CSC Online Scrabble Competition 2022

The CSC Online Scrabble Competition is an annual event for organisations in the civil service to take part in a friendly game of Scrabble. It was held online on 21st May 2022 from 9.30am to 5.00pm. A total of 20 people from 6 organisations took part including one from MINDEF.

Here's my match report.

Game 1: Sharon Chia (HDB)

I had SLEIGHED (63) while she had ATEBRIN (75). Spotted FELTERS but missed finding the place to put it. Scored well with the big scoring tiles such as JIB (28), XU (27) and LUZ (48) to win. Bingos missed on examination: LARIATED, ENCALMED, CARINATE, HOLEYEST, DATURAS, FELTERS, ONDATRAS, ANTBIRDS, RHINITIS, OUTSTRIP and BRIQUETS. BRIQUETS might have turned the game around if she had played it as it would have scored 137 points.

Won 434-324. 1-0 spread +110
Link to game

Game 2: Noormah (PA)

I had BlOTTED (100) while she had pISCINAl (66+5). I challenged HERMA, pISCINAl and AMIRATE unsuccessfully, giving my opponent 15 points but high scores with XI (37) and EQUIp (42) helped me to win. Bingos missed on examination: MARINATE and DURATION.

Won 446-275. 2-0 spread +281
Link to game

Game 3: Toh Wei Bin (HDB)

After winning two games, I had the chance to meet the top seeded player from HDB. I had SITTErS (68) while he had VEINING (78) and FATUITY (80). Challenged his VERD, MUGFUL, WAWE/ABUNA, VEINING and OPEPE unsuccessfully and played phonies such as VERDS* and CORALESS* that were challenged off. Realised that I could have played OARLESS somewhere else instead. I could also have played SOLERAS down the TWS lane when FATUITY was put down but missed it. Bingos missed on examination: LESSORS, OARLESS, SOLERAS, CESTODES and COTTISES.

Lost 259-568. 2-1 spread -28
Link to game

Game 4: Joseph Tan (HDB)

Met another player from HDB. Didn't play too well at the start where I phonied with REGATING*, WADE/JE* and WAIF/FLINK*. Was trailing by about 50 points when I decided to open up the board with GUE hoping to back hook it with some letter. He played SWAN opening up the rightmost TWS lane. I had AAEINER? and thought for a long time to decide if ARANEId or ARANIdE* was valid as I had phonied too many times. I managed to put the correct bingo down and was just able to pip my opponent by 10 points as he went overtime. Bingos missed on examination: PREBOARD, RAZORING, INERTIAE and INTWISTS.

Won 373-363. 3-1 spread -18
Link to game

Game 5: Abdillah (HDB)

Met yet another player from HDB as they sent a total of 9 players. Almost half the field were from HDB! None of us had any bingo for this game and I managed to win by scoring consistently with words like TZAR (42), FY (32), SCENT (40) and NAVE (44). Bingos missed on examination: TZARIST, GILLETS, CENTESIS and TEUCHTER.

Won 409-268. 4-1 spread +123
Link to game

Game 6: Marlon (LTA)

Was lucky to have two bingos early in the game, INDORSE (75) and RATIONS (69) while his ALLEGGRO* was challenged off. Played two phoneys though, HELI* and OWS* which made the score closer than necessary. Was deciding between WOS and OWS* that would play down the TWS lane but decided that OWS* looked more correct. I also chickened out of GUB/BOK as I forgot if GUB was valid and played GUT/TIK instead. Ended up with a small win as Marlon went over time. Bingos missed on examination: FRENUMS, TEAPOYS, ESTRIOL, HELICOID, TOILINET, DEVOTION and KILOBITS.

Won 372-338. 5-1 spread +157
Link to game

Game 7: Toh Wei Bin (HDB)

First KOTH round and I am playing the top seeded player again! I had LENSiNGS (77+5) and he had CENTONEL (62+5), RECOALED (84+5) and TREADER (76). I had two phoneys, BOLLET* and ORADS*/SWIPE and finished with a slightly better losing spread than before. Bingos missed on examination: LOBELETS, REFLUENT and ENNOBLERS.

Lost 324-558. 5-2 spread -77
Link to game

Game 8: Choo Kay Wei (HDB)

Last KOTH round and I must win to get into top 4. Had a pretty easy game as I had two bingos, REFUSEd (84) and UNROOFS (83) while my opponent had none. Thought for a long time to decide between UNROOFS and SUNROOF, but realised much later that both were valid. Bingos missed on examination: FEVEROUS, ELIXIRS, STRIGIL/GIRLIEST, STARLIT, UNSHORN and RELIGHTS.

Won 435-362. 6-2 spread -4
Link to game

I played with players from HDB, LTA and PA and was placed 3rd eventually. This was much better than I had expected and would definitely need to make fewer mistakes if I were to try to improve on this placing next year.

CSC Online Scrabble Competition 2021

The CSC Online Scrabble Competition is an annual event for organisations in the civil service to take part in a friendly game of Scrabble. It was held online on 5th June 2021 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. A total of 34 people from 7 organisations took part including three from MINDEF.

Here's my match report.

Game 1: Choo Kay Wei (HDB)
I scored well with ZOA(38) and QuOTES(51) to win the game but could have scored even more. First, I chickened out from front hooking my S to an existing CAG on the board only to have my opponent play it later. Then I had the chance to play LAITIES but back hooked the S to an existing NE on the board. It got challenged off but I wasn't sure which was the phoney so didn't play LAITIES again when I had another chance to play it.

Won 360-274. 1-0 spread +86

Game 2: Khaili (MHA)
I bingoed with TINNIER(70), OUTSPEED(76) and scored well with QIN(39), CANDY(36), ZOS(36) and KA(40) while he bingoed with SOWABLE(68), SCARIER(72), INNATELY(62) and MALTESE(77) and scored well with HAM(36). Gave my opponent extra 15 points for challenging SOWABLE, GOBO and MALTESE.

Lost 423-469. 1-1 spread +40

Game 3: Daniel Lam (PA)
I bingoed with GREATER(73), SELLERs(68) and scored well with ZAS(46) and VILLA(32) while he scored well with FAYED(33) and HM(40).

Won 413-308. 2-1 spread +145

Game 4: Govinda Ghale (MHA)
I bingoed with OUTSIDER(62) and scored well with SECO(38) while he bingoed with AWAITeD(78), LAUDERS(76) and scored well with QUIZ(48), GOURDY(44), JINGLER(46) and CABs(36). Didn't do well as I also mistakenly front hooked an E to QUIZ instead of S and phoneyed with OARSLINE* hoping that it woud be good.

Lost 308-474. 2-2 spread -21

Game 5: Cecilia Koh (HDB)
I bingoed with AStERIA(70) and scored well with SLAW(34) and PLEDGE(36) while she scored well with EX(38) and ZOs(43). Must be getting a little bit tired as I challenged simple words like HEIR. Thought it should be spelled HIER*.

Won 395-341. 3-2 spread +33

Game 6: Rosan (MHA)
Didn't manage to play with Rosan as he had urgent work to do, so I was given a bye.

Won 150-75. 4-2 spread +108

Game 7: Koh Jing Xuan (MINDEF)
I bingoed with SLeNDER(71), WEARIER(83), OVERlOAD(63) and scored well with AFTER(36), OF(33) and OK(36) while he bingoed with BOTANISE(89) and scored well with QI(31), INJECT(32), ZEST(58) and DIXIE(32).

Won 439-378. 5-2 spread +169

Game 8: Sharon Chia (HDB)
I bingoed with ANnUItY(66) and scored well with FAVOR(30), KART(31) and LUZ(46) while she bingoed with LAPSERS(72), CASTERS(84) and scored well with DEX(37). My phoneys with GOW* and TAUTIER* also got challenged off. Was really lucky as I was trailing my opponent since her first bingo but just overtook her by a little bit by bingoing out.

Won 388-347. 6-2 spread +210

I played with players from HDB, MHA, PA and also with my own team mate! Won all my games with HDB but lost 2 out of 3 games with MHA. Final result was 5th placing out of 34. Not too bad in my opinion considering the number of mistakes I made. Hope next year will be an online competition again so that I can play in the comfort of my home!

CSC E-Scrabble Competition 2020

The CSC E-Scrabble Competition is an annual event for organisations in the civil service to take part in a friendly game of Scrabble. It was held online on 12th Sep 2020 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. A total of 37 people from 8 organisations took part including two from MINDEF.

Here's my match report.

Game 1: Muhammed Farhan (MHA)
I bingoed with COSINES(78) and scored well with JET(33) while he scored well with UNFACE*(42), HOX(48) and HAZE(36).

Won 370-332. 1-0 spread +38

Game 2: Chan Andi Andy (PA)
I bingoed with FALTERS(78), EROTISE(72) and scored well with DJIN(36), LIKE(30) and MUX(37) while he scored well with ZA(33) and HOAX(39). I challenged his TORAN as I was not sure if it was valid but it turned out to be good.

Won 474-189. 2-0 spread +323

Game 3: Marlon Prudencio (LTA)
I got away with a phoney bingo TRELLERS*(61) and scored well with WALTZ(34), HUE(37) and QIN(44) while he bingoed with ELMIEST(90), CAREENED(63) and scored well with OK(38), JAILS(47) and RAND(31). Was quite surprised when he put down a phoney bingo FISHMEN* and I challenged it off successfully! Learned two new words, ELMIEST and SKEN.

Lost 374-438. 2-1 spread +259

Game 4: Joseph Tan (HDB)
I bingoed with sPoRTED(72) and scored well with DORY(36), PIS(31) and KIN(33) while he bingoed with RAVENOUS(72), HORSING(72), STEAMIE(70) and scored well with JEED(40), DEIL(31) and REZ(32). Played two phoneys that were challenged off: SHINT* and WINKIE*. Was considering between WINKIE* and WINKLE which would have scored 50 points but chose the wrong one in the end.

Lost 320-489. 2-2 spread +90

Game 5: Ramamoorthy Rajagopal (MHA)
I bingoed with HUNTERS(78) and scored well with SEZ(32) and MOA(31) while he bingoed with SILTIER(73), BLASTER(69) REPEALER(68) and scored well with HANKY(35), BIRD(32), QI(36) and JIG(30). He put down SLITIER* initially and I challenged it off but he put down the correct anagram on the next turn. Was surprised in the middle of the game when he passed his turn for no reason, then found out that he was trying to change tiles but accidentally pressed the pass button instead.

Lost 372-443. 2-3 spread +19

Game 6: Govinda Ghale (MHA)
I bingoed with cLEAVED(78), TrIAGES(75), ATTIRES(83) and scored well with HIVED(50), ZIG(43) and DEX(43) while he bingoed with UNNATIVE(72), INCASES(67) and scored well with MOW(33), QUIN(36) and ZEL(36). Was quite surprised that INCASE took an S back hook.

Won 496-403. 3-3 spread +112

Game 7: Muhammed Farhan (MHA)
Played Farhan again in the first king of the hill. I bingoed with GUITARS(73) and scored well with YOK(33), ZARFS(81), HON(30) and WUDS(30) while he bingoed with LEAVING(76) and scored well with JEE(30) and QUIT(46). Fatigue might have set in for him as he played OT* which was obviously no good and I challenged it off. That might have made a difference in who won the game as our scores were not too far apart.

Won 418-397. 4-3 spread +133

Game 8: Shahrul Kamal (SP)
I bingoed with TEEINGS(83) and scored well with ZEA(31) and HAIR(30) while he bingoed with COWARDS(86) and scored well with VEX(33), INJURE(63) and RETRY(38). Late in the game, I was 20 points behind and there were 5 tiles in the bag including possibly the Q. There were two I spots on the board and I blocked one of them, thinking he would play a Q on the other I spot. He played RETRY front hooking the Y to be CLAD instead and was ahead by 47 points. He was stuck with the Q though and I managed to outscore him by playing one or two tiles at a time while he passed several times.

Won 393-388. 5-3 spread +138

I managed to play with players in 5 different organisations. A pity I didn't have the chance to play with players in Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law. Final result was 12th placing out of 37. Not too bad in my opinion considering the number of mistakes I made. Hope next year will be an online competition again so that I can play in the comfort of my home!

Scrabble Nationals (Day Two)

Game 9: vs Valli
Day two starts off in the same round robin sequence as day one but the person who starts first will now reply. Close game as we each had a bingo each. I had AERIEST(71) while she had STAINED(73).

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: AEREIEST(71) Opp Bingos: STAINED(73)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: KIP(32), UNDIES(30), LOX(40) Opp High Moves: JEERS(40), NOISY(32), FAE(30), TOZE(39)
L 372-402, -30. 3W 6L (Accum spread -18).

Game 10: vs Nicholas
I think this was my worst game in the tournament. I had one bingo with DELEGATE(78) but lost as I played several silly phonies such as AHAH* and PSSTS*.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DELEGATE(78) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: AHAH*, PSSTS* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: OXO(32) Opp High Moves: UH(30), SIZE(51), PSST(37)
L 350-387, -37. 3W 7L (Accum spread -55).

Game 11: vs Shantikumar
Shantikumar was leading initially after he bingoed with LOUVRED(81) but I caught up with TASTIEST(68) and my SEZ(49) back hooking to an existing SO on the board gave me a win despite leaving the X and V unplayed in the end. Could have played ZEX for more points but I forgot if SOX was good, so did not want to risk a loss.

New words learnt: LOUVRED
My Bingos: TASTIEST(68) Opp Bingos: LOUVRED(81)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: BARK(46), SEZ(49) Opp High Moves: QIS(38)
W 376-352, +24. 4W 7L (Accum spread -31).

Game 12: vs Kumraj
I played Kumraj again just before lunch. He bingoed first with DUETING(78) and I replied with DETAINED(64). Had another opportunity to bingo with a ELORSST rack but did not know the correct anagram and phonied with RESLOTS* in the end. Lost badly to him again.

I went to lunch with Valli at the Orchard Cineleisure food court. This time I ordered more dishes than the previous day in the hope of playing better after lunch.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DETAINED(64) Opp Bingos: DUETING(78)
My Phoneys: RESLOTS* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: GAY(34), KAT(35) Opp High Moves: JOLLY(39), HORSE(34), ZIN(30), QIN(31)
L 340-423, -83. 4W 8L (Accum spread -114).

Game 13: vs Shahrul
I was leading by about 60 points until Shahrul played two bingos consecutively: EMAILER(70) and OUTPUTS(70). Might have won if I had blocked his bingo lines.

New words learnt: ETEN
My Bingos: Opp Bingos: EMAILER(70), OUTPUTS(70)
My Phoneys: Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: YEA(30), LEZ(36) Opp High Moves: FIST(39)
L 368-400, -32. 4W 9L (Accum spread -146).

Game 14: vs Ameen
This is my third time playing against Ameen. Had very good tiles and bingoed twice with ROOTING(62), ENLISTS(73) and SOARING(62) to win despite my opponent having a nine-timer with LITERATE(113).

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ROOTING(62), ENLISTS(73), SOARING(62) Opp Bingos: LITERATE(113)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: DJINI*
My High Moves: XI(36), JOT(36), CREPT(30) Opp High Moves: COZ(34), QI(44), EF(30)
W 505-394, +111. 5W 9L (Accum spread -35).

Game 15: vs Shukra
Shukra was playing against Valli before our game. She complained about a level in Candy Crush that she was unable to pass and asked him to help out. He ended up playing Candy Crush on her phone while playing with me at the same time. Think I would not be able to multi-task if I were in his place. Lost narrowly as I did not block his SEIZE(47) down the triple word score line.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DARLINGS(71) Opp Bingos:
My Phoneys: NEXIS* Opp Phoneys: OUTLIST*
My High Moves: INSECT(33), VAINER(39) Opp High Moves: WEIGH(33), DAILY(30), RITZ(46), SEIZE(47)
L 348-362, -14. 5W 10L (Accum spread -49).

Game 16: vs Valli
My last game was with Valli again. I had one bingo with MEATIES(70) but she had a lot more high scoring moves to win in the end.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: MEATIES(70) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: QUIRER* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: HUI(34), BIDS(31), NEF(30) Opp High Moves: YIP(31), COZIER(39), QUIRE(47), JEWED(40), GAS(32)
L 385-430, -45. 5W 11L (Accum spread -94).

Finished the tournament with 5 wins and 7th position. A little bit disappointed by my poor performance but thought it was great fun nevertheless. Hope to do better next year!

Scrabble Nationals (Day One)

This year's Nationals is held at SCAPE. I was early and helped to arrange the tables with Shahrul, Leon and Li Wei before the actual registration. There were 16 players in division A and 8 players in division B. I saw a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces in division B.

Game 1: vs Valli
My previous encounter with Valli was at the 2011 Nationals which I lost. This time round, my bingos of HUNTERS(83) and NASTIER(73) against her LUSTIEST(75) plus a couple of high scoring moves helped me to beat her by close to 200 points.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: HUNTERS(83), NASTIER(73) Opp Bingos: LUSTIEST(75)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: WAW(38), AY(39), QUIN(33) Opp High Moves: -
W 493-318, +175. 1W 0L (Accum spread +175).

Game 2: vs Nicholas
My next opponent was a young boy from Maris Stella. We had one bingo each, I had STAINER(75) and he had TENAILS(62). Defeated him by about 100 points with my other high scoring moves.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: STAINER(75) Opp Bingos: TENAILS(62)
My Phoneys: Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JINGO(42), QUEST(45), DOTED(44), ZO(35), FIRE(31) Opp High Moves: KAE(31), COURS(30)
W 427-324, +103. 2W 0L (Accum spread +278).

Game 3: vs Shantikumar
My previous encounter with Shantikumar was at the Dec 2013 WYSC Benefits tournament which I won. Had a shaky start as I phonied twice with PoDIEST* and PaSTIED* but finally got a bingo down with PoSITED(74). I had two other bingos later with LITTERS(69) and AUNTIES(62) against his MANDATES(74) and beat him easily.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: POSITED(74), LITTERS(69), AUNTIES(62) Opp Bingos: MANDATES(74)
My Phoneys: PODIEST*, PASTIED* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JA(52), FELONS(35), BRIG(38), KEY(34) Opp High Moves: SHUNT(48), LUX(36), QAT(37)
W 504-379, +125. 3W 0L (Accum spread +403).

Game 4: vs Kumraj
Kumraj is a young man from Nepal who works in MHA. Was defeated soundly by him as he had three bingos: INDORSE(84), GLANDERS(88) and UNITING(77) against my WRESTING(63).

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: WRESTING(63) Opp Bingos: INDORSE(84), GLANDERS(88), UNITING(77)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: CHIEF(34), QIS(37), VIVE(30) Opp High Moves: FEZ(44), AHEAD(31), WE(30)
L 357-475, -118. 3W 1L (Accum spread +285).

I went to lunch with Kumraj and his friend Shukra at the Orchard Cineleisure food court. Saw a few division A players eating there too.

Game 5: vs Shahrul
My previous encounter with Shahrul was at the 2012 Oktobertile fest where we won one game each. This was a close game where we had one bingo each. I had SARDINES(70) and he had BROMATES(74). Lost narrowly despite getting away with a phoney TRINK*.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SARDINES(70) Opp Bingos: BROMATES(74)
My Phoneys: TRINK* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JARL(34), TRINK*(58) Opp High Moves: REZ(43), OXO(41)
L 362-390, -28. 3W 2L (Accum spread +257).

Game 6: vs Ameen
My next opponent was a humorous Indian guy. Lost as I phonied twice with FINERIE* and TRIT* while he bingoed twice with ADVICES(83) and STUNNED(76).

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: Opp Bingos: ADVICES(83), STUNNED(76)
My Phoneys: FINERIE*, TRIT* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JIVED(48), CRAWL(33), LARKS(34), YETI(34) Opp High Moves: EX(36), SOZ(30)
L 353-436, -83. 3W 3L (Accum spread +174).

Game 7: vs Shukra
My last opponent in our first round robin was Kumraj's friend. Lost as I phonied with BERIEST* while he bingoed with SETTING(79).

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: SETTING(79)
My Phoneys: BERIEST* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: NOX(44), LOY(30), QUAI(31) Opp High Moves: JOBE(40) GAZE(37)
L 319-410, -91. 3W 4L (Accum spread +83).

Game 8: vs Ameen
I played with Ameen again for our first king of the hill game. I bingoed with APPLIED(73) while he had SHAKIER(76) and SMUTTIER(83). Could have another bingo for a win with a ADEERRS rack that needed the S to be in the 4th to 6th position but just could not think of the anagram. Phonied with REARSED* in the end and lost.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: APPLIED(73) Opp Bingos: SHAKIER(76), SMUTTIER(83)
My Phoneys: REARSED* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: WOE(32), HEW(32), VIA(33), READS(30) Opp High Moves: XI(30)
L 360-431, -71. 3W 5L (Accum spread +12).

Finished day 1 with 3 wins and 5 losses.

PSTAR Scrabble Games 2013

The PSTAR Scrabble games is an annual event for organisations in the civil service to take part in a friendly game of Scrabble. It was held at the Civil Service Club (Bukit Batok) on 18th May 2013 from 10am to 5pm. A total of 31 teams took part. MINDEF had one team taking part this year.

Here's my match report.

Game 1: Singapore Sports Council
My first opponent was against Zaid Ismail from SSC. Had quite an easy game as I bingoed twice with MARrIED(82) and SAUNTER(71) while he made phoneys with SKIE* and GA*. Learnt a new word "SCONE" from the table next to me. Thought it could be a phoney until my friend explained to me that it was a common word for a type of cake.

Won 473-182. Our team lost 1-2.

Game 2: Singapore Powers
My second opponent was against Oi Leng from Singapore Powers. She was a pleasant old lady who kept her cool even though she was trailing. Had quite an easy game too as I had three bingos: ROISTED(73), SERAFIN(78) and DERIDEd(75). Learnt a new word "BURR" from her.

Won 503-289. Our team won 2-1.

Game 3: Singapore Sports Council
My third opponent was against Azmi from SSC. SSC had two guys and two girls in their team including a reserve, so I was a bit disappointed that I only got to play the guys in their team. This turned out to be an exciting close game as our scores were neck-in-neck until the final few turns. I was fishing a little bit at first before bingoing with ISATINE(71) but he scored big with ZA(44), SUQ(44) and BENCH(50). I think the turning point came when he tried to score big by hooking the Y of OY to an existing FEET on a triple letter score cell. Luckily FEETY* was a phoney and I challenged it off!

Won 387-364. Our team lost 1-2.

Game 4: Ministry of Social and Family Development
My last opponent was against Goh from MSF. Had a EEILMRT rack on my second turn and I tried MELTIER(70) which turned out to be valid when challenged! My RECURLED* a few turns later got challenged off though! I should have played RECULED or ULCERED instead! Learnt a new word "SKIM" from him.

Won 393-255. Our team won 2-1.

LTA, MOE, HDB and SSC were the top 4 teams. MHA received two consolation prizes for coming in first in both the second and third tier. The MINDEF teams did not win any prizes but we had a really fun time! Hope we could do better next year!

Oktobertilefest Scrabblemini 2012

This is my first time taking part in the inaugural Oktobertilefest Scrabblemini organised by Tony Sim at his clubhouse in Tanah Merah. A total of 18 people took part in this one day event. We played 10 games from 12pm to 10pm with 10 in div A and 8 in div B. The environment was quite nice as we could see people swimming and jogging while we play.

Game 1: vs Rajeev Batra
Had an easy first game as I was paired with a newcomer. Won by having a bingo and challenging off his phoney.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ANTLIAE(87) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: BIDER*
My High Moves: BIKERS(37), POST(40), FUM(36) Opp High Moves: JOUST(66), ZEE(31)
W 397-298, +99. 1W 0L (Accum spread +99).

Game 2: vs Eden Choo Jing Yu
I was trailing most of the game until I decided to try SEQUOIA hooking the S to an existing FEW on the board. Didn't have hope that FEWS was good when Eden challenged but it happened to be good! Then I followed up with a high scoring ZO(64) and maintained my lead to the end of the game.

New words learnt: FEWS, RAWIN
My Bingos: VOICERS(81), SEQUOIA(112) Opp Bingos: ANNULETS(64), RECOPIES(68)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: ZO(64) Opp High Moves: JEU(39), FEW(30), RAWIN(36)
W 449-401, +48. 2W 0L (Accum spread +147).

Game 3: vs Dylan Sharma
Lost badly as Dylan had one bingo and made many high scoring moves.

New words learnt: DOONA, DISE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: RECLINE(67)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: RECLININGS*
My High Moves: BRIBE(30) Opp High Moves: GANES(36), FIVE(38), ZESTY(70), FEWER(33), NEWT(31), JAR(35)
L 288-460, -172. 2W 1L (Accum spread -25).

Game 4: vs Quek Sim Ho
Lost badly as Quek had four bingos.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: RESEEDS(79), FOXIEST(125), REVUIST(89), CLONERS(81)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JOW(44), TAW(38), PAT(30), GYM(34), ZEK(32) Opp High Moves: SUQ(32)
L 274-589, -315. 2W 2L (Accum spread -340).

Game 5: vs Seow Kai Yuan
Lost as I had one bingo while Kai Yuan had three bingos.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: READINGS(74) Opp Bingos: IDEALIST(69), DEFINING(61), ESTRONE(71)
My Phoneys: RECUE* Opp Phoneys: BREADINGS*
My High Moves: JO(34), FORAY(44), CHIVE(51), WINGS(39) Opp High Moves: ZO(36), KAT(41), YEW(42)
L 396-468, -72. 2W 3L (Accum spread -412).

Game 6: vs Jethro Prudencio
Lost narrowly as Jethro scored well with SQUARE(48) towards the end and finished first. Would have won if I did not challenge BUTTY and RAIA.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SINGLET(74) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: SNEDDERS*
My High Moves: NERTZ(36), GABY(30) Opp High Moves: MOCK(36), BUTTY(33), VEEPS(30), SQUARE(48)
L 336-345, -9. 2W 4L (Accum spread -421).

Game 7: vs Shahrul Kamal
Lost as we had one bingo each but Shahrul had many more high scoring moves.

New words learnt: BENI
My Bingos: RENDERS(75) Opp Bingos: HOTCAKES(83)
My Phoneys: RETINGED* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: YAR(32) Opp High Moves: BENI(32), VITAE(35), MIZ(56), SCAW(31), MARES(35), BAPS(37), BENJ(36)
L 348-460, -112. 2W 5L (Accum spread -533).

After 7 games of round robin, we were divided into two sub-groups. The top half were Eden, Dylan, Quek and Sky. I was in the bottom half with Shahrul, Jethro and Rajeev.

Game 8: vs Shahrul Kamal
Had a rematch with Shahrul and I played better this time round. Won as I had two bingos against Shahrul's one bingo. It also helped that his attempt to try to find a bingo towards the end of the game was unsuccessful.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: HASTIER(67), DELATING(67) Opp Bingos: TROOLIE(66)
My Phoneys: BENJI* Opp Phoneys: TRAPMEN*, UNGRIPS*, SPRUNGS*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: RIZ(41), OX(36), QAID(34), MEAT(36)
W 429-332, +97. 3W 5L (Accum spread -436).

Game 9: vs Jethro Prudencio
Had a rematch with Jethro and I didn't give him any chances this time round as I beat him convincingly with two bingos to one and a series of high score moves.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: LINTIES(75), ANTIDOTE(66) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: GAUNTERS*, REELIER*, TEH*, HIER*
My High Moves: GAUZE(34), FAX(60), OW(31), CHATTERS(44) Opp High Moves: FROWNS(40), VIRES(41), QI(33)
W 522-247, +275. 4W 5L (Accum spread -161).

Game 10: vs Rajeev Batra
Had a rematch with Rajeev and had a closer game this time round. Won due to my opponent's phonies and I was able to hit most of the triple word score cells with my S and blank.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: TIB*, MIT*
My High Moves: JOBS(39), PIQUE(41), SOZ(46), REX(33) Opp High Moves: JIHAD(59), BROILS(45), NICE(31)
W 373-333, +40. 5W 5L (Accum spread -121).

Won half of games and had the rare opportunity to play with Masters players like Dylan and Quek. Had fun and I hope to do better if I take part next year!

Scrabble Nationals 2012 (Day Two)

Game 9: vs Eugene Kok
Our scores were pretty close after we each had a bingo at the same turn. I pulled ahead after scoring well with the Z and the X, while he scored well with the J.

New words learnt: AIRDATE
My Bingos: ETESIAN(73) Opp Bingos: AIRDATE(71)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: TEAZING(41), XU(52) Opp High Moves: JONES(45)
W 377-319, +58. 6W 3L (Accum spread +358).

Game 10: vs Jia Jun
I managed to edge out my opponent from Marsiling Secondary School despite being out-bingoed two to one by having several high scoring moves.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DOLTINGS(61) Opp Bingos: GENUINE(83), REWRITE(84)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: INE*
My High Moves: FIZ(45), EEK(30), MISER(34), YEH(34) Opp High Moves: OX(52)
W 435-407, +28. 7W 3L (Accum spread +386).

Game 11: vs Jeyaseelan
I was beaten convincingly by this up and coming Scrabble player from NTU as I was out-bingoed three to one.

New words learnt: EATCHES, ARSIEST
My Bingos: INTERNS(80) Opp Bingos: EATCHES(83), ATONIES(66), ARSIEST(76)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: HAJ(38) Opp High Moves: ZONE(45), VAIL(38), FUEL(30)
L 317-491, -174. 7W 4L (Accum spread +212).

Game 12: vs Joseph Tan
I probably should have closed the bingo lane at the bottom but luckily my opponent was not able to bingo out with a AEPRSX? rack and an existing E on the bottom left hand corner to overtake me. He tried EXPERiAS* but it was challenged off.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DIATRON(64), SCATTED(81) Opp Bingos: DUALITY(82)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: EXPERiAS*
My High Moves: BIKE(34) Opp High Moves: -
W 448-349, +99. 8W 4L (Accum spread +311).

Game 13: vs Mahendra Morghan
I think I had even better luck than the game against Shahrul. Won easily as I out-bingoed my opponent four to one.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PLAINER(68), SOUTANE(72), LETTERs(69), WEAVERS(75) Opp Bingos: GRADINS(80)
My Phoneys: HOCS* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: SEZ(41), HO(33) Opp High Moves: FAB(32), KOALA(36), OX(36)
W 547-346, +201. 9W 4L (Accum spread +512).

Game 14: vs zzBye

W 175-100, +75. 10W 4L (Accum spread +587).

Game 15: vs Aloysius
Was trailing my opponent by about 80 points before I gained back the lead by bingoing with a four-timer LAKESIDE(98) and followed up with PAX(58) as the "I" was just underneath the triple letter score.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: LAKESIDE(98) Opp Bingos: FORgETS(69)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: PON*, OZONED*
My High Moves: PAX(58), ZONED(39), BOTT(31) Opp High Moves: JOIN(37), PEEING(30)
W 466-320, +146. 11W 4L (Accum spread +733).

Game 16: vs Jeyaseelan
My most feared opponent and I had to meet him again in the King of the Hill segment. This time my losing margin was much smaller and I think I could have won if I had not challenged so many of his valid words.

New words learnt: DANNIES, EOLITH
My Bingos: IRRITATE(68) Opp Bingos: DANNIES(73), NEGROID(79)
My Phoneys: LATES* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: ONY(33), KEF(35), VAC(32), ZEROS(50) Opp High Moves: DOPY(46)
L 387-398, -11. 11W 5L (Accum spread +722).

Finished the tournament with 11 wins and 3rd position. Hope to do better next year!

Scrabble Nationals 2012 (Day One)

This year's Nationals is held at Bishan CC and it is the first time that division B had to play 16 games. I met Bee Tiang, Aloysius and Valli at the food court for a drink before the actual registration.

Game 1: vs Catherine Tong
Catherine was the only female player in division B and I was quite impressed by how she could multi-task by reading a Chinese novel in between moves! Lost to her even though she was not fully paying attention to our game.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TINDERS(70) Opp Bingos: STEWING(82), REaLIsED(74)
My Phoneys: PERTY* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: HODS(36)
L 333-439, -106. 0W 1L (Accum spread -106).

Game 2: vs Gabriel Cheang
I could have won if I knew the bingo to a ADEIMT? rack that had to end with "TED". Decided to try MIrATED* but I should have known that it was the anagram for READMIT that had no other anagrams.

New words learnt: MIcATED
My Bingos: GIDDIES(92) Opp Bingos: TREASON(71), CANNIER(84)
My Phoneys: MIrATED* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JAB(31), XU(31) Opp High Moves: ZAIRE(58), QIS(40)
L 327-426, -99. 0W 2L (Accum spread -205).

Game 3: vs Winston Gwee
Had two blanks early in the game and was able to bingo with CoIFfED(76). The scores might have been closer if Winston did not phoney twice.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: CoIFfED(76) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: PRIVE*, FYE*
My High Moves: QUA(32), ZINC(30) Opp High Moves: GRAPE(43), LASH(42)
W 363-285, +78. 1W 2L (Accum spread -127).

Game 4: vs Neo Wei Sheng
Wei Sheng had superb bingo power! Would have lost even more if he did not also phoney a lot to offset the overall margin.

New words learnt: ORIOLES
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: URINATE(85), ORIOLES(75), SOUTANE(73)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: TRIAGER*, UNTRAIN*
My High Moves: HIKES(36), LEY(34), XU(50), FATWA(38) Opp High Moves: ZOL(36)
L 350-449, -99. 1W 3L (Accum spread -226).

It was around 1.30pm when I finally had time to go for lunch with Winston and Valli. The food court was just across the street and was much more convenient than at Toa Payoh West CC! Heard that there was a famous Chicken Rice stall but did not try as it had a very long queue.

Game 5: vs Shahrul
This was a bingo pack game where both of us had three bingos each! Won as I scored well with the J and the X and gained 34 points with his GLITZES when he tried in vain to bingo out.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: MODERATE(69), OUTLIER(72), ISATINE(74) Opp Bingos: SOREDIA, BOUNCED(77), CLEARING(82)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: SOREDIAS*, GIPE*
My High Moves: JAP(41), WEX(51), POM(31) Opp High Moves: KAB(30)
W 538-372, +166. 2W 3L (Accum spread -60).

Game 6: vs Ng Ming Wei
I managed to keep my lead after scoring one bingo as my opponent phonied several times.

New words learnt: FAERIE
My Bingos: INTERNS(69) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: VIZ*, DINTY*
My High Moves: JOTS(32) Opp High Moves: TUX(30)
W 376-260, +116. 3W 3L (Accum spread +56).

Game 7: vs Tan Wei Jie
I out-bingoed my opponent two to one and won rather easily. I think he made a similar mistake as Shahrul when he tried to finish first but ended up phoneying and allowing me to finish first instead.

New words learnt: SORBATE
My Bingos: GROANED(73), LINTERS(65) Opp Bingos: SORBATE(77)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: SORBATED*, GLINTERS*
My High Moves: CUZ(35), KIN(35), WAI(30), CAB(32) Opp High Moves: HEATY(30), EREV(31)
W 466-303, +163. 4W 3L (Accum spread +219).

Game 8: vs Low Bee Tiang
I could have won by a bigger margin if I had not tried to prevent Bee Tiang from bingoing but ended up letting him score big with the Q and the Z instead.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: GODETIA(77), KARITES(89), AWNIEST(88) Opp Bingos: TOASTING(68)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JA(38) Opp High Moves: HOE(31), QAID(47), LUZ(47)
W 481-400, +81. 5W 3L (Accum spread +300).

Finished day 1 with 5 wins and 3 losses. I won all my games after lunch! Hope I could maintain such good form for the second day!

Jurong Green CC Mind Sports Day

The Mind Sports Day had Scrabble players and Weiqi players competing in the same venue and it was interesting to see how the two different tournaments were conducted! Scrabble announcements were made in English while those from Weiqi were made in Mandarin. The Weiqi judges also had big name tags written in Chinese clearly pinned on their clothes to specify their role and they looked quite cool!

Game 1: vs Eugene
Eugene is from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. I have beaten him twice before, so I thought it will be an easy game but it turned out to be a very close game. Both of us opened with a bingo and added the second bingo during the game. I caught his BDTV in the end for 20 points when I finished first but it was not enough to beat him.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: RUINATES(61), METRICS(67) Opp Bingos: LEOTARD(68), ERASION(84)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: ANNOUCED*, UI*(10)
My High Moves: QADI(34), FAT(35), CRAZE(32) Opp High Moves: HELP(37), YOURS(37), VEX(32), MOP(31)
L 405-416, -11. 0W 1L (Accum spread -11).

Game 2: vs Zainudin
Zainudin is from Ngee Ann Poly. He had two blanks at the start but phoneyed with SPOUNGE* that was challenged off and this allowed me to score with CREEK(32). He bingoed later but I was able to score consistently to beat him.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ENDITES(83) Opp Bingos: SPONGED(83)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: SPOUNGE*, GRAIT*(24), HAI*
My High Moves: CREEK(32), AX(52), QUIST(53), ERA(31) Opp High Moves: ZO(35), WOED(32)
W 469-341, +128. 1W 1L (Accum spread +117).

Game 3: vs Winston
Winston is from Ngee Ann Poly. I had a few places to put my bingo TESTERS but chose a place that allowed my opponent to score big with EXITS(50) in his next move. Later, I also played a move that allowed him to score big with ZEE(49). Maybe I could have won if I didn't make these two mistakes.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TESTERS(76) Opp Bingos: SOGGIER(74)
My Phoneys: BOYR*, UNSURGE* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: BROWN(32) Opp High Moves: EXITS(58), ZEE(49)
L 335-402, -67. 1W 2L (Accum spread +50).

Game 4: vs Catherine
Catherine is from HDB. I had one bingo and she had none but she scored very consistently to win.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: UGLIEST(69) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: LUN* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: WYES(38), ABLER(33) Opp High Moves: TAX(33), DENS(34), JEW(38), GAILS(30)
L 326-361, -35. 1W 3L (Accum spread +15).

Game 5: vs Linda
Linda is from Ngee Ann Poly. She bingoed late in the game to beat me as I did not close up the board earlier on when I was leading.

New words learnt:
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: SCOWLER(104)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: AUN*
My High Moves: ZEE(40) Opp High Moves: -
L 296-383, -87. 1W 4L (Accum spread -72).

Game 6: vs Zainudin
Zainudin is from Ngee Ann Poly. None of us had a bingo but I was able to score more consistently to win.

New words learnt:
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: THYE*
My High Moves: SHONE(41), ADS(35), STARK(34) Opp High Moves: -
W 338-263, +75. 2W 4L (Accum spread +3).

Game 7: vs Chew Chuah
Chew Chuah is my colleague and he has already won the tournament by winning all his games in the previous rounds. Our scores were very close until he decided to play CURVE with the E next to the TWS lane and I had ADENUW? on my rack. I saw UNsAWED but was not sure of it and played DAWN instead for 44 points instead. Later, I bingoed with NUTRIENT(74) and maintained my lead to win.

New words learnt: MOUE
My Bingos: NUTRIENT(74) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: SLIB*
My High Moves: PEW(30), DAWN(44), LOVER(32), FAXED(46) Opp High Moves: MOUE(33), ZOO(32), GUESTS(330, YEA(30)
W 424-348, +76. 3W 4L (Accum spread +79).

Finished the tournament with 3 wins and 7th position. Thought I could have done much better but it was fun playing with old friends. Hope to see more new players in the upcoming Nationals!

PSTAR Scrabble Games 2012

The PSTAR Scrabble games is an annual event for organisations in the civil service to take part in a friendly game of Scrabble. It was held at the Civil Service Club (Bukit Batok) on 26th May 2012 from 10am to 5pm. A total of 30 teams took part. MINDEF had two teams taking part this year.

Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report.

Game 1: LTA 1
My first game was against Jimmy from LTA 1 whom I lost before in the 2009 PSTAR games. Learnt a few new words like JUICER and PAVIOR. I also realised that ORAS* was a phoney as it was challenged off when I tried to back hook my SITZ to an existing ORA on the board. Won easily with two bingos CADENZAS(91) and ETIOLIN(77) while he had none. My team mate lost narrowly as he realised that the tile bag had an extra T but a missing Q only after the game was over.

Won 416-312. Our team lost 1-2.

Game 2: CPF 1
My second opponent was against Boon Khee from CPF 1 whom I have played many years ago in a previous PSTAR game. He bingoed with LATTICE(73) but I scored well with XIS(41), ENEW(33) and IZAR(42) to overtake him and win in the end. I got away with a phoney GOW* when I played ENEW.

Won 409-367. Our team won 3-0.

Game 3: CAAS 2
My third opponent was against Shi Han from CAAS 2 who was the only guy in his team. He phoneyed with ABRUPTED* but bingoed twice with SCoRNED(74) and SURGERY(73) to win. Might have won if I had not chickened out of VINAL early in the game.

Lost 356-367. Our team won 2-1.

Game 4: HDB 2
Was hoping to play with at least one girl, so I sort of got my wish when I played against Serene from HDB 2 although it was not exactly what I had in mind. Was thrashed by her as I allowed her to score with a four-timer bingo HISSERS(111) by back hooking the S to WOMAN. I could have taken the same spot with a CEIRST? rack if I had played the anagram whose third letter is an S.[1]

Lost 329-460. Our team won 2-1.

MOE 1, MHA 3, MOE 2 and LTA 1 were the top 4 teams. HDB and CPF received consolation prizes for coming in first in the second and third tier respectively. The MINDEF teams did not win any prizes but we had a really fun time! Hope we could do better next year!

Quiz answers (highlight to see clearly)

[1] CISTERN

Jurong Green CC Cup 2012 (Day Two)

Game 6: vs Sundram Pillai
Sundram is an ex-colleague of Bee Tiang. Was leading quite comfortably when I opened up for my opponent for him to put HEALERS(91) down the triple word lane. I still managed to win by a small margin but now I realised that having a good rack leave becomes less important as the game progresses.

New words learnt:
My Bingos: ScENTED(82) Opp Bingos: HEALERS(91)
My Phoneys: TEP* Opp Phoneys: VOA*, UNcARES*
My High Moves: YEX(39) Opp High Moves: QUIMS(52), ZA(31)
W 381-375, +6. 3W 3L (Accum spread -116).

Game 7: vs Steven Surya
Steven Surya is a student from Indonesia. I played with him three times during the 2011 Causeway Cup and lost twice. Lost to him again as we each had two bingos but he scored very well with his power tiles. Missed STORMIER down the triple score lane with an EIMORST rack and an existing R on the board.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: BENDERS(82), MOISTER(76) Opp Bingos: LATINAS(76), NEATENS(80)
My Phoneys: Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: QIS(39) Opp High Moves: FIX(54), JOW(38), PING(34), WILE(33), LEAZE(77)
L 385-538, -153. 3W 4L (Accum spread -269).

Game 8: vs Low Bee Tiang
Thought I would have an easy game with Bee Tiang but it was not to be. He had a bingo early in the game and I phonied at a crucial point of the game to give him a second bingo for him to seal the game.

New words learnt:
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: WRESTED(101), UNVEILS(76)
My Phoneys: YADI* Opp Phoneys: cLARIOUS*
My High Moves: EF(30), WHIPS(34), DETAIL(32), DAB(36), PI(30), CIVE(36) Opp High Moves: REX(31), SQUIZ(56)
L 389-438, -49. 3W 5L (Accum spread -318).

Game 9: vs Mary Morgan
Mary Morgan was a friendly old lady from Ireland. We had one bingo each and I got away with DES* while both LUB* and PELK* were taken off the board. It was a close game and I just pipped her for a win

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ANEROID(73) Opp Bingos: NETTLES(74)
My Phoneys: DES*, LUB* Opp Phoneys: PELK*
My High Moves: WE(31), OYS(30) Opp High Moves: GAZE(34), PRONG(35), JOT(31), HOX(31)
W 381-371, +10. 4W 5L (Accum spread -308).

Game 10: vs Neo Wei Sheng
Wei Sheng is Jeremy's school mate from Raffles Institution. Had close to zero chance of meeting Jeremy now at this King of the Hill stage as he is on top of the leader board while I was close to the bottom. Our scores were pretty close until he bingoed with TaNGELo(77) using two blanks and scored well with REX(40) two moves later for him to seal the game.

New words learnt:
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: TaNGELo(77)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: MIRTH(39), UNDID(34), AHIS(38), ECAD(31) Opp High Moves: ZIP(37), REX(40)
L 315-409, -94. 4W 6L (Accum spread -412).

Game 11: vs Harryadi
Harryadi was the third Indonesian player that I played. Hendy Yohanes was the only Indonesian player that I didn't play with . We had one bingo each but he scored well late in the game with AMNESIA(30) across the triple word score lane to maintain a 20 point lead to win.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PERVeRT(76) Opp Bingos: rOARIEST(74)
My Phoneys: Opp Phoneys: NOP*
My High Moves: KEN(30), PLOY(33), AMNESIA(30) Opp High Moves: ZORI(36)
L 350-374, -24. 4W 7L (Accum spread -436).

Game 12: vs Kok Eugene
Was very lucky in this game as I had both blanks, all the power tiles and three S to win easily.

New words learnt:
My Bingos: STuDIES(64), MEANINg(65) Opp Bingos:
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: COGENT(40), ZINS(44), OAF(30) Opp High Moves: WITE(33)
W 488-257, +231. 5W 7L (Accum spread -205).

Finished with 5 wins and 7 losses. Was a little bit disappointed as I had expected to win at least half the games but it was an interesting experience to play with so many new faces at a local competition!

Jurong Green CC Cup 2012 (Day One)

This is my first time visiting Jurong Green CC after its renovation and it looked brand new! At least five overseas players were participating in division B: four from Indonesia and one from Ireland. Went for lunch with the Indonesian players before coming back for the first game.

Game 1: vs Gabriel
Gabriel is an NTU Scrabble player. I challenged three times unsuccessfully while he challenged off my TOYA*. I have mixed it up with HOYA and TOYO. We had one bingo each but he was able to score much better than me most of the time to win.

New words learnt: TOWY, ALOW, ECOS
My Bingos: NAILERS(61) Opp Bingos: RIOTING(79)
My Phoneys: TOYA*, GRIMS*(39) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: GRIMS*(39), JOHN(30), VIRL(30), KI(41) Opp High Moves: ALOW(44), FEMS(50), TEX(31), EQUID(30), ROJI(36)
L 352-453, -101. 0W 1L (Accum spread -101).

Game 2: vs Reynaldo
Reynaldo was another Scrabble player from NTU. Had better luck this time round. I had two bingos against my opponent's one and was able to score better most of the time to win.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DARLINGS(61), PANIERS(66) Opp Bingos: GLUEING(81)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: TAJS*
My High Moves: BOWER(38), FY(32) Opp High Moves: VIBE(39)
W 436-329, +107. 1W 1L (Accum spread +6).

Game 3: vs Shahrul
Shahrul was working in Singapore Polytechnic. I was trashed by him as he had four bingos versus one from me.

New words learnt: RESOLING
My Bingos: CREATIN(76) Opp Bingos: BASInET(75), TRIAGES(69), PLAINEST(64), RESOLING(75)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JAR(30), ZETA(33) Opp High Moves: MAFIA(35), YEA(34), TUX(32)
L 382-475, -93. 1W 2L (Accum spread -87).

Game 4: vs Eugene Kok
Eugene was the third NTU Scrabble player that I played. I had very good tiles to bingo three times to win but he scored well with the KQXZ tiles to stay not far behind.

New words learnt: STIRK
My Bingos: PREVENT(80), CENTERED(63), SODAINE(66) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: STRINK*
My High Moves: DOC(30) Opp High Moves: ZITS(39), QIN(32), DEX(33), SKIRT(36)
W 464-343, +121. 2W 2L (Accum spread +34).

Game 5: vs Albert Martono
Albert was the first Indonesian player that I played. He had very good tiles but I also gave many points to him as I took some risks to open up the board for myself. Think I may have given him the high game of the day.

New words learnt: POINDER
My Bingos: UNITERS(66), CLINGERS(72) Opp Bingos: GUINEAS(79), INeArTH(87), POINDER(100)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: rT*
My High Moves: OB(31) Opp High Moves: FOX(38), ITA(47), YEVE(36)
L 367-523, -156. 2W 3L (Accum spread -122).

Finished day 1 with 2 wins and 3 losses.

DSTA Inter-PC Scrabble

This is the first time DSTA is organising an inter-PC Scrabble competition and six people from various PCs took part: Chew Chuah, myself, Hung Peng, Seow Kie, Yew Hang and Peng Kee. We played a total of 3 games in straight King-of-the-Hill format.

Game 1 vs Seow Kie
I had ALIENED(76) and scored well with MAKE(40), ZAG(38), TRAYS(32) and JILT(36) while her UNCITE* was taken off the board. My TRAYS(32) was formed by front hooking the S to an existing CAP but she did not challenge SCAP* and I win easily by 434 to 225.

Game 2 vs Chew Chuah
I have not played Chew Chuah for a long time already and I knew he was a formidable opponent! He had WRONGED(81) and IONISED(67) while I had SHERIAT(96). I phonied with RAKIEST* and ETICS* which were taken off the board and I lost by 363 to 447. Missed the two anagrams for AEIKRST!

Game 3 vs Yew Hang
I had LATTICE(79) and he had TOURING(74). I also scored well with KAM(30), YIP(30), LOW(36), TUX(30) and DEATH(63) to win by 434 to 309. We had one phoney each and they were both challenged off. I had UNAILED* while he had ZOE*. Missed the two anagrams for ADEILNU!

In the end, Chew Chuah won first position with 3 wins. I won second position by having a slightly better spread than Hung Peng who won third position. It was fun but a little bit distracting to be the organiser at the same time. Would probably consider hiring an external tournament director the next time round.

Causeway Cup 2011 (Day 5)

Round 40 vs Moses(Nigeria)
My third time playing Moses. Won with my INERTIA(69) against his EGOTISE(74) and SENTRIES(58). He almost had a third bingo GUANINE if one of the A on his rack was an I.

Round 41 vs Hanne Marks(Australia)
A rematch with Hanne. Missed an opening bingo with LOGOUTS when I decided to play OUTLOGS* instead as I remembered INBOXES* was no good in a previous game. Lost as she scored with MALTING(77) against my PLEASED(77) and RETAINS(62).

Round 42 vs Nidhi Singhvi(India)
A rematch with Nidhi. Won as I had FRAGILE(72) against her RESHINE(86). My STAN* and her DURATES* and FOXT* were challenged off.

Round 43 vs Steven Surya(Indonesia)
A rematch with Steven. Won as I had CREASED(76), RODENTS(87) and RUMbLED(89) against his ACCURATE(74), VENDERS(74) and TELAMON(77). He made two mistakes that gave me the win. First, he did not challenge off my DIPH* when I played HOI back hooking the H for 28 points. Then, he opened up the board with TIT, emptied the bag and allowed me to bingo out with RUMbLED(89).

Round 44 vs Martin Waterworth(Australia)
My third time playing Martin. Lost as he had WIRIEST(71) and OVERHAND(45) while I had TORNADE(73) and TRADING(73). Should have blocked the TWS lane with BAPU instead of leaving it open for him to score with WAXES for 45 points back hooking the S to BAP.

Round 45 vs Steven Surya(Indonesia)
My third time playing Steven. Both of us were out of top ten contention so it was more like a friendly match now. Lost as he had LUNGERS(79) and was able to score well in the end game while I and AUNTIES(72).

Won 25 out of 45 games in the end and was placed 24th position out of 84 players. Thought it was not too bad considering some of the mistakes that I made. Will miss participating in the Causeway Challenge as this is the last one being held.

Causeway Cup 2011 (Day 4)

Round 30 vs Adele Tan(Malaysia)
Had a rematch with Adele and lost as she bingoed with NONAGES(71) while I had no bingos.

Round 31 vs Marcus Loke(Malaysia)
Had a rematch with Marcus and lost as he bingoed with GRUNTER(74) and CENTRIES(85) while I had no bingos.

Round 32 vs Sunny Wright(Australia)
Won easily against this elderly lady from Australia as I had TOADIES(67) and FINERIES(62) against her SPOILER(62).

Round 33 vs Caroline Scowcroft(Australia)
Won easily against this lady from Australia as I had OUTSIDE(72) and FITNESS(77) while she had no bingos.

Round 34 vs Moses Oguwa(Nigeria)
Had a rematch with Moses and won with my SIERRAN(71) and RELINED(77). Would not have been able to play RELINED if he did not open up with RECT* for me to front hook with an E.

Round 35 vs Nicky Huitson(UK)
Lost to this lady from UK as she scored with DOATING(80) and MARINAS(66) against my STEERER(70) and RAVINES(84). Thought I could out with AULE* but it was challenged off.

Round 36 vs Carolyn Watt(Australia)
Won this lady from Australia as I scored with MILEAGE(72) against her ROSETTE(73). I think she gave the game away as she tried to bingo three times with phoneys, PANICED*, CONEISH* and COCHINE* and they were challenged off.

Round 37 vs Steven Surya(Indonesia)
Lost to this young man from Indonesia as he scored with BETTING(75) and MUTINGS*(76) against my RETINAE(69). Should have challenged both MUTINGS* and DES* when he played the bingo back hooking the S to an existing DE. I challenged off his FUADS* and KOURAN* though.

Round 38 vs Rex D'Souza(India)
Lost to this middle aged man from India as he had OARIEST(63) and ENTRIES(68) against my SNORTIER(67) and LEGATORS(60). Missed a turn when my TREASION* was challenged off as I thought that it was good.

Round 39 vs Martin Waterworth(Australia)
Had a rematch with Martin and won as I scored with DIALERS(66) against his POUNCES(67).

Causeway Cup 2011 (Day 3)

Round 20 vs Nidhi Singhvi(India)
Won this young lady from India with my SHAFTED(91), NAILERS(79) and SOAPIER(69) against her ERASIONS(64) and ENTERED(62).

Round 21 vs Betty Eriksen(New Zealand)
Won this lady from New Zealand with my DETOURS(69) and BANDITS(68). Saw the bingo with a AEGILOS rack towards the end but I thought it was unplayable as I kept thinking there was only the A front-hook to an existing REW on the board.

Round 22 vs Colleen Walker(Australia)
Won this lady from Australia with my ETAERIOS(74) and ERINITE(73) against her SCOUTER(87) and SLANTED(72).

Round 23 vs Pasit Teeka(Thailand)
Lost to this small boy from Thailand as he scored well with DILATES(72) and QUITE(78) while I had nothing.

Round 24 vs Marcus Loke(Malaysia)
This must be my worst game ever in this competition. Lost to this intensely competitive teenager from Malaysia as he scored with CORNEAL(75), COMPRISE(92) and METTLED(76). I had a EENOSTV rack towards the end and tried LOVENEST* with a floating L on the board but unfortunately it was challenged off.

Round 25 vs Maureen See(Australia)
Lost to this lady from Australia as she scored with SPIRULA(77), ANODISE(73) and CARTAGE(91) against my STAINED(73). I could have opened with a bingo if I have played REFLUENT instead of FLUENTER* which was challenged off.

Round 26 vs Zeenath Ariff(Malaysia)
Won this lady from Malaysia as I scored with TEDIEST(93) and REGARDED(72) against her SINUATE(68). I also scored well with DIFF(40) and challenged off her BINED*.

Round 27 vs Jean Noonan(Australia)
Had a bye for this game to win 175 to 100.

Round 28 vs Adele Tan(Malaysia)
Lost to the president of the Malaysian Scrabble Association as she scored with LINAGES(66) against my PROBERS(78). My REGATED* was also challenged off.

Round 29 vs Jessie Lim(Singapore)
I was trailing behind this Singaporean Masters player until I finally found a bingo with SINUATES(66) and scored well with XI(52) using her UNCI on the board to win.

Causeway Cup 2011 (Day 2)

Round 10 vs Asad Raza Merchant(Pakistan)
Managed to win this young boy from Pakistan by scoring consistently against his two bingos ATEBrIN(72) and STRIVEN(73).

Round 11 vs Hanne Marks(Australia)
Lost to this elderly lady from Australia who played TREAGUES(73) against my VECTORED(83). Each of us phonied once. I played TEP* while she played ARGUTES*.

Round 12 vs Hema Abeyasinghe(Malaysia)
My luckiest game in this tournament was against this young lady from Malaysia. I had five bingos INEARTH(77), REALISE(79), ATONERS(78), LEOTArD(90) and WHEELED(81) while she had GLOSSIER(82). I missed her PAG* phoney while she challenged off my AlLOTED*.

Round 13 vs Anocha Sirithongchai(Thailand)
Played against this pretty Thai girl last year and I remembered we had a really close match. It was a really close match this time round too. I had RAINIEST(77) while she had DoUBTER(94) and TENSION(67). Eked out a win because I managed to out first and because she phonied twice with ReDEBUT* and TONNIES*.

Round 14 vs Sunny Wright(Australia)
Won this elderly lady from Australia with my PAsTRIES(80). I also got away with PRUNY*(20).

Round 15 vs Jenny Coetzee(Australia)
Won this elderly lady from Australia with my ANISOLE(76) and RELATES(68) against her DISHIER(84).

Round 16 vs Hamza Sheik(Pakistan)
Won this young boy from Pakistan with my INBOXES*(106) and JUTE(43) against his RAILERS(72). His URA* phoney was also challenged off.

Round 17 vs Lim Sha Lyn(Malaysia)
Lost to this young lady from Malaysia as she bingoed twice with EARLOBE(72) and SEATING(75). Her RUDY* was challenged off though.

Round 18 vs Moses Oguwa(Nigeria)
Played with Moses the second time and lost as he scored consistently while I bingoed twice with CAJOLED(73) and REMAINED(62). My UVE* phoney was also challenged off.

Round 19 vs Syed Taha ul Huda(Pakistan)
Won this young boy from Pakistan with my DUELERS(70), ENTASIA(68) and TRIBALS(101) against his INQUeRE(93). He should probably have played ENQUIRy instead of INQUeRE as INQUeRE was just next to the TWS lane which enabled me to score well with TRIBALS back hooking the S.

Causeway Cup 2011 (Day 1)

This is the tenth and last Causeway Cup. The Open section had the same number of players like last year but the format has changed to king of the hill with no repeats.

Round 1 vs Aubrey Millet(India)
My first opponent was a middle aged man who was a professor from India. Missed a chance to move ahead when my SENATERS* played with a AEENRTS rack and a floating S in the bottom center to hit the TWS cell was challenged off. Later, he scored well with MAVINS for 50 points and we had one bingo each. He had REAPING(78) and I had ORIENTS(73). Lost by more than 100 points in the end.

Round 2 vs Tashwindran(Malaysia)
Tashwindran was a small boy who was a beginner. Won easily as I challenged off two of my opponent's phoneys and played two bingos, NEGATION(71) and ATRESIA(68).

Round 3 vs Moses Owugah(Nigeria)
My third opponent was an young man from Nigeria. Lost by slightly more than 50 points as I had REGAINED(59) while he had STONING(67) and SLENDER(70).

Round 4 vs Martin Waterworth(Australia)
Martin was a bespectacled man with a beard whom I played a few months ago at a Scrabble event in Singapore. I had ETESIAN(71) and LATRINES(59) while he had UPFOLDS(85) and AdVIsED(74). Got away with UNCAN* and scored well with ZEA(32) but he also scored with EXIT(33) and JEAT(38) to lose by about 100 points.

Round 5 vs Gary Pollard(Australia)
Gary was a casually dressed Australian and had a beard similar to the one from Nigel. Lost by over 100 points as my opponent had KEEPERS(72), OVERAGE(92) and MEANIES(65) while I only had VANTAGE(82).

Round 6 vs Mary Morgan(Ireland)
My first female opponent was an elderly lady from Ireland. I had RULIEST(72) and scored well with QUINS(66) to take the game.

Round 7 vs Umair Khalidi(Pakistan)
Umair was a young boy from Pakistan. Won easily with my ENDEARS(71) and ENGRAVED(67) against his RELISTS(66).

Round 8 vs Tsholofelo Modise(South Africa)
My second female opponent was a girl from South Africa. Had SEERING(81) and ATELIeR(74) to win pretty easily. Should probably have played IRATELy instead of ATELIeR as she was able to score well with SHE(30) subsequently with the H on the triple letter cell.

Round 9 vs Maureen See(Australia)
My third female opponent was a woman from Australia whom I played before at last year's Causeway Challenge. Lost as I did not have any bingos while she had DANCIER(76).

Scrabble Nationals 2011 (Day Two)

Game 6: vs Yong Jian Rong
Jian Rong is one of the young rising stars of Scrabble. I managed to beat him at last year's Nationals but he has improved tremendously since then. I had one bingo but he scored consistently to be ahead. The turning point came when I decided to try UNDATE down the triple word score lane and it turned out to be good when challenged!

New words learnt: UNDATE
My Bingos: LINTERS(70) Opp Bingos:
My Phoneys: LOM* Opp Phoneys: TABO*, TWINNERS*
My High Moves: UNDATE(32) Opp High Moves: FIZ(41), KETAS(43), WRIST(33), CAW(30)
W 383-364, +19. 5W 1L (Accum spread +342)

Game 7: vs Winston Gwee
Winston is one of the top few division B players. We had one bingo each but he scored much more consistently than me and was ahead by almost 100 points. He held for one or two minutes when I played QIS across the triple word score lane, back hooking the S to OVA before deciding to let it go. I found out later that OVAS* was no good!

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: LENDERS(65) Opp Bingos: SPICIER(66)
My Phoneys: BIVARIED*, OVAS*(43) Opp Phoneys: FAGO*(24), VIBER*
My High Moves: QIS(43) Opp High Moves: FA(30), JET(33), SAX(34), HOI(32), ZO(44)
L 355-437, -82. 5W 2L (Accum spread +260)

Game 8: vs Lam Guat Jane
Jane is a new player to the competitive Scrabble scene who just graduated from NTU. This game reminds me of last year's Causeway match with a pretty Thai girl. Think I got distracted when she smiled at me and my brain seemed to work less well. I also felt stressed when her boyfriend started to hover around her during the end game as it was lunch time and we were the last few to finish. Lost as I spent way too much time to find the bingo out of a EEHIRS? rack and didn't think through my end game stategy. I saw RESHINE but there was no place to put it, then I was deciding among REHIdES*, REHIrES and REHIvES*. I was tempted to put REHIvES* as I remembered UNHIVES was good but I was lucky that I guessed correctly in the end. There is an anagram for REHIvES* though.[4]

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: REHIrES(86) Opp Bingos: TERRAIN(82)
My Phoneys: DAT* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JAB(32), QUOTA(54) Opp High Moves: SINCE(40)
L 377-390, -13. 5W 3L (Accum spread +247)

Game 9: vs Valli
Valli is the organiser and a well seasoned division B player from MOE. My worst game so far in this competition as I kept challenging her good words while she bingoed and scored consistently.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: RECODING(73), WANIEST(72)
My Phoneys: HAIRIED* Opp Phoneys: BRATING*
My High Moves: EQUIPE(51), FIN(33), ZO(37) Opp High Moves: VARY(37), QUINS(66)
L 331-490, -159. 5W 4L (Accum spread +88)

Game 10: vs Peter Yu
Peter Yu is another well seasoned division B player. One of my easiest games as I bingoed and scored consistently. I even bingoed out before him even though he also had a bingo rack at the end. I wrote the result slip wrongly as I copied the score without considering his 18 points worth of unplayed tiles. Not sure if it had any impact on the subsequent pairings but luckily it did not affect the final rankings.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: DANGLER(74), RATTANS(78) Opp Bingos:
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: SEIZE(58) Opp High Moves: SOX(30)
W 431-264, +167. 6W 4L (Accum spread +255)

Game 11: vs Seow Kai Yuan
Kai Yuan is a new player to the competitive Scrabble scene who is the boyfriend of Jane. He scored very consistently and won despite being outbingoed two to one.

New words learnt: DUAN
My Bingos: NEGATERS(64), DILATORS(58) Opp Bingos: FORESTS(82)
My Phoneys: JUGG* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: QAT(30) Opp High Moves: HO(41), DEPOT(30), RIZA(39)
L 359-414, -55. 6W 5L (Accum spread +200)

Game 12: vs Shanthikumar
Shanthikumar is a seasoned division B player who just picked up the game again after stopping for three years since 2008. I was very lucky in this game as I had all the S. I outbingoed him two to one and managed to close the board every time he wanted to open up. I probably should have played a bingo that started with S instead rather than TENDeRS as there was a possibility that he could bingo with a nine-timer.

New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SNOOTED(82), TENDeRS(73) Opp Bingos: INTENDS(65)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: INTERING*
My High Moves: XI(40), COMBS(31) Opp High Moves: HUH(32), JO(30)
W 455-328, +127. 7W 5L (Accum spread +327)

Finished the tournament with 7 wins and 5th position. Felt pretty good as 75% of my games were against players in the top half of the group unlike previous years where I struggled at the bottom half. Hope to do better next year!

Quiz answers (highlight to see clearly)

[4] SHRIEVE