She bingoed with ABOIDEA(U) (72) on my U!!! I played ABUNA#(30) (British-only) but she did not challenge it. I scored well with YAH(37), JAY(29) early on and XI(56) towards the end. But I had so many missed bingoes! She had at least three of the 'S' tiles and she was fishing for a bingo, so I raced her for a bingo. But I missed the chance. I changed on my sixth turn EEIITOU and drew a blank tile. With it, I had sEVENTH, which was orphaned. Played VOTE and had up AEILOT?. The number of vowels confused the hell out of me and I did not spend the time to look for the words (had a E hook available). I should have known about fOLIATE, vIOLATE and IsOLATE. This costed me the game. Next came SHeENIE (needed a E hook), which I did not know, so I don't blame myself. She beat me to it, playing STEALER/PE/NICER for 72. I responded with XI(56) with the X on the exposed triple-word tile. Then, I picked up the second blank tile!!! Then I had EXItINg or EXILINg which was orphaned with the increasingly closed up board. The only location was a 'A' hook on top of the VOWS that she played earlier. The only play available was aEONIaN, which of course, I do not know. I was hoping to pull RETSINA, INGESTA or something, but it did not come. Lost closely 354-380. So disappointed that I did not equalize my wins-loss in this tournament. But my rating should remain pretty constant. Preliminarily, I came in with 13W-15L, ranked 81 of 114 players. I am exactly where I was supposed to be....
p/s: Nigel Richards is the US NSC 2008 Champion!! 22W-6L. He overcame Brian Cappelleto who came in second at 20W-8L. He must have been 21 vs. Brian's 20 wins in round 27. They played at least four rounds with each other.
National Scrabble Championship 2008 - Day 3
Today was a terrible day to play….
Game 15: Against Terry Aitken, it was a disaster for me. I changed three racks (AEEIIOU, AAAEIUV, DLNSVVW) and played words of no consequence. Meanwhile, Terry started with SIX (35) and continued to score with MOZO (44), SOLAR hooked to MOZO (35), CAJoNE(S) (36), JEAN (30). Lost badly 282-362.
Game 16: Against Betzy Collins, second disaster of the day. Again, no words of consequence for me. Meanwhile, Betzy had GAUNTEr (65), TAX (39), ZITS (39), RAZEE (30), JURA (27) and finally a bingo of RO(C)KeTER (64), which I challenged unsuccessfully. I was thinking about the movie Rocketeer, so I thought another E was required. Sigh…. Lost 259-453.
Game 17: Against Keith Nishimi, my third disaster of the day. I only had FEZ (35), and played a British only word TENE# that he challenged off. Meanwhile, he ran with the game GENE (34) on the same spot I played TENE, JAMBE (50) and a bingo which I forgot to record (66). Lost badly at 250-416.
Game 18: Against Conchita Deprospo, my fourth disaster in a row. I had one very good play of Jo(K)ES (62) on B10, with J on triple-letter, leading to the double-word, and later on had AZO (31). Meanwhile, she consistently scored and bingoed as well with AnNUALS (62). Lost 285-375.
I got so frustrated, so I went off to get a good lunch at Tchoup Chop, a Hawaiian/Asian fusion restaurant in the hotel. Very good fish! And I think after filling myself up with some good food and ice-cream for dessert, my game turned for the better.
Game 19: Against Martin Rosen, I played as best as I could. I bingoed midgame with RE(A)GENTS (70) and had JAMBE (32), HATH (29), ADZ (33) and TWAIN (36). Martin bingoed with PANSIES (70), and FAX (39). It was pretty even midgame. But I got lucky with (L)IQUID (78) on J1, with the Q on double-letter towards the triple-word. This helped me pull ahead far enough to get ahead as I knew with a S and a blank in Martin’s rack, he could bingo at end-game, which he did with INTeNSE (76). Won 411-359.
Game 20: Against Esla Ewida, I bingoed with ReGIONS (73), played JINS (44) and scored consistently well through the game. Esla had SIZE (37), QUINT (45) and scored well overall too. Won 341-318.
Game 21: Against Joan Haworth, my lucky streak continued. I bingoed with NAILERS (64) and RETA(C)KLE (65). Also scored with SUQ (46), JAWED (32), BLUEY (31) and CRUDE (30). She had GOX (34), FIZ (30) and WEIGH (32). Won 429-318.
Ended third day with 3W-4L, three days in a row. Now at 9W-12L. Hope tomorrow my luck continues!!
p/s: Nigel Richards ended Day 3 in 2nd place, with 16W-5L. David Cappelleto is 1st place with 17W-4L. It will be a close one!
Game 15: Against Terry Aitken, it was a disaster for me. I changed three racks (AEEIIOU, AAAEIUV, DLNSVVW) and played words of no consequence. Meanwhile, Terry started with SIX (35) and continued to score with MOZO (44), SOLAR hooked to MOZO (35), CAJoNE(S) (36), JEAN (30). Lost badly 282-362.
Game 16: Against Betzy Collins, second disaster of the day. Again, no words of consequence for me. Meanwhile, Betzy had GAUNTEr (65), TAX (39), ZITS (39), RAZEE (30), JURA (27) and finally a bingo of RO(C)KeTER (64), which I challenged unsuccessfully. I was thinking about the movie Rocketeer, so I thought another E was required. Sigh…. Lost 259-453.
Game 17: Against Keith Nishimi, my third disaster of the day. I only had FEZ (35), and played a British only word TENE# that he challenged off. Meanwhile, he ran with the game GENE (34) on the same spot I played TENE, JAMBE (50) and a bingo which I forgot to record (66). Lost badly at 250-416.
Game 18: Against Conchita Deprospo, my fourth disaster in a row. I had one very good play of Jo(K)ES (62) on B10, with J on triple-letter, leading to the double-word, and later on had AZO (31). Meanwhile, she consistently scored and bingoed as well with AnNUALS (62). Lost 285-375.
I got so frustrated, so I went off to get a good lunch at Tchoup Chop, a Hawaiian/Asian fusion restaurant in the hotel. Very good fish! And I think after filling myself up with some good food and ice-cream for dessert, my game turned for the better.
Game 19: Against Martin Rosen, I played as best as I could. I bingoed midgame with RE(A)GENTS (70) and had JAMBE (32), HATH (29), ADZ (33) and TWAIN (36). Martin bingoed with PANSIES (70), and FAX (39). It was pretty even midgame. But I got lucky with (L)IQUID (78) on J1, with the Q on double-letter towards the triple-word. This helped me pull ahead far enough to get ahead as I knew with a S and a blank in Martin’s rack, he could bingo at end-game, which he did with INTeNSE (76). Won 411-359.
Game 20: Against Esla Ewida, I bingoed with ReGIONS (73), played JINS (44) and scored consistently well through the game. Esla had SIZE (37), QUINT (45) and scored well overall too. Won 341-318.
Game 21: Against Joan Haworth, my lucky streak continued. I bingoed with NAILERS (64) and RETA(C)KLE (65). Also scored with SUQ (46), JAWED (32), BLUEY (31) and CRUDE (30). She had GOX (34), FIZ (30) and WEIGH (32). Won 429-318.
Ended third day with 3W-4L, three days in a row. Now at 9W-12L. Hope tomorrow my luck continues!!
p/s: Nigel Richards ended Day 3 in 2nd place, with 16W-5L. David Cappelleto is 1st place with 17W-4L. It will be a close one!
Monday, July 28, 2008
National Scrabble Championship 2008 - Day 2
Game 8: Against Shelley Kirk, it was a close one. This is the second game that my opponent started with a bingo, this one an ELATION (64). Soon after, I caught up by REvISI(N)G (70). She then TORQUE (30) and SEX (41). But I ZAG (41) to even it out. It was towards the end game, with careful tile-tracking and careful playing, I won 374-361.
Game 9: Against Hans Oh. Got a thrashing. He was JIVIER (32) with a POOCH (40) and a WISH (30). Next, his ENT(I)TIES (62) and WARTY (38) put him more than double my score at 102-256. I could only bring NAILERS (68) ad OXY (44) to catch up a little. However, his ORIENTs (71) and ZA (36) towards the end game did me in. Lost 303-459.
Game 10: Against Marcia Wade, she InFLA(T)ED (76) her score. It was a SENATOR (75) and then a sTORIED (80) for me a few turns later on a double-double word to get ahead a little. She did challenge off my UEY# (British-only word). Sigh, SOWPODS still affects my play…. My words ARB (37) and GRAY (34) balanced out her ZORI (33) and HINTS (34). Won 413-328.
Game 11: Against Jo Anne Cohen, this was a very, very close game. My second turn, I had DEACONS (71). She answered sIZIEST (79). I had FE (30), THO (31), BULKING (30) and AQUA (34). She had REX (29), JO (36), (C)URBED (36) and SWIG (35). In this game, I drawed three ‘I’s in a bag of 25+ tiles, statistically < 1% chance. The tile gods started to dislike me. It was neck to neck and it went down to our very last play. I lost 360-361, a measly 1 point!!!
Game 12: Against Susie Page, again I got thrashed. I get to play small words mostly. Had only HE (30), DETOX (32) and ZA (28). Meanwhile, Susie SHIRKEd (70), JEU (30), REACTIVE (82) and QUIP (32) to thrash me 266-404.
Game 13: Against Diana Ittner, it was a close game. I had DEX (35) and ZOA (32). She had KETO (34) and JEER (43). We both left the triple word line open with a S hook for a long time and I think we both wanted to bingo on that line. I got lucky first with RETSiNA (8). It evened out the game a to my favor and I won with a better end-game with 339-307.
Game 14: Against Jennifer Devaney, it was a lousy rack balance for me. I had the blank and three ‘S’ at one time. I played SONS (16) just to get rid of two of them. Jennifer had BAITERS (80) on her second turn. I responded with JADES (42) with the J on double-letter onto the double-word tile on L1. She used J for JEAN to triple-word for 33. I bingoed SIeVING (69) and did EX (55) while she responded with ZOA (32) and VOIL (33). It was neck-to-neck till towards the end, she bingoed with (L)ETTERED (77) on triple-word tile. That won the game for her 387-444.
In between games, I went to meet up with Nigel Richards at Division 1. He was doing well, ended the day in the top 10 position, I believe.
Ended the day at 3W-4L again, overall 6W-8L. Woohoo!!! Off to see the Blue Man Group performance at the Sharp Aquous theatre in Universal Citywalk!!!
Game 9: Against Hans Oh. Got a thrashing. He was JIVIER (32) with a POOCH (40) and a WISH (30). Next, his ENT(I)TIES (62) and WARTY (38) put him more than double my score at 102-256. I could only bring NAILERS (68) ad OXY (44) to catch up a little. However, his ORIENTs (71) and ZA (36) towards the end game did me in. Lost 303-459.
Game 10: Against Marcia Wade, she InFLA(T)ED (76) her score. It was a SENATOR (75) and then a sTORIED (80) for me a few turns later on a double-double word to get ahead a little. She did challenge off my UEY# (British-only word). Sigh, SOWPODS still affects my play…. My words ARB (37) and GRAY (34) balanced out her ZORI (33) and HINTS (34). Won 413-328.
Game 11: Against Jo Anne Cohen, this was a very, very close game. My second turn, I had DEACONS (71). She answered sIZIEST (79). I had FE (30), THO (31), BULKING (30) and AQUA (34). She had REX (29), JO (36), (C)URBED (36) and SWIG (35). In this game, I drawed three ‘I’s in a bag of 25+ tiles, statistically < 1% chance. The tile gods started to dislike me. It was neck to neck and it went down to our very last play. I lost 360-361, a measly 1 point!!!
Game 12: Against Susie Page, again I got thrashed. I get to play small words mostly. Had only HE (30), DETOX (32) and ZA (28). Meanwhile, Susie SHIRKEd (70), JEU (30), REACTIVE (82) and QUIP (32) to thrash me 266-404.
Game 13: Against Diana Ittner, it was a close game. I had DEX (35) and ZOA (32). She had KETO (34) and JEER (43). We both left the triple word line open with a S hook for a long time and I think we both wanted to bingo on that line. I got lucky first with RETSiNA (8). It evened out the game a to my favor and I won with a better end-game with 339-307.
Game 14: Against Jennifer Devaney, it was a lousy rack balance for me. I had the blank and three ‘S’ at one time. I played SONS (16) just to get rid of two of them. Jennifer had BAITERS (80) on her second turn. I responded with JADES (42) with the J on double-letter onto the double-word tile on L1. She used J for JEAN to triple-word for 33. I bingoed SIeVING (69) and did EX (55) while she responded with ZOA (32) and VOIL (33). It was neck-to-neck till towards the end, she bingoed with (L)ETTERED (77) on triple-word tile. That won the game for her 387-444.
In between games, I went to meet up with Nigel Richards at Division 1. He was doing well, ended the day in the top 10 position, I believe.
Ended the day at 3W-4L again, overall 6W-8L. Woohoo!!! Off to see the Blue Man Group performance at the Sharp Aquous theatre in Universal Citywalk!!!
National Scrabble Championship 2008 - Day 1
Finally, the awaited day for the NSC 2008 came. It was a torture to get to Orlando, Florida from San Jose, California the night before. But that’s another story…
Anyway, this year’s NSC 2008 is hosted in sunny, warm and humid Orlando. Kinda reminds me of Malaysian/Singaporean weather actually. I even got to experience a thunderstorm on Sunday night! The kind that is so heavy, you cannot see much in front of you while driving. Yes, the place of Disney World and Universal Studios and many other theme parks.
I am playing in Division 4 this year. Jumped up from Division 6 in NSC 2006. I just made the mark for Division 4 by winning the Silicon Valley Challenge 2008 in Division 3. The wins gave me a boost to 1122 rating to qualify.
Incidently, 2008 is the 60th anniversary of the invention of Scrabble by a Alfred Butts, back in 1948. NSC 2008 had special raffles for people born in that year.
Day 1:
Game 1: I played against Jon Demeter, from the Bay Area. Imagine that! We played a number of times in the Bay Area (nine times actually, 4W-5L record) and flew hundreds of miles to end up playing against each other. Well, bad start to this tournament. Vowels loved me to death, while he gets to play INDOLES (71), SUICIDE (75), JOE (33), FIERY (37), HAVES (45), CODA (33) and EX (41). Lost 304-432.
Game 2: Against Margaret Bee, not so good either. She got two bingoes in a row, MARRInG (76) and AGIOTa(G)E (61). I challenged the second bingo unsuccessfully. Meanwhile, I get the three S in a rack and no bingoes to show for it. Changed a rack of EEVSSUU. I did have SEX (41)…pun fully intended. She played DIAZOLE (38) later which I smartly. Lost 294-352.
Game 3: Against Kevin Sears, my luck is better. Finally, my first bingo, ReJOINS (72) and QATS (47). Won 366-270.
Game 4: Against Devonna Gee, luck turned against me again. Her very first word is GRAZERS (81). Later came DIORAMA (75). It took me two blanks and a S to get DiNNeRS (81) on the triple word. Lost 338-433.
Game 5: Against Michael Donagan, it went well. I started with ZEINS (48) and soon bingoed two in a row with DRESSER (74) and ALMONDS (69). He did ELOIGNE(D) for 64. Won 393-302.
Game 6: Against Teresa Schaeffer, it was a close game. I played EXONS (62) with X on double letter to the triple word tile. Next turn, I got IODiDES (67). Won 363-326.
Game 7: Against Dallas Johnson, it was a tough one. I was the MEaNEST (69), but he INFORMS (78) and has RAVINGS (78). So then, he has a HUGE (44) win. I lost 303-442.
Ended the day with 3W-4L.
Anyway, this year’s NSC 2008 is hosted in sunny, warm and humid Orlando. Kinda reminds me of Malaysian/Singaporean weather actually. I even got to experience a thunderstorm on Sunday night! The kind that is so heavy, you cannot see much in front of you while driving. Yes, the place of Disney World and Universal Studios and many other theme parks.
I am playing in Division 4 this year. Jumped up from Division 6 in NSC 2006. I just made the mark for Division 4 by winning the Silicon Valley Challenge 2008 in Division 3. The wins gave me a boost to 1122 rating to qualify.
Incidently, 2008 is the 60th anniversary of the invention of Scrabble by a Alfred Butts, back in 1948. NSC 2008 had special raffles for people born in that year.
Day 1:
Game 1: I played against Jon Demeter, from the Bay Area. Imagine that! We played a number of times in the Bay Area (nine times actually, 4W-5L record) and flew hundreds of miles to end up playing against each other. Well, bad start to this tournament. Vowels loved me to death, while he gets to play INDOLES (71), SUICIDE (75), JOE (33), FIERY (37), HAVES (45), CODA (33) and EX (41). Lost 304-432.
Game 2: Against Margaret Bee, not so good either. She got two bingoes in a row, MARRInG (76) and AGIOTa(G)E (61). I challenged the second bingo unsuccessfully. Meanwhile, I get the three S in a rack and no bingoes to show for it. Changed a rack of EEVSSUU. I did have SEX (41)…pun fully intended. She played DIAZOLE (38) later which I smartly. Lost 294-352.
Game 3: Against Kevin Sears, my luck is better. Finally, my first bingo, ReJOINS (72) and QATS (47). Won 366-270.
Game 4: Against Devonna Gee, luck turned against me again. Her very first word is GRAZERS (81). Later came DIORAMA (75). It took me two blanks and a S to get DiNNeRS (81) on the triple word. Lost 338-433.
Game 5: Against Michael Donagan, it went well. I started with ZEINS (48) and soon bingoed two in a row with DRESSER (74) and ALMONDS (69). He did ELOIGNE(D) for 64. Won 393-302.
Game 6: Against Teresa Schaeffer, it was a close game. I played EXONS (62) with X on double letter to the triple word tile. Next turn, I got IODiDES (67). Won 363-326.
Game 7: Against Dallas Johnson, it was a tough one. I was the MEaNEST (69), but he INFORMS (78) and has RAVINGS (78). So then, he has a HUGE (44) win. I lost 303-442.
Ended the day with 3W-4L.
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