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 on 4th Aug 2007 from 10am to 5pm. A total of 28 teams from 17 organisations 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.
I was there a bit earlier to help draw the pairings for my team. Had a history of drawing bad pairings and true enough, my first draw resulted in my team playing against MOE 1 which is one of the strongest teams in the field!
Game 1: MOE 1
I played against Suhaimi, JP played against Elizabeth and CC played against Vincent.
Our scores were neck-in-neck and the board was getting very closed. Had EILNOR? on my rack and decided to try LOINERs* back hooking to OHO on the board. Unfortunately, it was challenged off. Missed another playable bingo that ends with the letter S[1]. My play went downhill after that, using my blank for very few points which did not help to open up the board while my opponent bingoed with nUTTIEST(66).
Lost my first game by 286-360. Our team also lost the match narrowly by 1-2.
Had hoped to play against an all-girls team in the next round but I drew against MHA 1 which consists of a tough-looking all-guys team. :(
Game 2: MHA 1
I played against Mahendra, JP and CC played against two other guys.
Managed to bingo once with RETAINED(72) and scored well with the Z and the Q. This coupled with my opponent's several phoneys HEI*, NI* and WEVE* helped me to win easily.
Won 476-236. Our team won convincingly with 3-0.
Had free lunch catered for us after our second game and it was delicious! Liked the potato cubes, chicken wing and pastries!
Finally had a chance to play against CPF in the third game but it happened to be an all-guys team once again!
Game 3: CPF 1
I played against Chee Keong, JP played against How Fatt and CC played against Boon Khee.
I was lagging behind until I saw a bingo with a DEINTV? rack. The last letter of the bingo had to front hook to an existing AH on the board.[2] A higher scoring play would be an eight-letter bingo through an existing I across the TWS cell but I gave up figuring out what it was after a few minutes.[3] Later, my opponent had a chance to bingo with a AENUVW? rack[4] but I blocked his only spot. In desparation he tried sUNWAVE* but it was challenged off the board!
Won 408-292. Our team won convincingly with 3-0.
After 3 rounds, the top 4 teams were placed in the Cup category, the next 8 or 10 teams in the Plate category and the rest in the Bowl category. We were placed in the Plate category while MOE 1 was placed in the Cup category despite having the same number of wins and less spread than us.
The tournament director explained to us how the format favored the early winners. A loss in the first round would mean that there was no way for the team to become one of the top 4 teams as we were already classified among the loser pile. MOE 1's second round loss was classified as the best loser and they were placed in the top tier together with teams having two wins.
Our final game is against SSC. Thought it would be an easy match as our opponent only had two players but it turned out tougher than we thought.
Game 4: Singapore Sports Council
I played against Azmi, JP played against a malay guy while CC had a walkover.
Was lagging behind until Azmi opened up the TWS lane and I scored well with BOX(43) and then ZEL(37). Pulled slightly further ahead with QUA(34) a few more turns later and maintained my lead throughout the game. Heard from JP later that he is very impressed with how his opponent played and felt that it was his toughest game in the whole tournament!
Won 369-329. Our team won convincingly with 3-0.
In the end, MOE 1 won the tournament. NP 1, HDB 1 and MOH 1 came in 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. MOE 2, HDB 2 and CAAS 2 came in top 3 in the Plate category while CPF 1, CPF 2 and IRAS 1 came in top 3 in the Bowl category.
MINDEF 1 didn't do too badly, just losing two individual games in the first round to the eventual winner but our spread in the last round was not enough for us to get top 3 placing in our category.
MINDEF 2 didn't do as well but they had a great time honing their Scrabble skills and socialising with their opponents too!
Quiz answers (highlight to see clearly)
[1] NEROLIs
[2] INViTED
[3] DIVINEsT
[4] UNWeAVE
Showing posts with label scrabble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scrabble. Show all posts
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Scrabble Nationals 2007 (Day Two)
Game 5: vs Ganapathy
Had a bad record against Ganapathy. He won in all our encounters. I was leading by a bit until he bingoed near the end of the game. Lost in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: FEEDERS(78) Opp Bingos: STRIKES(81)
My Phoneys: NAR* Opp Phoneys: RETRIVES*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: LEZ(33)
L 307-392, -85. 2W 3L (Accum spread -83).
Game 6: vs Valli
Was pleasantly surprised when my PLACATED(97) turned out to be good when challenged! Realised that I could have scored more if I had planned my end game moves better.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PLACATED(97) Opp Bingos: CLOSING(69)
My Phoneys: KEELY* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: QIS(32), ZA(31)
W 387-381, +6. 3W 3L (Accum spread -77).
Game 7: vs Sharul
Quite happy to meet Sharul again at a competition as he was the first player I played with almost four years ago at the PSTAR games! Had an ADILNU? rack which could only play with either A or U as the first letter and tried UNDIALs*(71) but it was not challenged off as it allowed him to play off some of the consonant tiles.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: UNDIALS*(71) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: UNDIALS*(71) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: NIX(32), BREW(31) Opp High Moves: ZIT(35), WEEPY(42), CARS(38), TOWING(41)
L 351-414,-63. 3W 4L (Accum spread -140).
Game 8: vs Sim Pin Yi
Had very good tiles in this game with JKQZSSSS?? while my opponent only had the X! Had a chance to bingo out in the end but just couldn't see the word in my EEINRR? rack. Wasted a few moves trying a few possible words that turned out to be phoneys before giving up.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TOENAIL(67) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: REINERs* Opp Phoneys: NEM*
My High Moves: QI(30) Opp High Moves: EX(35)
W 428-256, +172. 4W 4L (Accum spread +32).
Game 9: vs Ruby
Was greedy when I put MOTIONER(74) instead of STONIER as I discovered that STONIER just managed to fit in between two DWS cells without touching any of them. Turned out to be a bad move as Ruby managed to hook HAILERS(77) at the back. Was beaten convincingly by her.
New words learnt: MOTIONER(74)
My Bingos: MOTIONER(74) Opp Bingos: UNBARES(72), HAILERS(77), STEROID(76)
My Phoneys: PUHL* Opp Phoneys: UNBANGS*, STORIE*
My High Moves: TOWEL(33), WIVE(31), OX(38) Opp High Moves: ZIT(35)
L 354-448, -94. 4W 5L (Accum spread -62).
Game 10: vs Siew Chin
Turned out that all my King of the Hill opponents were female players. Both of us played several phonies in the beginning before we had one bingo each. Managed to capitalise on my opponent's mistakes to win by a small margin.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: HALFTONE(72) Opp Bingos: MEDIANS(87)
My Phoneys: KOE*, PENSIER* Opp Phoneys: CEG*, TAC*, MONT*
My High Moves: ZEE(35), FINER(49), DIGS(40) Opp High Moves: RAX(40), MOWER(33), EQUIP(32)
W 402-335, +67. 5W 5L (Accum spread +5).
Game 11: vs Linda
Was quite happy to meet Linda as she was Winston's colleague from Ngee Ann Poly and a possible opponent at the upcoming PSTAR games. We had one bingo each and our scores were quite close until I leapt ahead with KIVES* which was not challenged off. Lucky for me!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: FASTENS(81) Opp Bingos: COOLIES(72)
My Phoneys: JANG*, KIVES*(46) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: BEAST(36)
W 405-346, +59. 6W 5L (Accum spread +64).
Game 12: vs Dinna
Met her during the Causeway Cup last year. Didn't manage to catch her with the Q at the end of the game otherwise I could have a chance of winning as it would mean a 30 point difference.
New words learnt: ARGON
My Bingos: CARNAGE(80) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: COER*
My High Moves: FOR(32), OHS(36), FOREX(31), DREW(36) Opp High Moves: JUTES(34), KNEE(36), SHADE(51), ADZ(33)
L 376-400, -24. 6W 6L (Accum spread +40).
Finished the whole tournament with 6 wins, 6 losses and +40 spread in 12th position. Met my basic target with getting at least 6 wins with positive spread but just failed to reach top 10 position. Think that will be the goal for my next tournament!
Had a bad record against Ganapathy. He won in all our encounters. I was leading by a bit until he bingoed near the end of the game. Lost in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: FEEDERS(78) Opp Bingos: STRIKES(81)
My Phoneys: NAR* Opp Phoneys: RETRIVES*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: LEZ(33)
L 307-392, -85. 2W 3L (Accum spread -83).
Game 6: vs Valli
Was pleasantly surprised when my PLACATED(97) turned out to be good when challenged! Realised that I could have scored more if I had planned my end game moves better.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PLACATED(97) Opp Bingos: CLOSING(69)
My Phoneys: KEELY* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: QIS(32), ZA(31)
W 387-381, +6. 3W 3L (Accum spread -77).
Game 7: vs Sharul
Quite happy to meet Sharul again at a competition as he was the first player I played with almost four years ago at the PSTAR games! Had an ADILNU? rack which could only play with either A or U as the first letter and tried UNDIALs*(71) but it was not challenged off as it allowed him to play off some of the consonant tiles.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: UNDIALS*(71) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: UNDIALS*(71) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: NIX(32), BREW(31) Opp High Moves: ZIT(35), WEEPY(42), CARS(38), TOWING(41)
L 351-414,-63. 3W 4L (Accum spread -140).
Game 8: vs Sim Pin Yi
Had very good tiles in this game with JKQZSSSS?? while my opponent only had the X! Had a chance to bingo out in the end but just couldn't see the word in my EEINRR? rack. Wasted a few moves trying a few possible words that turned out to be phoneys before giving up.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TOENAIL(67) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: REINERs* Opp Phoneys: NEM*
My High Moves: QI(30) Opp High Moves: EX(35)
W 428-256, +172. 4W 4L (Accum spread +32).
Game 9: vs Ruby
Was greedy when I put MOTIONER(74) instead of STONIER as I discovered that STONIER just managed to fit in between two DWS cells without touching any of them. Turned out to be a bad move as Ruby managed to hook HAILERS(77) at the back. Was beaten convincingly by her.
New words learnt: MOTIONER(74)
My Bingos: MOTIONER(74) Opp Bingos: UNBARES(72), HAILERS(77), STEROID(76)
My Phoneys: PUHL* Opp Phoneys: UNBANGS*, STORIE*
My High Moves: TOWEL(33), WIVE(31), OX(38) Opp High Moves: ZIT(35)
L 354-448, -94. 4W 5L (Accum spread -62).
Game 10: vs Siew Chin
Turned out that all my King of the Hill opponents were female players. Both of us played several phonies in the beginning before we had one bingo each. Managed to capitalise on my opponent's mistakes to win by a small margin.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: HALFTONE(72) Opp Bingos: MEDIANS(87)
My Phoneys: KOE*, PENSIER* Opp Phoneys: CEG*, TAC*, MONT*
My High Moves: ZEE(35), FINER(49), DIGS(40) Opp High Moves: RAX(40), MOWER(33), EQUIP(32)
W 402-335, +67. 5W 5L (Accum spread +5).
Game 11: vs Linda
Was quite happy to meet Linda as she was Winston's colleague from Ngee Ann Poly and a possible opponent at the upcoming PSTAR games. We had one bingo each and our scores were quite close until I leapt ahead with KIVES* which was not challenged off. Lucky for me!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: FASTENS(81) Opp Bingos: COOLIES(72)
My Phoneys: JANG*, KIVES*(46) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: BEAST(36)
W 405-346, +59. 6W 5L (Accum spread +64).
Game 12: vs Dinna
Met her during the Causeway Cup last year. Didn't manage to catch her with the Q at the end of the game otherwise I could have a chance of winning as it would mean a 30 point difference.
New words learnt: ARGON
My Bingos: CARNAGE(80) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: COER*
My High Moves: FOR(32), OHS(36), FOREX(31), DREW(36) Opp High Moves: JUTES(34), KNEE(36), SHADE(51), ADZ(33)
L 376-400, -24. 6W 6L (Accum spread +40).
Finished the whole tournament with 6 wins, 6 losses and +40 spread in 12th position. Met my basic target with getting at least 6 wins with positive spread but just failed to reach top 10 position. Think that will be the goal for my next tournament!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Scrabble Nationals 2007 (Day One)
Had not played in tournaments for around half a year but decided to take part in the Nationals to prepare for the upcoming PSTAR games in August. This year's tournament is at a new venue at Toa Payoh West CC.
Game 1: vs Dexter Chew
My first opponent was against a young boy who is Alvin Seo's junior from Bukit Panjang High school. He appeared quite nervous and told himself aloud to be calm several times. Guess the very cold aircon didn't help too. Managed to win by scoring two bingos and closing up the board. His last rack was EHIRST? but had no place to play it but he tried to hook to several places to form phoneys and I challenged them off in the process.
New words learnt: TYRAN
My Bingos: PETTIES(76), NUMERATE(71) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: ABAY*, TEV*, ARAGED* TCOB* SCOB*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: TYRAN(51), ZOA(32)
W 472-209, +263. 1W 0L (Accum spread +263).
Game 2: vs Ashley
My second game was with Ashley whom I have played twice before and lost in both occasions. The score was very close until I tried to do a set up by placing CAN on the board. Two blanks and one S had been played while I had two of the remaining three S. Thought it should be quite certain that the remaining S is in the bag but turned out that he had it on his rack and he scored with WISP(30). The remaining game went downhill after that.
New words learnt: VOLAR
My Bingos: UNTILED(90) Opp Bingos: ROADIES(69), SEDITION(80)
My Phoneys: HEG* Opp Phoneys: VIB*
My High Moves: KEF(31), JOG(37), XI(37), PYA(35) Opp High Moves: WISP(35), ZEL(32)
L 369-464, -95. 1W 1L (Accum spread +168).
Game 3: vs Arul
Was glad to meet Arul for my third game as I knew he had very good board equipment! Had this bad feeling when I once again played a vertical CAN on the board. True enough, Arul scored heavily with a DOZIEST(127) bingo followed by FLATWARE(69). He had a few other high scoring moves and thrashed me by almost 200 points.
New words learnt: DOZIEST, FLATWARE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: DOZIEST(127), FLATWARE(69)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: EXIT(31), AURAS(30), QAT(30) Opp High Moves: ICING(31), APSO(41), TEARY(30), VIRAL(30)
L 312-498,-186. 1W 2L (Accum spread -18).
Game 4: vs Catherine
Had played Catherine many times and I lost more often than I won. Managed to score well with KEXES(59) although I was unsure of it. Later got away with JAIS*(72) by back hooking JAI with RATIONS(72). Was leading by a comfortable margin but left too many bingo lanes open though and Catherine closed the gap with two bingos near the end of the game.
New words learnt: NUTTERS, SILLERS
My Bingos: RATIONS(72) Opp Bingos: NUTTERS(72), SILLERS(90)
My Phoneys: JAIS*(72) Opp Phoneys: STUNTER*
My High Moves: LIEN(37), KEXES(59) Opp High Moves: -
W 443-423, +20. 2W 2L (Accum spread +2).
Finished day 1 with 2 wins and 2 losses in 10th position.
Game 1: vs Dexter Chew
My first opponent was against a young boy who is Alvin Seo's junior from Bukit Panjang High school. He appeared quite nervous and told himself aloud to be calm several times. Guess the very cold aircon didn't help too. Managed to win by scoring two bingos and closing up the board. His last rack was EHIRST? but had no place to play it but he tried to hook to several places to form phoneys and I challenged them off in the process.
New words learnt: TYRAN
My Bingos: PETTIES(76), NUMERATE(71) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: ABAY*, TEV*, ARAGED* TCOB* SCOB*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: TYRAN(51), ZOA(32)
W 472-209, +263. 1W 0L (Accum spread +263).
Game 2: vs Ashley
My second game was with Ashley whom I have played twice before and lost in both occasions. The score was very close until I tried to do a set up by placing CAN on the board. Two blanks and one S had been played while I had two of the remaining three S. Thought it should be quite certain that the remaining S is in the bag but turned out that he had it on his rack and he scored with WISP(30). The remaining game went downhill after that.
New words learnt: VOLAR
My Bingos: UNTILED(90) Opp Bingos: ROADIES(69), SEDITION(80)
My Phoneys: HEG* Opp Phoneys: VIB*
My High Moves: KEF(31), JOG(37), XI(37), PYA(35) Opp High Moves: WISP(35), ZEL(32)
L 369-464, -95. 1W 1L (Accum spread +168).
Game 3: vs Arul
Was glad to meet Arul for my third game as I knew he had very good board equipment! Had this bad feeling when I once again played a vertical CAN on the board. True enough, Arul scored heavily with a DOZIEST(127) bingo followed by FLATWARE(69). He had a few other high scoring moves and thrashed me by almost 200 points.
New words learnt: DOZIEST, FLATWARE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: DOZIEST(127), FLATWARE(69)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: EXIT(31), AURAS(30), QAT(30) Opp High Moves: ICING(31), APSO(41), TEARY(30), VIRAL(30)
L 312-498,-186. 1W 2L (Accum spread -18).
Game 4: vs Catherine
Had played Catherine many times and I lost more often than I won. Managed to score well with KEXES(59) although I was unsure of it. Later got away with JAIS*(72) by back hooking JAI with RATIONS(72). Was leading by a comfortable margin but left too many bingo lanes open though and Catherine closed the gap with two bingos near the end of the game.
New words learnt: NUTTERS, SILLERS
My Bingos: RATIONS(72) Opp Bingos: NUTTERS(72), SILLERS(90)
My Phoneys: JAIS*(72) Opp Phoneys: STUNTER*
My High Moves: LIEN(37), KEXES(59) Opp High Moves: -
W 443-423, +20. 2W 2L (Accum spread +2).
Finished day 1 with 2 wins and 2 losses in 10th position.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Millenium Cup 2006 (Day Two)
Game 5: vs Wong Ying Quan
Was more than 150 points ahead when I bingoed with OCToPUS(74) and my opponent played a few phoneys. He held an EGIINS? rack one time and tried dIEINGS* and tIEINGS* but both were challenged off. He managed to play SINGERs(76) after getting rid of the extra I. This was one of the few games that I tracked correctly and I found out that he could bingo out with an AEELNRT rack and blocked it with LENS(32).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: OCToPUS(74) Opp Bingos: SINGERs(76)
My Phoneys: CLIT* Opp Phoneys: DEA*, LEO*, dIEINGS*, tIEINGS*
My High Moves: ADZ(43), SEX(34), LENS(32) Opp High Moves: -
W 420-288, +132. 2W 3L (Accum spread -62).
Game 6: vs Low Bee Tiang
Our scores were quite close until my opponent played CURVE with the C on the TWS line. Had the choice of playing MU(22) on top of CURVE or CREAM(30) down the TWS line. In the end, I played CREAM(30) and Bee Tiang pulled ahead with QUEST(76) with Q on the TWL cell and T on the DWS cell!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: STAN* Opp Phoneys: ETS*, OORN*, RINT*, DOGER*
My High Moves: CREAM(30) Opp High Moves: ZIG(33), TOTES(39), QUEST(76), YEW(30)
L 309-357, -48. 2W 4L (Accum spread -110).
Game 7: vs Chua Zhong Jie
A combination of my opponent's phoneys and having high scoring tiles on my part helped me win the game despite being outbingoed 2 to 1. Missed challenging NUP* although I knew it looked suspicious. I used to think DUH* was good as it was part of the vocabulary of Homer Simpson but remembered that somehow it wasn't in SOWPODS!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: NERDIEST(60) Opp Bingos: ROUTINEs(66), SEATERS(71)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: OIR*, OIS*, DUH*, NUP*(29)
My High Moves: REH(32), EVADE(33), BY(30), NOX(47), RIZ(38) Opp High Moves: -
W 450-342, +108. 3W 4L (Accum spread -2).
Game 8: vs zzBye
W 150-100, +50. 4W 4L (Accum spread +48).
Game 9: vs Valli
Interesting to note that my opponent's first move was VALI which is similar to her name! My break came when I tried TALKIER(87) that turned out to be good when challenged! My opponent had very bad luck as she changed twice and phonied several times. Had the chance to bingo again towards the end of the game but I threw it away when I played something that blocked the two existing bingo lanes!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TALKIER(87) Opp Bingos: ASSIGNEd(59)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: PAU*, RETOWNER*
My High Moves: CORDS(38) Opp High Moves: ZED(33)
W 378-323, +55. 5W 4L (Accum spread +103).
Game 10: vs Ng Ming Wei
Start of the KOH round. Realised after the tournament that I could have gotten 3rd place if I had won all 3 KOH rounds. Alvin was placed behind me at this point in time and he eventually got 3rd place. My opponent scored well with the high scoring tiles and got away with several phoneys. Lost despite outbingoing my opponent 2 to 0.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: NEWSIER(91), INFESTED(76) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: ZOEAEL*(23), WINT*(21), BORG*(23)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: ZOEAE(48), MEDIC(36), QAID(48), VEX(38), QUEY(48), PORN(30)
L 378-402, -24. 5W 5L (Accum spread +79).
Game 11: vs Ashley
My opponent had two blanks, all 4 S and JKQX while I only had the Z. Was basically thrashed by my opponent!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: LOUsiER(79)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: QUILTY*
My High Moves: FIZ(30), CAR(34) Opp High Moves: EXACT(39), KEEN(38), HUH(35), GNAW(31), TEENSY(62)
L 311-440, -129. 5W 6L (Accum spread -50).
Game 12: vs Low Bee Tiang
Was holding a ADDEILT rack and hoped that my opponent would somehow open an E out for me to bingo. My wish came true when he played BRAVE back hooking the R to iTEMISE and hitting the TWS line with the E. I had to restrain myself from calling out "Challenge!" as iTEMISER* looked very much like a phoney. Played DETAILED(149) as a nine-timer on my next turn! My first nine-timer in a tournament!
New words learnt: KALE
My Bingos: DETAILED(149) Opp Bingos: iTEMISE(81)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: MEaTIES*
My High Moves: HEW(40), LIMN(38), ZIN(32), FARO(31), QUAT(39) Opp High Moves: NOSY(30), AXIL(49)
W 475-386, +89. 6W 6L (Accum spread +39).
Had 6 wins out of 12 including a bye and came in 9th out of 13. Didn't do as well as I thought I should. Hope to reach above 1500 ratings by the end of the year!
Was more than 150 points ahead when I bingoed with OCToPUS(74) and my opponent played a few phoneys. He held an EGIINS? rack one time and tried dIEINGS* and tIEINGS* but both were challenged off. He managed to play SINGERs(76) after getting rid of the extra I. This was one of the few games that I tracked correctly and I found out that he could bingo out with an AEELNRT rack and blocked it with LENS(32).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: OCToPUS(74) Opp Bingos: SINGERs(76)
My Phoneys: CLIT* Opp Phoneys: DEA*, LEO*, dIEINGS*, tIEINGS*
My High Moves: ADZ(43), SEX(34), LENS(32) Opp High Moves: -
W 420-288, +132. 2W 3L (Accum spread -62).
Game 6: vs Low Bee Tiang
Our scores were quite close until my opponent played CURVE with the C on the TWS line. Had the choice of playing MU(22) on top of CURVE or CREAM(30) down the TWS line. In the end, I played CREAM(30) and Bee Tiang pulled ahead with QUEST(76) with Q on the TWL cell and T on the DWS cell!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: STAN* Opp Phoneys: ETS*, OORN*, RINT*, DOGER*
My High Moves: CREAM(30) Opp High Moves: ZIG(33), TOTES(39), QUEST(76), YEW(30)
L 309-357, -48. 2W 4L (Accum spread -110).
Game 7: vs Chua Zhong Jie
A combination of my opponent's phoneys and having high scoring tiles on my part helped me win the game despite being outbingoed 2 to 1. Missed challenging NUP* although I knew it looked suspicious. I used to think DUH* was good as it was part of the vocabulary of Homer Simpson but remembered that somehow it wasn't in SOWPODS!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: NERDIEST(60) Opp Bingos: ROUTINEs(66), SEATERS(71)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: OIR*, OIS*, DUH*, NUP*(29)
My High Moves: REH(32), EVADE(33), BY(30), NOX(47), RIZ(38) Opp High Moves: -
W 450-342, +108. 3W 4L (Accum spread -2).
Game 8: vs zzBye
W 150-100, +50. 4W 4L (Accum spread +48).
Game 9: vs Valli
Interesting to note that my opponent's first move was VALI which is similar to her name! My break came when I tried TALKIER(87) that turned out to be good when challenged! My opponent had very bad luck as she changed twice and phonied several times. Had the chance to bingo again towards the end of the game but I threw it away when I played something that blocked the two existing bingo lanes!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TALKIER(87) Opp Bingos: ASSIGNEd(59)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: PAU*, RETOWNER*
My High Moves: CORDS(38) Opp High Moves: ZED(33)
W 378-323, +55. 5W 4L (Accum spread +103).
Game 10: vs Ng Ming Wei
Start of the KOH round. Realised after the tournament that I could have gotten 3rd place if I had won all 3 KOH rounds. Alvin was placed behind me at this point in time and he eventually got 3rd place. My opponent scored well with the high scoring tiles and got away with several phoneys. Lost despite outbingoing my opponent 2 to 0.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: NEWSIER(91), INFESTED(76) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: ZOEAEL*(23), WINT*(21), BORG*(23)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: ZOEAE(48), MEDIC(36), QAID(48), VEX(38), QUEY(48), PORN(30)
L 378-402, -24. 5W 5L (Accum spread +79).
Game 11: vs Ashley
My opponent had two blanks, all 4 S and JKQX while I only had the Z. Was basically thrashed by my opponent!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: LOUsiER(79)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: QUILTY*
My High Moves: FIZ(30), CAR(34) Opp High Moves: EXACT(39), KEEN(38), HUH(35), GNAW(31), TEENSY(62)
L 311-440, -129. 5W 6L (Accum spread -50).
Game 12: vs Low Bee Tiang
Was holding a ADDEILT rack and hoped that my opponent would somehow open an E out for me to bingo. My wish came true when he played BRAVE back hooking the R to iTEMISE and hitting the TWS line with the E. I had to restrain myself from calling out "Challenge!" as iTEMISER* looked very much like a phoney. Played DETAILED(149) as a nine-timer on my next turn! My first nine-timer in a tournament!
New words learnt: KALE
My Bingos: DETAILED(149) Opp Bingos: iTEMISE(81)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: MEaTIES*
My High Moves: HEW(40), LIMN(38), ZIN(32), FARO(31), QUAT(39) Opp High Moves: NOSY(30), AXIL(49)
W 475-386, +89. 6W 6L (Accum spread +39).
Had 6 wins out of 12 including a bye and came in 9th out of 13. Didn't do as well as I thought I should. Hope to reach above 1500 ratings by the end of the year!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Millenium Cup 2006 (Day One)
My second time playing in the Millenium Cup. Decided to take part this year again as the venue happened to be quite near to my place at Hwa Chong Institution.
I went to HCI much earlier than needed to catch the div A players in action. Witnessed the exciting finish of the first game between Jiang Pern and Dorai where Dorai managed to bingo out to edge out a win with a DIMNOOS rack! After that, I had lunch at the pool side restaurant where I met Alvin, Huang Zhi and Bee Tiang who were also playing in div B. I saw a few more familiar players including Arul, Boon Hock and Thiam Yong back at the playing venue. Waited for a while more before the pairings were announced shortly after 1pm.
Game 1: vs Chen Huang Zhi
Was quite confident as I had played with him at the Causeway Cup last year. A bingoless game but my opponent tried BARINGS* and another bingo back hooking AJAR with S which I challenged off. Missed challenging AME* though.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: BARINGS*, AJARS*, AME*(25)
My High Moves: WIZ(51), LOX(43) Opp High Moves: -
W 392-260, +132. 1W 0L (Accum spread +132).
Game 2: vs Tan Boon Hock
Had lots of vowels at the start and played AIA right in the middle. Probably should have changed instead as my opponent placed BAKE on top of it to score 38 points! He also set up a bingo line across the TWS with NOD and bingoed with mInNIES(83) front hooking NOD with the S! Had DEMOTES(73) late in the game but was too far behind to catch up.
New words learnt: CLEPT, SNOD
My Bingos: DEMOTES(73) Opp Bingos: mInNIES(83)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JAG(39), EX(39) Opp High Moves: BAKE(38), CLEPT(30), QI(31), ZIT(48)
L 374-417, -43. 1W 1L (Accum spread +89).
Game 3: vs Dewin
My first time playing with Dewin and he is a very polite guy who apologises for counting too slowly or overdrawing. He bingoed with RELISTS(91) first and I bingoed next with LINTERs(65) just below the TWS line. He tried FENnERS* later but was challenged off. I blocked one of the bingo lanes with EX but we realised after the game that two more bingo lanes were available: one back hooking the S to OLD and another front hooking the S to LINTERs. He put FENdERS(84) back hooking to OLD later not realising the existence of the other higher scoring bingo lane.
New words learnt: GOOPY
My Bingos: LINTERs(65) Opp Bingos: RELISTS(91), FENdERS(84)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: FENnERS*, MOVEN*
My High Moves: PEH(31), QI(44), EX(32), MEAL(31), JUN(36) Opp High Moves: DEMON(34), ZANY(32), GOOPY(49), WEFT(30)
L 357-461,-104. 1W 2L (Accum spread -15).
Game 4: vs Lee Thiam Hock
My first time playing with Thiam Hock although I have seen him several times at tournaments. He started well with ZINEB(52). I scored badly as I was trying to fish for bingos. Tried UNGASSED* with a ADEGNSU rack through an S on the board but it was challenged off! Lost badly in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: MASsAGES(70)
My Phoneys: UNGASSED* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: LEWD(32) Opp High Moves: ZINEB(52), CRONY(35), DJINNI(44), FOE(32)
L 244-423, -179. 1W 3L (Accum spread -194).
Finished day 1 badly with 1 win and 3 losses in 12th position. Hope to do better the next day!
I went to HCI much earlier than needed to catch the div A players in action. Witnessed the exciting finish of the first game between Jiang Pern and Dorai where Dorai managed to bingo out to edge out a win with a DIMNOOS rack! After that, I had lunch at the pool side restaurant where I met Alvin, Huang Zhi and Bee Tiang who were also playing in div B. I saw a few more familiar players including Arul, Boon Hock and Thiam Yong back at the playing venue. Waited for a while more before the pairings were announced shortly after 1pm.
Game 1: vs Chen Huang Zhi
Was quite confident as I had played with him at the Causeway Cup last year. A bingoless game but my opponent tried BARINGS* and another bingo back hooking AJAR with S which I challenged off. Missed challenging AME* though.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: BARINGS*, AJARS*, AME*(25)
My High Moves: WIZ(51), LOX(43) Opp High Moves: -
W 392-260, +132. 1W 0L (Accum spread +132).
Game 2: vs Tan Boon Hock
Had lots of vowels at the start and played AIA right in the middle. Probably should have changed instead as my opponent placed BAKE on top of it to score 38 points! He also set up a bingo line across the TWS with NOD and bingoed with mInNIES(83) front hooking NOD with the S! Had DEMOTES(73) late in the game but was too far behind to catch up.
New words learnt: CLEPT, SNOD
My Bingos: DEMOTES(73) Opp Bingos: mInNIES(83)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JAG(39), EX(39) Opp High Moves: BAKE(38), CLEPT(30), QI(31), ZIT(48)
L 374-417, -43. 1W 1L (Accum spread +89).
Game 3: vs Dewin
My first time playing with Dewin and he is a very polite guy who apologises for counting too slowly or overdrawing. He bingoed with RELISTS(91) first and I bingoed next with LINTERs(65) just below the TWS line. He tried FENnERS* later but was challenged off. I blocked one of the bingo lanes with EX but we realised after the game that two more bingo lanes were available: one back hooking the S to OLD and another front hooking the S to LINTERs. He put FENdERS(84) back hooking to OLD later not realising the existence of the other higher scoring bingo lane.
New words learnt: GOOPY
My Bingos: LINTERs(65) Opp Bingos: RELISTS(91), FENdERS(84)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: FENnERS*, MOVEN*
My High Moves: PEH(31), QI(44), EX(32), MEAL(31), JUN(36) Opp High Moves: DEMON(34), ZANY(32), GOOPY(49), WEFT(30)
L 357-461,-104. 1W 2L (Accum spread -15).
Game 4: vs Lee Thiam Hock
My first time playing with Thiam Hock although I have seen him several times at tournaments. He started well with ZINEB(52). I scored badly as I was trying to fish for bingos. Tried UNGASSED* with a ADEGNSU rack through an S on the board but it was challenged off! Lost badly in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: MASsAGES(70)
My Phoneys: UNGASSED* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: LEWD(32) Opp High Moves: ZINEB(52), CRONY(35), DJINNI(44), FOE(32)
L 244-423, -179. 1W 3L (Accum spread -194).
Finished day 1 badly with 1 win and 3 losses in 12th position. Hope to do better the next day!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Scrabble Quiz
The above board position is from an actual game (last game of the Causeway Cup 2006).
Your score: 386 Tiles: ACDGILT
Opponent's score: 379 Tiles: ADEEIST
No more tiles in the bag.
It is your turn next. Is it possible to win?
Causeway Cup 2006 (Day 3)
Could make it a 10 game win if I won all 5 games today and had a realistic chance of winning 8 games in total. Didn't manage to do that and only won 7 in the end.
Round 16 vs Dinna Lim (Sin)
Lost to her narrowly by 2 points earlier on, so this was my chance for revenge! I bingoed with EARRiNG(69) early in the game but allowed my opponent to catch up when I let go VENE* for 21 points which I genuinely thought was good. EENV has 3 anagrams and none of them starts with V! Lost again 354-355 but at least improved from the previous game. Hmm, maybe I'll draw with her the next time.
Round 17 vs Ho Yue Jing (Mal)
Scored well with QUOTA(77) early on while my opponent bingoed with ENTRIES(62). Later scored with LEERY for 41 points which was challenged unsuccessfully. Won 425-281.
Round 18 vs Valliammah Thamb (Sin)
Had TOADIES(80) early in the game but she came back with QUIVERER(135) and WIRIEST(86). Had ELNNSU? on my rack. Saw tUNNELS and fUNNELS but I needed a bingo that started with a vowel. Tried UNLENdS* but was challenged off. Had SUGAREd(80) later on but was too far behind to catch up. Lost 383-535.
Round 19 vs Ruby Sim (Sin)
Bingoed early in the game with GORIEsT(69). My opponent didn't have a chance as I had QZ, both blanks and all 4 S. Was playing too conservatively in the end as I could have scored more if there were more bingo lines available. Won 419-282.
Round 20 vs Alex Hong (Mal)
My opponent had two bingos ANTSIER(68) and LACIEST(69) while I had WORKING(106) back hooking to YOK which got challenged. Lost as I had a poor end game finish with 416-423.
It was an interesting experience taking part in this competition! The organisers did a good job making sure everything went on as planned although there were some small hiccups along the way! Only pity is that I didn't have the chance to play against players from Thailand, India, the Phillipines and the UK. Hope I'll be able to do that in the next Causeway Cup!
Round 16 vs Dinna Lim (Sin)
Lost to her narrowly by 2 points earlier on, so this was my chance for revenge! I bingoed with EARRiNG(69) early in the game but allowed my opponent to catch up when I let go VENE* for 21 points which I genuinely thought was good. EENV has 3 anagrams and none of them starts with V! Lost again 354-355 but at least improved from the previous game. Hmm, maybe I'll draw with her the next time.
Round 17 vs Ho Yue Jing (Mal)
Scored well with QUOTA(77) early on while my opponent bingoed with ENTRIES(62). Later scored with LEERY for 41 points which was challenged unsuccessfully. Won 425-281.
Round 18 vs Valliammah Thamb (Sin)
Had TOADIES(80) early in the game but she came back with QUIVERER(135) and WIRIEST(86). Had ELNNSU? on my rack. Saw tUNNELS and fUNNELS but I needed a bingo that started with a vowel. Tried UNLENdS* but was challenged off. Had SUGAREd(80) later on but was too far behind to catch up. Lost 383-535.
Round 19 vs Ruby Sim (Sin)
Bingoed early in the game with GORIEsT(69). My opponent didn't have a chance as I had QZ, both blanks and all 4 S. Was playing too conservatively in the end as I could have scored more if there were more bingo lines available. Won 419-282.
Round 20 vs Alex Hong (Mal)
My opponent had two bingos ANTSIER(68) and LACIEST(69) while I had WORKING(106) back hooking to YOK which got challenged. Lost as I had a poor end game finish with 416-423.
It was an interesting experience taking part in this competition! The organisers did a good job making sure everything went on as planned although there were some small hiccups along the way! Only pity is that I didn't have the chance to play against players from Thailand, India, the Phillipines and the UK. Hope I'll be able to do that in the next Causeway Cup!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Causeway Cup 2006 (Day 2)
Round 4 vs Alastair Richards (Aus)
Met another Australian player whose mother was also playing the field. Didn't have a chance at all as he bingoed twice with DOnATED(77) and mEETING(72) consecutively and lost 278-472.
Round 5 vs Tan Jun Horng (Mal)
Was leading until my opponent bingoed with HEROINE back hooking to PIC to form PICE which I challenged unsuccessfully. Lost 334-395.
Round 6 vs Noor Hanis (Sin)
Knew that she won 2nd place in this year's Nationals div C section as I browsed through toucanet during my free time. Pulled ahead when I bingoed with DIETARY(71) which she challenged. She could have formed ZO/ZANY/OE with the Z on the TWL for 69 points and TAX/DA/MUX on the TWS line for 42 points but she missed them. She also went over time by 2 min. Won 397-309.
Round 7 vs Dinna Lim (Sin)
First time playing with this Singaporean player. She pulled ahead with a STOnILY(72)bingo. Would have caught up with a QUIST(76) late in the game if I hadn't spend a lot of time deciding whether it was good or not to go 1 min overtime. Lost 365-367.
Round 8 vs Ganapathy (Sin)
Failed to challenge his opening bingo phoney OUTSEND*(70). Tried to back hook an S to OUTSEND* later to form RECOILS but was challenged off. Narrowed the gap with VOICERs(74) but he widened the gap again with BANTERS(70). Lost 369-491
Round 9 vs Ruby Sim (Sin)
Lost to her in this year's Nationals, so it was time for my revenge! I scored quite well with QUIM(35), JEERED(44) and DITZ(34) while she scored with FAITH(30), WEANS(39) and PAROLE(31). Got my break when she challenged my MIB on the board. Managed to still win narrowly when she finished her tiles first by 345-343.
Round 10 vs Yeap Gim Sai (Mal)
Knew that she won 1st place in this year's Lim Boon Heng div B section. Was playing in the same division but didn't have the chance to play with her then. Both of us had one bingo each with STIPEND(70) from me and STINTER(71) from her. Could have won if I was not too greedy and played HANS back hooking the S to an existing YON on the board. She held for a long time and decided to challenge YONS* which turned out to be no good. Went overtime for my last move and lost 345-350.
Round 11 vs Chen Huang Zhi (Sin)
Both of us had one bingo each, TrOLLERS(79) from him and ANESTRI(75) from me. He was complaining to me all the while about his bad luck throughout the game! Wonder if he says the same things to his other opponents. Won 403-297.
Round 12 vs Ho Yue Jing (Mal)
This Malaysian player wore his school scrabble uniform personalised with his name at the side that looks pretty professional! His good nature was a contrast to my previous opponent. Was more than 100 points behind when he bingoed twice with SNARLERS(70) and LINtERS(65). Managed to overtake him when I bingoed with BRUISING(86) and scored well with ZED(50) and STOW(44). Won 404-375.
Round 13 vs Ismail Kassim (Sin)
Started well with ZETAS(48) and both of us bingoed once each, ROUTInE(70) and MOoDIEST(75) from him. Made a big mistake when I wanted to score with either COD, CON and COL but forgot which one didn't have a front hook. Played CON for 21 points and he played TRAIN for 24 points down the TWS line promptly. Tried to bingo with POLARIED* later but was challenged off. His KRONE(33) and WOXEN(48) sealed the game and I lost 346-381.
Round 14 vs Yeap Gim Sai (Mal)
Had CEIORW? early on in the game. Saw the bingo but didn't know whether it is good or not. Played COW just next to the left TWS line intending to front hook S later on but somehow convinced myself that SCOW may not be good when it was time to play it. Completely didn't have a chance after that when she bingoed with BEAdIER(81) and SPRAINT(75) while I had LORRIEs(62). Lost 360-521.
Round 15 vs Noor Hanis (Sin)
Had a choice of playing the next day but my opponent seemed very enthusiastic to continue so I agreed to play. On retrospect, maybe it was a bad choice as my opponent bingoed twice with STINKING(73) and TASTERS(81) while I phonied twice with ARRETING* and FEETING*. Still had a chance to win if I had blocked the Q spot towards the end of the game but I think I was too tired by then and lost the game 325-353.
Met another Australian player whose mother was also playing the field. Didn't have a chance at all as he bingoed twice with DOnATED(77) and mEETING(72) consecutively and lost 278-472.
Round 5 vs Tan Jun Horng (Mal)
Was leading until my opponent bingoed with HEROINE back hooking to PIC to form PICE which I challenged unsuccessfully. Lost 334-395.
Round 6 vs Noor Hanis (Sin)
Knew that she won 2nd place in this year's Nationals div C section as I browsed through toucanet during my free time. Pulled ahead when I bingoed with DIETARY(71) which she challenged. She could have formed ZO/ZANY/OE with the Z on the TWL for 69 points and TAX/DA/MUX on the TWS line for 42 points but she missed them. She also went over time by 2 min. Won 397-309.
Round 7 vs Dinna Lim (Sin)
First time playing with this Singaporean player. She pulled ahead with a STOnILY(72)bingo. Would have caught up with a QUIST(76) late in the game if I hadn't spend a lot of time deciding whether it was good or not to go 1 min overtime. Lost 365-367.
Round 8 vs Ganapathy (Sin)
Failed to challenge his opening bingo phoney OUTSEND*(70). Tried to back hook an S to OUTSEND* later to form RECOILS but was challenged off. Narrowed the gap with VOICERs(74) but he widened the gap again with BANTERS(70). Lost 369-491
Round 9 vs Ruby Sim (Sin)
Lost to her in this year's Nationals, so it was time for my revenge! I scored quite well with QUIM(35), JEERED(44) and DITZ(34) while she scored with FAITH(30), WEANS(39) and PAROLE(31). Got my break when she challenged my MIB on the board. Managed to still win narrowly when she finished her tiles first by 345-343.
Round 10 vs Yeap Gim Sai (Mal)
Knew that she won 1st place in this year's Lim Boon Heng div B section. Was playing in the same division but didn't have the chance to play with her then. Both of us had one bingo each with STIPEND(70) from me and STINTER(71) from her. Could have won if I was not too greedy and played HANS back hooking the S to an existing YON on the board. She held for a long time and decided to challenge YONS* which turned out to be no good. Went overtime for my last move and lost 345-350.
Round 11 vs Chen Huang Zhi (Sin)
Both of us had one bingo each, TrOLLERS(79) from him and ANESTRI(75) from me. He was complaining to me all the while about his bad luck throughout the game! Wonder if he says the same things to his other opponents. Won 403-297.
Round 12 vs Ho Yue Jing (Mal)
This Malaysian player wore his school scrabble uniform personalised with his name at the side that looks pretty professional! His good nature was a contrast to my previous opponent. Was more than 100 points behind when he bingoed twice with SNARLERS(70) and LINtERS(65). Managed to overtake him when I bingoed with BRUISING(86) and scored well with ZED(50) and STOW(44). Won 404-375.
Round 13 vs Ismail Kassim (Sin)
Started well with ZETAS(48) and both of us bingoed once each, ROUTInE(70) and MOoDIEST(75) from him. Made a big mistake when I wanted to score with either COD, CON and COL but forgot which one didn't have a front hook. Played CON for 21 points and he played TRAIN for 24 points down the TWS line promptly. Tried to bingo with POLARIED* later but was challenged off. His KRONE(33) and WOXEN(48) sealed the game and I lost 346-381.
Round 14 vs Yeap Gim Sai (Mal)
Had CEIORW? early on in the game. Saw the bingo but didn't know whether it is good or not. Played COW just next to the left TWS line intending to front hook S later on but somehow convinced myself that SCOW may not be good when it was time to play it. Completely didn't have a chance after that when she bingoed with BEAdIER(81) and SPRAINT(75) while I had LORRIEs(62). Lost 360-521.
Round 15 vs Noor Hanis (Sin)
Had a choice of playing the next day but my opponent seemed very enthusiastic to continue so I agreed to play. On retrospect, maybe it was a bad choice as my opponent bingoed twice with STINKING(73) and TASTERS(81) while I phonied twice with ARRETING* and FEETING*. Still had a chance to win if I had blocked the Q spot towards the end of the game but I think I was too tired by then and lost the game 325-353.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Causeway Cup 2006 (Day 1)
I wanted to take part in at least one international Scrabble tournament before retiring from the Scrabble scene, so playing in the Causeway Cup sounds like a logical choice as it is nearest to Singapore.
Three rounds were played in the Open Division for the first day and we had a Chinese wedding style dinner in between the games. The food was delicious and we heard interesting news of the latest tourist attractions in JB from the guest of honour!
Round 1 vs Diane Ward(Aus)
Got thrashed by this elderly lady from Australia with her REtAINS(71) and INULASE(79) while I phonied at least 3 times with BINO*, VICER* and NARRY*. Had BGIMNOO for my last rack but she blocked the only bingo line. Lost 269-464.
Round 2 vs Martin Teo(Mal)
Had one bingo each, HIRiNGS(84) from me and ETOILES(73) from him. Gave away 20 points for challenges (ETOILES, LATI, SWAMI, VADE) and 30 points for going 3min overtime to lose 390-400.
Round 3 vs Aloysius(Sin)
Quite confident as I had a 2-0 record against him. We had one bingo each, LOAThES(81) from me and LABORiNG(61) from him. He was plagued with consonants towards the end of the game and I was able to play FOUL to set up FREAK(48) above it across the TWS line to win 396-348.
Three rounds were played in the Open Division for the first day and we had a Chinese wedding style dinner in between the games. The food was delicious and we heard interesting news of the latest tourist attractions in JB from the guest of honour!
Round 1 vs Diane Ward(Aus)
Got thrashed by this elderly lady from Australia with her REtAINS(71) and INULASE(79) while I phonied at least 3 times with BINO*, VICER* and NARRY*. Had BGIMNOO for my last rack but she blocked the only bingo line. Lost 269-464.
Round 2 vs Martin Teo(Mal)
Had one bingo each, HIRiNGS(84) from me and ETOILES(73) from him. Gave away 20 points for challenges (ETOILES, LATI, SWAMI, VADE) and 30 points for going 3min overtime to lose 390-400.
Round 3 vs Aloysius(Sin)
Quite confident as I had a 2-0 record against him. We had one bingo each, LOAThES(81) from me and LABORiNG(61) from him. He was plagued with consonants towards the end of the game and I was able to play FOUL to set up FREAK(48) above it across the TWS line to win 396-348.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Minds Cafe Outing
Had a few friendly Scrabble games at Minds Cafe with players from CPF. Think we used up all their Scrabble boards with six CPF players and four DSTA players all playing at the same time! They had three Scrabble boards and one party Scrabble board. Four of us played party Scrabble while the rest of us played standard Scrabble without the timer. Hmm, maybe should ask if they have timers, dictionaries and score sheets the next time.
My first game was with Mr Lai from CPF. Had a very closed board and might have won if I didn't miss one bingo but I lost eventually by a narrow margin.
Second game was with the CPF captain. Lost to him two years ago, so this was my chance to take revenge! My tiles were quite good and I managed to bingo twice and win!
After that, we played Jenga whose objective is to remove one block from the bottom of a pile of blocks and place it on top without causing everything to collapse. Not too challenging as the blocks seem quite stable.
Walked towards National Museum after the game to catch the Japanese Film Festival which is free of charge.
My first game was with Mr Lai from CPF. Had a very closed board and might have won if I didn't miss one bingo but I lost eventually by a narrow margin.
Second game was with the CPF captain. Lost to him two years ago, so this was my chance to take revenge! My tiles were quite good and I managed to bingo twice and win!
After that, we played Jenga whose objective is to remove one block from the bottom of a pile of blocks and place it on top without causing everything to collapse. Not too challenging as the blocks seem quite stable.
Walked towards National Museum after the game to catch the Japanese Film Festival which is free of charge.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
ISBG Scrabble Games
The ISBG Scrabble games is held every two years, for statutory boards to take part in a friendly game of Scrabble. It was held at the LTA Staff Club on 2nd September 2006 from 10am to 4.30pm.
Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report.
Our first game was against CPF which was the team that I most wanted to play with!
Game 1: CPF
My opponent was a jovial girl whose name was June. She claimed to be new to the game but she is pretty quick at calculating the scores! I calculated the score for one word wrongly as I mistook the double letter score to be a triple letter score and she promptly pointed out the mistake.
Had a pretty easy time as I scored well with ZEIN(69), HOMES(42), QI(36), WEN(39) and GOY(35). I also bingoed with PANTeRS(70) and got away with LICY*. My opponent had no bingos and none of her words scored more than 30 points. It was only after the game that she found out that LICY* was a phoney and she shouted "Ni Pian Wo!" at me subsequently. Was quite embarassed as I was worried that people might wonder what serious sins I have committed for her to say that!
Won my first game with 488 to 233. My team also won the match 3-2!
Our second game was against EDB. One of the players was my school mate!
Game 2: EDB
My opponent started strongly with FAH(31) after I put down OYE. Then I started to lead when I bingoed with EVASION(82). I scored well with KIB(30), FOE(35), MAZE(40), JARrED(58) and OX(36). Was challenged for ONY when I front hooked OX to an existing NY. Heard my opp remark the phrase "ONY is only in Collins" several times to himself when the challenge was unsuccessful.
Made a mistake of opening up the board and allowed my opponent to narrow the spread with a bingo of UNGATEd(78) but I still managed to win.
Won my second game with 454 to 300. Our team also won the match 3-2.
Lunch was provided by the organisers. It was not very good! After lunch, my third draw resulted in my team playing against NP. An important match for us as a win would guarantee at least a second place.
Game 3: NP
I was matched against Winston Gwee whom I have played several times before. Our scores were very close when he bingoed with DiVINES(76) and I bingoed with STORIES(77). I widened the gap when he tried twice to form a bingo with an ENRTTU? rack but was unsuccessful. He tried STUNTERs* and OUTRENTs* but both were challenged off. There are two 7-letter bingos if we treat the blank as an S[1] and two 8-letter bingos through a floating S[2] with the blank as something else which he failed to see.
I got the Q, X and Z very late in the game but was lucky to be able to put all of them down thanks to a phoney that my opp put down which I chose not to challenge. He formed WED/NUD* which allowed me to form WIZ and then QAID later. Would definitely have lost if I had to eat both the Q and the Z which would minus 40 points from my score instead of scoring more than 50 points with them.
Won my third game with 414 to 359. Our team lost the match narrowly 2-3.
Our final game was once again against EDB. They had one player short, so it was important that our lineup does not result in our best player playing against the missing player. I made a bad choice of lineup and the exact thing that we wanted to avoid happened!
Game 4: EDB
My score had been decreasing consistently since the first game while my opponent's score had been increasing consistently. Somehow had the feeling that I might lose this game.
My opp bingoed with HALVERS(78) and I almost caught up when I bingoed with ELATiON(68). Was plaqued with consonants after that and I lost inspiration on what to do. Tried to open up but my opp extended his lead when he bingoed with DUCTiLE(83). Played badly and made many low scoring moves to end the game.
Lost the last game 342-439. Our team lost 2-3 and came in 7th. We managed to play with the eventual 1st and 3rd place winners which were NP and EDB respectively. A pity that we lost in the 3rd game, otherwise we might be able to play with the 2nd place winners, NUS as well!
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[1] ENTRUsT, NUTTERs
[2] STENToUR, STRUNTEd
Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report.
Our first game was against CPF which was the team that I most wanted to play with!
Game 1: CPF
My opponent was a jovial girl whose name was June. She claimed to be new to the game but she is pretty quick at calculating the scores! I calculated the score for one word wrongly as I mistook the double letter score to be a triple letter score and she promptly pointed out the mistake.
Had a pretty easy time as I scored well with ZEIN(69), HOMES(42), QI(36), WEN(39) and GOY(35). I also bingoed with PANTeRS(70) and got away with LICY*. My opponent had no bingos and none of her words scored more than 30 points. It was only after the game that she found out that LICY* was a phoney and she shouted "Ni Pian Wo!" at me subsequently. Was quite embarassed as I was worried that people might wonder what serious sins I have committed for her to say that!
Won my first game with 488 to 233. My team also won the match 3-2!
Our second game was against EDB. One of the players was my school mate!
Game 2: EDB
My opponent started strongly with FAH(31) after I put down OYE. Then I started to lead when I bingoed with EVASION(82). I scored well with KIB(30), FOE(35), MAZE(40), JARrED(58) and OX(36). Was challenged for ONY when I front hooked OX to an existing NY. Heard my opp remark the phrase "ONY is only in Collins" several times to himself when the challenge was unsuccessful.
Made a mistake of opening up the board and allowed my opponent to narrow the spread with a bingo of UNGATEd(78) but I still managed to win.
Won my second game with 454 to 300. Our team also won the match 3-2.
Lunch was provided by the organisers. It was not very good! After lunch, my third draw resulted in my team playing against NP. An important match for us as a win would guarantee at least a second place.
Game 3: NP
I was matched against Winston Gwee whom I have played several times before. Our scores were very close when he bingoed with DiVINES(76) and I bingoed with STORIES(77). I widened the gap when he tried twice to form a bingo with an ENRTTU? rack but was unsuccessful. He tried STUNTERs* and OUTRENTs* but both were challenged off. There are two 7-letter bingos if we treat the blank as an S[1] and two 8-letter bingos through a floating S[2] with the blank as something else which he failed to see.
I got the Q, X and Z very late in the game but was lucky to be able to put all of them down thanks to a phoney that my opp put down which I chose not to challenge. He formed WED/NUD* which allowed me to form WIZ and then QAID later. Would definitely have lost if I had to eat both the Q and the Z which would minus 40 points from my score instead of scoring more than 50 points with them.
Won my third game with 414 to 359. Our team lost the match narrowly 2-3.
Our final game was once again against EDB. They had one player short, so it was important that our lineup does not result in our best player playing against the missing player. I made a bad choice of lineup and the exact thing that we wanted to avoid happened!
Game 4: EDB
My score had been decreasing consistently since the first game while my opponent's score had been increasing consistently. Somehow had the feeling that I might lose this game.
My opp bingoed with HALVERS(78) and I almost caught up when I bingoed with ELATiON(68). Was plaqued with consonants after that and I lost inspiration on what to do. Tried to open up but my opp extended his lead when he bingoed with DUCTiLE(83). Played badly and made many low scoring moves to end the game.
Lost the last game 342-439. Our team lost 2-3 and came in 7th. We managed to play with the eventual 1st and 3rd place winners which were NP and EDB respectively. A pity that we lost in the 3rd game, otherwise we might be able to play with the 2nd place winners, NUS as well!
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[1] ENTRUsT, NUTTERs
[2] STENToUR, STRUNTEd
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Scrabble Poll
This is adapted from an actual game to make the board more closed so as to limit the number of choices.
Your opponent just missed a turn by putting sHAFTED 11G as AJEES* was challenged off. Your rack is EINNORU. What would you do?
Your opponent just missed a turn by putting sHAFTED 11G as AJEES* was challenged off. Your rack is EINNORU. What would you do?
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Scrabble Nationals 2006 (Day Two)
Here's my match report for day two, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report.
Game 6: vs Ashley Ng
Was more than 150 points behind when I held a DEINRST rack with an open bingo line that required a front hook to OM. Remembered that STINTER was good, so I played STINDER* hoping that it would be good too but it was challenged off. My opponent scored big later with FANNER(50) down the TWS!
New words learnt: FANNER
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: FOOTERS(93), ENDEARS(65)
My Phoneys: STINDER* Opp Phoneys: OST*, ULEI*, AUDI*(21)
My High Moves: YA(40), BEST(44) Opp High Moves: ZANY(32), LOWER(32), BOP(31), TRANQ(47), FANNER(50), HEAL(32)
L 299-511, -212. 5W 1L (Accum spread +207).
Game 7: vs Tok Wei Min
My opening rack had both the C and the H, so I opened with CEL with the E on the star, hoping to capitalise on the H on my next move. Alas, my opponent also had the other H and he put down THROW for 32 points underneath! Held a DEHISU? rack[3] and missed the bingo in it. Put down UnHIDES* instead and it got challenged off! I also made a big mistake in my last move where I allowed Wei Min to capitalise his F on the triple letter score while trying to avoid the double letter score.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ERUdITE(76) Opp Bingos: PERSIsT(85)
My Phoneys: HEB* Opp Phoneys: PALID*(23)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: THROW(32), TAJ(30), DZO(31), BEST(34), FED(31)
L 315-430, -115. 5W 2L (Accum spread +92).
Game 8: vs Ng Ming Wei
Have been playing almost all the HCI high school players and Ming Wei is the last one that I met. Managed to win by having a bingo early in the game and playing conservatively to close down the board. It also helped that I got away with a phoney LUPE* and challenged off the phoneys that my opponent put down.
New words learnt: POKIER
My Bingos: LEARNeR(69) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: LUPE*(18) Opp Phoneys: ETCY*, OT*
My High Moves: SEZ(43) Opp High Moves: TAX(35), POKIER(33)
W 394-264, +130. 6W 2L (Accum spread +222).
Game 9: vs Lester
I was behind by 64 points with no more tiles in the bag and I was desparate enough to try a bingo with a HIPRSTU rack. Tried PHITRUS* but got challenged off!
New words learnt: STOT
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: INFARES(70)
My Phoneys: PHITRUS* Opp Phoneys: GHITS*
My High Moves: XI(33), HITS(33) Opp High Moves: DIPT(32)
L 342-371, -29. 6W 3L (Accum spread +193).
Game 10: vs Tan Boon Hock
Start of the KOTH and I was playing Steven again. Was quite lucky to get two blanks on my rack. Got a couple of vowels, an S and two blanks. Thought of the 6-vowel bingo[4] but forgotten how it was spelt. Somehow the "old McDonalds had a farm" song kept ringing in my head. Bingoed with OUTSEts(62) later and my opponent bingoed with TINDLES*(71). Didn't realise that TINDLES* was a phoney until much later! He managed to score very well whenever I tried to open up. Lost even though I had a second bingo with STAINED(72).
New words learnt: ROGER
My Bingos: OUTSEts(62), STAINED(72) Opp Bingos: TINDLES(71)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: TINDLES*(71)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: ZATI(40), RAX(35), QI(37), HIP(32), BABY(33)
L 373-395, -22. 6W 4L (Accum spread +171).
Game 11: vs Lawrence
Started with COL and my opponent put down DELVING(75). Wanted to challenge as I thought I saw DEVLING, but stopped myself as I had a better look at the board and Lawrence's surprised reaction. He had another bingo with MINUTeS(82). Was almost 150 points behind at one time, but managed to catch up a bit with FEINTER(82) towards the end.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: FEINTER(82) Opp Bingos: DELVING(75), MINUTeS(82)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: VIVOS*, FEINTERS*
My High Moves: ZAG(51), MAY(30) Opp High Moves: FEY(34), JADED(48), SHEW(45)
L 375-426, -51. 6W 5L (Accum spread +120).
Game 12: vs Ruby
My opponent bingoed with FAlTERS(68) while I bingoed with SAUNTER(68). Played badly towards the end. I phonied with EXED*, almost didn't trap Ruby's "Q" and went overtime for more than 2 minutes. Both of us forgot to include the time penalty in the score sheet though which was spotted by Seow Kie.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SAUNTER(68) Opp Bingos: FAlTERS(68)
My Phoneys: EXED* Opp Phoneys: POY*(28)
My High Moves: ReZ(37) Opp High Moves: DOTE(31), VAULT(31), SHY(35)
L 327-407, -80. 6W 6L (Accum spread +40).
In between games, I had fun peering behind the Tournament Director's shoulders to see the results being churned out. Saw this very cute little girl beside the TD asking him who is "ZZ Bye" towards the end of the game! Hmm, one of the mysteries in competitive Scrabble!
Quite disappointed with the many sub-optimal plays that I made and the phoneys that my opponent got away with! Must learn how to keep my cool under competition pressure and not be tempted to any how try for bingos in the future!
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[3] DUcHIES, HIDEoUS, HUrDIES
[4] EUOUAES
Game 6: vs Ashley Ng
Was more than 150 points behind when I held a DEINRST rack with an open bingo line that required a front hook to OM. Remembered that STINTER was good, so I played STINDER* hoping that it would be good too but it was challenged off. My opponent scored big later with FANNER(50) down the TWS!
New words learnt: FANNER
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: FOOTERS(93), ENDEARS(65)
My Phoneys: STINDER* Opp Phoneys: OST*, ULEI*, AUDI*(21)
My High Moves: YA(40), BEST(44) Opp High Moves: ZANY(32), LOWER(32), BOP(31), TRANQ(47), FANNER(50), HEAL(32)
L 299-511, -212. 5W 1L (Accum spread +207).
Game 7: vs Tok Wei Min
My opening rack had both the C and the H, so I opened with CEL with the E on the star, hoping to capitalise on the H on my next move. Alas, my opponent also had the other H and he put down THROW for 32 points underneath! Held a DEHISU? rack[3] and missed the bingo in it. Put down UnHIDES* instead and it got challenged off! I also made a big mistake in my last move where I allowed Wei Min to capitalise his F on the triple letter score while trying to avoid the double letter score.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ERUdITE(76) Opp Bingos: PERSIsT(85)
My Phoneys: HEB* Opp Phoneys: PALID*(23)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: THROW(32), TAJ(30), DZO(31), BEST(34), FED(31)
L 315-430, -115. 5W 2L (Accum spread +92).
Game 8: vs Ng Ming Wei
Have been playing almost all the HCI high school players and Ming Wei is the last one that I met. Managed to win by having a bingo early in the game and playing conservatively to close down the board. It also helped that I got away with a phoney LUPE* and challenged off the phoneys that my opponent put down.
New words learnt: POKIER
My Bingos: LEARNeR(69) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: LUPE*(18) Opp Phoneys: ETCY*, OT*
My High Moves: SEZ(43) Opp High Moves: TAX(35), POKIER(33)
W 394-264, +130. 6W 2L (Accum spread +222).
Game 9: vs Lester
I was behind by 64 points with no more tiles in the bag and I was desparate enough to try a bingo with a HIPRSTU rack. Tried PHITRUS* but got challenged off!
New words learnt: STOT
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: INFARES(70)
My Phoneys: PHITRUS* Opp Phoneys: GHITS*
My High Moves: XI(33), HITS(33) Opp High Moves: DIPT(32)
L 342-371, -29. 6W 3L (Accum spread +193).
Game 10: vs Tan Boon Hock
Start of the KOTH and I was playing Steven again. Was quite lucky to get two blanks on my rack. Got a couple of vowels, an S and two blanks. Thought of the 6-vowel bingo[4] but forgotten how it was spelt. Somehow the "old McDonalds had a farm" song kept ringing in my head. Bingoed with OUTSEts(62) later and my opponent bingoed with TINDLES*(71). Didn't realise that TINDLES* was a phoney until much later! He managed to score very well whenever I tried to open up. Lost even though I had a second bingo with STAINED(72).
New words learnt: ROGER
My Bingos: OUTSEts(62), STAINED(72) Opp Bingos: TINDLES(71)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: TINDLES*(71)
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: ZATI(40), RAX(35), QI(37), HIP(32), BABY(33)
L 373-395, -22. 6W 4L (Accum spread +171).
Game 11: vs Lawrence
Started with COL and my opponent put down DELVING(75). Wanted to challenge as I thought I saw DEVLING, but stopped myself as I had a better look at the board and Lawrence's surprised reaction. He had another bingo with MINUTeS(82). Was almost 150 points behind at one time, but managed to catch up a bit with FEINTER(82) towards the end.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: FEINTER(82) Opp Bingos: DELVING(75), MINUTeS(82)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: VIVOS*, FEINTERS*
My High Moves: ZAG(51), MAY(30) Opp High Moves: FEY(34), JADED(48), SHEW(45)
L 375-426, -51. 6W 5L (Accum spread +120).
Game 12: vs Ruby
My opponent bingoed with FAlTERS(68) while I bingoed with SAUNTER(68). Played badly towards the end. I phonied with EXED*, almost didn't trap Ruby's "Q" and went overtime for more than 2 minutes. Both of us forgot to include the time penalty in the score sheet though which was spotted by Seow Kie.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SAUNTER(68) Opp Bingos: FAlTERS(68)
My Phoneys: EXED* Opp Phoneys: POY*(28)
My High Moves: ReZ(37) Opp High Moves: DOTE(31), VAULT(31), SHY(35)
L 327-407, -80. 6W 6L (Accum spread +40).
In between games, I had fun peering behind the Tournament Director's shoulders to see the results being churned out. Saw this very cute little girl beside the TD asking him who is "ZZ Bye" towards the end of the game! Hmm, one of the mysteries in competitive Scrabble!
Quite disappointed with the many sub-optimal plays that I made and the phoneys that my opponent got away with! Must learn how to keep my cool under competition pressure and not be tempted to any how try for bingos in the future!
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[3] DUcHIES, HIDEoUS, HUrDIES
[4] EUOUAES
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Scrabble Nationals 2006 (Day One)
My first time playing Scrabble in Serangoon CC. After having lunch with Chew Chuah, I explored the CC before the start of the game. Saw a group of young ballet dancers practicing at the dance studio on the top floor and saw the nice exhibits at the polling station for lift upgrading!
Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report.
Game 1: vs Samad Ahmad
Opened with a bingo JUIcERS(92) and scored well with the Q and X. Was about 150 points ahead after my opponent had two phoneys: EnCLOVES* and LOV* back to back. Had another bingo with TOADIES(74) and got a EFIOORT rack[1] after that. Spotted the bingo but thought it may not be good. Allowed my opponent to bingo out with STAINeR(77).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: JUIcERS(92) TOADIES(74) Opp Bingos: STAINER(77)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: EnCLOVES*, LOV*
My High Moves: EX(44), QAID(42) Opp High Moves: DAIRY(35), VINE(33)
W 490-327, +163. 1W 0L (Accum spread +163).
Game 2: vs Ang Jin Yang
Held an AEEILY? rack[2] at one time but failed to see the bingo in it. Bingoed with SALIENt(70) and later played JEE to set up for BARBER(41) across the TWS. Was quite lucky to have all the "S" in this game and I had three "S" on my rack at one time! My opponent bingoed with TRANCeD(87) towards the end and I managed to bingo out with STUDIOS(67).
New words learnt: PREZ
My Bingos: SALIENt(70), STUDIOS(67) Opp Bingos: TRANCeD(87)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: CUG*, KIM*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: -
W 441-313, +128. 2W 0L (Accum spread +291).
Game 3: vs Catherine
Checked my records before the start of the tournament and I discovered that I had a 0-4 record against her! Bingoed first with SATIATE(68) and Catherine bingoed next with AGONISe(63). Our scores were very close throughout the game! Thought I could pull ahead with RAZE(32) but she scored more with RAZERS(47) to the TWS cell! Managed to "eat" her consonants after finishing my tiles first to win!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SATIATE(68) Opp Bingos: AGONISe(63)
My Phoneys: PEL* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: WO(33), RAZE(32) Opp High Moves: QIS(36), RAZERS(47)
W 396-351, +45. 3W 0L (Accum spread +336).
Game 4: vs Tan Boon Hock
Was discouraged at first when my opponent scored well with KEX(64) on his second move! Managed to pull ahead with a 4-timer PERCENT back hooking to LOG that drew a challenge. Got away with a phoney LOGED* and scored consistently to maintain my lead.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PERCENT(100) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: LOGED*(27) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JISM(37), CIG(41), FAP(34) Opp High Moves: KEX(64),ZOS(34), QAID(46)
W 410-382, +28. 4W 0L (Accum spread +364).
Game 5: vs Valli
My opponent opened with FLORID and I back hooked an E to it. Thought it was the correct spelling until Jobeth told us that it was a phoney. Held an ANRSTW? rack and remembered the bingo that Zi Peng played against me during the Millenium Cup but had to try if it took an S at the end as it scored a lot more down the TWS line. It got challenged off but luckily, there was another spot for me to bingo. Could have gotten a better spread if I stopped her from going out on the TWS line and not made a mistake on the submitted score sheet.
New words learnt: FLORID
My Bingos: STRAWeN(79) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: FLORIDE*(25), STRAWENS*, JUR* Opp Phoneys: GALAR*, FION*
My High Moves: BEZ(38), ZELS(39), VIS(32) Opp High Moves: QADI(37), WAYS(36)
W 404-349, +55. 0W 0L (Accum spread +419).
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[1] FOOTIER
[2] EYELIAd
Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report.
Game 1: vs Samad Ahmad
Opened with a bingo JUIcERS(92) and scored well with the Q and X. Was about 150 points ahead after my opponent had two phoneys: EnCLOVES* and LOV* back to back. Had another bingo with TOADIES(74) and got a EFIOORT rack[1] after that. Spotted the bingo but thought it may not be good. Allowed my opponent to bingo out with STAINeR(77).
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: JUIcERS(92) TOADIES(74) Opp Bingos: STAINER(77)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: EnCLOVES*, LOV*
My High Moves: EX(44), QAID(42) Opp High Moves: DAIRY(35), VINE(33)
W 490-327, +163. 1W 0L (Accum spread +163).
Game 2: vs Ang Jin Yang
Held an AEEILY? rack[2] at one time but failed to see the bingo in it. Bingoed with SALIENt(70) and later played JEE to set up for BARBER(41) across the TWS. Was quite lucky to have all the "S" in this game and I had three "S" on my rack at one time! My opponent bingoed with TRANCeD(87) towards the end and I managed to bingo out with STUDIOS(67).
New words learnt: PREZ
My Bingos: SALIENt(70), STUDIOS(67) Opp Bingos: TRANCeD(87)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: CUG*, KIM*
My High Moves: - Opp High Moves: -
W 441-313, +128. 2W 0L (Accum spread +291).
Game 3: vs Catherine
Checked my records before the start of the tournament and I discovered that I had a 0-4 record against her! Bingoed first with SATIATE(68) and Catherine bingoed next with AGONISe(63). Our scores were very close throughout the game! Thought I could pull ahead with RAZE(32) but she scored more with RAZERS(47) to the TWS cell! Managed to "eat" her consonants after finishing my tiles first to win!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: SATIATE(68) Opp Bingos: AGONISe(63)
My Phoneys: PEL* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: WO(33), RAZE(32) Opp High Moves: QIS(36), RAZERS(47)
W 396-351, +45. 3W 0L (Accum spread +336).
Game 4: vs Tan Boon Hock
Was discouraged at first when my opponent scored well with KEX(64) on his second move! Managed to pull ahead with a 4-timer PERCENT back hooking to LOG that drew a challenge. Got away with a phoney LOGED* and scored consistently to maintain my lead.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PERCENT(100) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: LOGED*(27) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JISM(37), CIG(41), FAP(34) Opp High Moves: KEX(64),ZOS(34), QAID(46)
W 410-382, +28. 4W 0L (Accum spread +364).
Game 5: vs Valli
My opponent opened with FLORID and I back hooked an E to it. Thought it was the correct spelling until Jobeth told us that it was a phoney. Held an ANRSTW? rack and remembered the bingo that Zi Peng played against me during the Millenium Cup but had to try if it took an S at the end as it scored a lot more down the TWS line. It got challenged off but luckily, there was another spot for me to bingo. Could have gotten a better spread if I stopped her from going out on the TWS line and not made a mistake on the submitted score sheet.
New words learnt: FLORID
My Bingos: STRAWeN(79) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: FLORIDE*(25), STRAWENS*, JUR* Opp Phoneys: GALAR*, FION*
My High Moves: BEZ(38), ZELS(39), VIS(32) Opp High Moves: QADI(37), WAYS(36)
W 404-349, +55. 0W 0L (Accum spread +419).
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[1] FOOTIER
[2] EYELIAd
Saturday, July 15, 2006
PSTAR Scrabble Games
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 on 15th July 2006 from 10am to 5pm.
Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report. Don't look at the actual board positions if you are trying the quizzes.
I was there a bit earlier to help draw the pairings for my team. The new Collins dictionary is used for this tournament and many players were talking about the new words to be studied. MOE, HDB and CPF had 3 teams each. A friend of mine told me that she hoped that she would not draw against MOE or HDB as they had very strong players.
My first draw resulted in my team playing against MOE 2! My team mates complained a little bit when they knew their pairings.
Game 1: MOE 2
MOE 2 consisted of three ladies, Ruby, Valli and Selvi. After discussing about the lineup, it was decided that JP played against Ruby, CC played against Valli and I played against Selvi.
It was a very closed board at the start. I opened with CHIZ with the I on the star, she played HA underneath and I played VAW on top. There is almost no more place to put any more tiles! The board started to open up a little bit more when I put ANY back hooking the Y on the triple letter score to the ACH on the board to score 39 points. I accidentally closed it down again when I played EAU underneath to get rid of my vowels. Feeling frustrated over the closed board, I opened up with REV but this seems to be a mistake as Selvi promptly put down a eight letter bingo with a DEIMOPS rack through the R[1] for 76 points.
Had AMORU?? on my rack on one turn and I phonied with AMOURed* that got challenged off! Think I overheard the word checkers on what was wrong with the spelling and I managed to put ArMOURs for 86 points on my next turn. Almost ran out of time towards the end of the game and I was lucky to put down the late Q and J that came my way.
Won my first game with 409 to 307. My team also won the match 2-1!
Playing in the tournament is very much like sitting for an examination! The organisers announced the end of the game after exactly one hour after the start of the master clock and everyone is supposed to drop their tiles and calculate their scores even though the individual clocks have not reached the time limit yet. Was figuring out why such a case would happen as the maths added nicely with 25 min playing time to each player and only 5 min overtime was allowed. After one day of thinking about it after the tournament, I finally realised that it was because they did not take into account the time taken for challenges which would freeze the timer. The time taken for challenges would then depend on the number of challenges per game and the average speed taken to process one challenge.
My second draw resulted in my team playing against HDB 2! Oops, two bad draws in a row!
Game 2: HDB 2
JP played against a Chinese guy, CC played against Jessie and I played against Serene.
Serene started very strongly with a bingo: HOARDER for 80 points which I challenged unsuccessfully and a high scoring EXEC for 43 points! I was lagging far behind until I managed to bingo with a ACEILT? front hooking to an existing GIO on the board setting the blank as a "T"[2]. By turn 8, I was only 5 points behind but she pulled further ahead in her subsequent turns.
One interesting rule that my opponents told us before the start of the game was not to turn the board around during the game but to view it sideways. I realised the rationale of this rule towards the end of this game!
The board provided by the official sponsors had no grooves to place the tiles properly on it and it was not designed to rotate smoothly as it is rectangular in shape. During the course of the game, the tiles began to shift sideways even though we tried to move the board minimally. The situation was so bad that I mistakenly put down JOLE, front hooking the E to an existing TEA on the board. Due to parallax error, I thought the EA belonged to another column and noticed it only after my turn. Luckily, Serene did not see my error. She made the same mistake as I as she tried to front hook a B to the ETEA* a few turns later, but I challenged her off!
Lost my second game with 360 to 432. Our team also lost the match 1-2.
Lunch was provided by the organisers and it was quite delicious! After lunch, my third draw resulted in my team playing against IRAS 2. Not too bad although one of my team mates said he preferred us to play against CPF that had many pretty lady players!
Game 3: IRAS 3
Our opponent is an all-girls team. JP played against a Chinese girl, CC played against Sally and I played against a Malay girl. Lost my score sheet so can't comment on the games. Just remembered that my opponent phonied with TIB* and I phonied with CUL* for my game.
Our team won 3-0.
We were placed in the Silver category after 3 games. There were 4 teams in the Gold category, 12 teams in Silver and 14 teams in Bronze. The prize distribution is such that there are 4 prizes for Gold, 3 for Silver and 3 for Bronze, so we still had a chance to get some prizes at this stage. This is a KOTH game and we were placed against HDB 3.
Game 4: HDB 3
JP played against Catherine, CC played against Joseph and I played against Sufarman.
Was very lucky in my game as I had two bingos back to back with a DEGINRS[3] and a AEHILNS[4] rack. After that, I drew two blanks from the bag to form AEETQ?? on my rack which had two possible bingos[5] by itself. Missed the eight letter bingo through an existing N[6]. Scored not too bad with the "Q" for 48 points though.
Won the last game 418-303. Our team won 3-0 and had a cumulative spread of 335 to come in tops for the Silver category teams! Ngee Ann Poly grabbed the top two positions in the Gold Category. Hope we could do even better next year!
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[1] PROMISED
[2] TACtILE or LATtICE
[3] DINGERS or ENGIRDS
[4] INHALES
[5] EQuATEd or EQuATEs
[6] pETANQuE
Here's my match report, with quizzes marked with [number] and the answers given at the end of the report. Don't look at the actual board positions if you are trying the quizzes.
I was there a bit earlier to help draw the pairings for my team. The new Collins dictionary is used for this tournament and many players were talking about the new words to be studied. MOE, HDB and CPF had 3 teams each. A friend of mine told me that she hoped that she would not draw against MOE or HDB as they had very strong players.
My first draw resulted in my team playing against MOE 2! My team mates complained a little bit when they knew their pairings.
Game 1: MOE 2
MOE 2 consisted of three ladies, Ruby, Valli and Selvi. After discussing about the lineup, it was decided that JP played against Ruby, CC played against Valli and I played against Selvi.
It was a very closed board at the start. I opened with CHIZ with the I on the star, she played HA underneath and I played VAW on top. There is almost no more place to put any more tiles! The board started to open up a little bit more when I put ANY back hooking the Y on the triple letter score to the ACH on the board to score 39 points. I accidentally closed it down again when I played EAU underneath to get rid of my vowels. Feeling frustrated over the closed board, I opened up with REV but this seems to be a mistake as Selvi promptly put down a eight letter bingo with a DEIMOPS rack through the R[1] for 76 points.
Had AMORU?? on my rack on one turn and I phonied with AMOURed* that got challenged off! Think I overheard the word checkers on what was wrong with the spelling and I managed to put ArMOURs for 86 points on my next turn. Almost ran out of time towards the end of the game and I was lucky to put down the late Q and J that came my way.
Won my first game with 409 to 307. My team also won the match 2-1!
Playing in the tournament is very much like sitting for an examination! The organisers announced the end of the game after exactly one hour after the start of the master clock and everyone is supposed to drop their tiles and calculate their scores even though the individual clocks have not reached the time limit yet. Was figuring out why such a case would happen as the maths added nicely with 25 min playing time to each player and only 5 min overtime was allowed. After one day of thinking about it after the tournament, I finally realised that it was because they did not take into account the time taken for challenges which would freeze the timer. The time taken for challenges would then depend on the number of challenges per game and the average speed taken to process one challenge.
My second draw resulted in my team playing against HDB 2! Oops, two bad draws in a row!
Game 2: HDB 2
JP played against a Chinese guy, CC played against Jessie and I played against Serene.
Serene started very strongly with a bingo: HOARDER for 80 points which I challenged unsuccessfully and a high scoring EXEC for 43 points! I was lagging far behind until I managed to bingo with a ACEILT? front hooking to an existing GIO on the board setting the blank as a "T"[2]. By turn 8, I was only 5 points behind but she pulled further ahead in her subsequent turns.
One interesting rule that my opponents told us before the start of the game was not to turn the board around during the game but to view it sideways. I realised the rationale of this rule towards the end of this game!
The board provided by the official sponsors had no grooves to place the tiles properly on it and it was not designed to rotate smoothly as it is rectangular in shape. During the course of the game, the tiles began to shift sideways even though we tried to move the board minimally. The situation was so bad that I mistakenly put down JOLE, front hooking the E to an existing TEA on the board. Due to parallax error, I thought the EA belonged to another column and noticed it only after my turn. Luckily, Serene did not see my error. She made the same mistake as I as she tried to front hook a B to the ETEA* a few turns later, but I challenged her off!
Lost my second game with 360 to 432. Our team also lost the match 1-2.
Lunch was provided by the organisers and it was quite delicious! After lunch, my third draw resulted in my team playing against IRAS 2. Not too bad although one of my team mates said he preferred us to play against CPF that had many pretty lady players!
Game 3: IRAS 3
Our opponent is an all-girls team. JP played against a Chinese girl, CC played against Sally and I played against a Malay girl. Lost my score sheet so can't comment on the games. Just remembered that my opponent phonied with TIB* and I phonied with CUL* for my game.
Our team won 3-0.
We were placed in the Silver category after 3 games. There were 4 teams in the Gold category, 12 teams in Silver and 14 teams in Bronze. The prize distribution is such that there are 4 prizes for Gold, 3 for Silver and 3 for Bronze, so we still had a chance to get some prizes at this stage. This is a KOTH game and we were placed against HDB 3.
Game 4: HDB 3
JP played against Catherine, CC played against Joseph and I played against Sufarman.
Was very lucky in my game as I had two bingos back to back with a DEGINRS[3] and a AEHILNS[4] rack. After that, I drew two blanks from the bag to form AEETQ?? on my rack which had two possible bingos[5] by itself. Missed the eight letter bingo through an existing N[6]. Scored not too bad with the "Q" for 48 points though.
Won the last game 418-303. Our team won 3-0 and had a cumulative spread of 335 to come in tops for the Silver category teams! Ngee Ann Poly grabbed the top two positions in the Gold Category. Hope we could do even better next year!
Quiz answers (Highlight to see clearly):
[1] PROMISED
[2] TACtILE or LATtICE
[3] DINGERS or ENGIRDS
[4] INHALES
[5] EQuATEd or EQuATEs
[6] pETANQuE
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Scrabble Quiz
The above board is taken from an actual game.
I just played EE 14J and it is now my opponent's turn.
My score: 355. My tiles: ACDEEN?
Opp score: 331. Opp tiles: HIORTW?
Tiles in bag: -
Here are my quiz questions:
1) What is the best move for my opponent?
2) If he didn't play the best move and played WHO M2 for 30 points instead, what is my best move?
3) If I didn't play my best move as above but played DEAN N1 for 29 points instead, can my opponent still win?
Think Q1 and Q2 are obvious by checking LexPert. For Q3, found a move that will enable my opponent to draw. Can you do better?
Sunday, May 28, 2006
9th Singapore Open (Second Day)
Game 6: vs Low Bee Tiang
Could have formed a bingo with ADENORS on my rack and a floating "L" on the board to surge ahead but didn't. I actually thought of the word but decided that it had high chance to be a phoney. After my opponent bingoed with BERTHING(74), I should have just used up the TWS line with my "K" on my rack to form KEB 1A instead of KITED 4A for less points. Allowed my opponent to score twice with the TWS line with AMOK and BINGOS after that. A late VOX(42) managed to narrow the gap but still lost.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: BERTHING(74)
My Phoneys: RADONES* Opp Phoneys: EY*, TTAY*, RETT*
My High Moves: DEFS(30), QI(31), VOX(42) Opp High Moves: VOW(30), HEY(30), ZITS(40), AMOK(30), BINGOS(35)
L 336-409, -73. 3W 3L (Accum spread -244).
Game 7: vs Tan Yao Zhong
Played with Yao Zhong during last year's Nationals and he seems to have grown bigger and taller. Both of us got one bingo each. I played STAINED(82) while my opponent played TAVERNS(96). Was quite surprised that the bag emptied sooner than expected and my tracking seems far off than usual. Realised after the game that about four or five tiles were missing including the blank! It was too late to do anything then but we helped to replace the missing tiles from the spare bag.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: STAINED(82) Opp Bingos: TAVERNS(96)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: CET*
My High Moves: FEH(32), DAISY(37) Opp High Moves: XI(44), WOK(30)
L 388-335, +53. 4W 3L (Accum spread -191).
Game 8: vs Valli
Was frustrated with a very closed board until I decided to open up with EATING 14I. Suddenly, three TWS lines were available at the same time and I was able to score well with FISH O12. Valli was able to score on the other two TWS lines though with EXPOS and JOBS. She also bingoed with LEANEST(66) and won the game.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: LEANEST(66)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: COOR*
My High Moves: FAY(37), FISH(50), RAZED(44) Opp High Moves: EXPOS(53), JOBS(47)
L 351-403, -52. 4W 4L (Accum spread -243).
Game 9: Bye
Not really sure whether to feel happy about having a bye as this means that I play one less game than I am entitled to. Had fun walking around helping people check challenged words! Saw Bee Tiang missing an opening bingo with a AIORTU? rack where he put OUTRAIn* and Serene missing a closing bingo with a AELPRSU rack where she put PAULERS*.
W 150-100, +50. 5W 4L (Accum spread -193).
Game 10: vs Valli
Surprised to meet Valli in the KOTH round as I thought she should be somewhere on top of the field, way out of my league. I bingoed with TRAILED(66) while Valli bingoed with FLEECING(82). She missed a few turns trying for a bingo but was challenged off. It was a very closed board towards the end and I decided to open up. Turned out to be a bad decision as she promptly put down REQUITS(105) back hooking the T to an existing VAU. Later, she scored with FITS(46) underneath REQUITS across the TWS line and won convincingly.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TRAILED(66) Opp Bingos: FLEECING(82), REQUITS(105)
My Phoneys: WALT* Opp Phoneys: SURRIES*, SOURIES*
My High Moves: AX(36), CREW(43) Opp High Moves: SEZ(39), PANE(37), FITS(46)
L 344-501, -157. 5W 5L (Accum spread -350).
Game 11: vs Peter Yu
A game that is full of bingos! I bingoed twice with INEARTH(87) and TIRADES(78) while Peter bingoed with SNORTER(65) and SUCTIONS(61). Held a ACEINO? rack on one turn but wasted it on a phoney with ACONISE*. Drew many high scoring tiles towards the end and counted that there were exactly 7 tiles left in the bag. Changed my tiles and left Peter stuck with them towards the end to give me the game.
New words learnt: ZINGY
My Bingos: INEARTH(87), TIRADES(78) Opp Bingos: SNORTER(65), SUCTIONS(61)
My Phoneys: ACONISE*, AWIDE*, YOR* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: XI(39), HOED(35) Opp High Moves: ZINGY(53), QAT(32)
W 433-419, +14. 6W 5L (Accum spread -336).
Game 12: vs Low Bee Tiang
Second time playing with Bee Tiang. Once again, I got an ACEINO? rack on one turn. Luckily, Winston helped me check the anagrams for it with his PDA just before the game and I played ACONITE(70). Didn't have many high scoring moves after that but managed to maintain my lead towards the end.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ACONITE(70) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IE*
My High Moves: AX(33) Opp High Moves: ROC(35), BODY(33), ZOA(38)
W 353-300, +53. 7W 5L (Accum spread -287).
Managed to squeeze into top 10 with 7 wins and spread -287. Sad that I didn't have the chance to play with Marcus, JoBeth and Jason. Hope to have the chance to play with them sometime in the future!
Could have formed a bingo with ADENORS on my rack and a floating "L" on the board to surge ahead but didn't. I actually thought of the word but decided that it had high chance to be a phoney. After my opponent bingoed with BERTHING(74), I should have just used up the TWS line with my "K" on my rack to form KEB 1A instead of KITED 4A for less points. Allowed my opponent to score twice with the TWS line with AMOK and BINGOS after that. A late VOX(42) managed to narrow the gap but still lost.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: BERTHING(74)
My Phoneys: RADONES* Opp Phoneys: EY*, TTAY*, RETT*
My High Moves: DEFS(30), QI(31), VOX(42) Opp High Moves: VOW(30), HEY(30), ZITS(40), AMOK(30), BINGOS(35)
L 336-409, -73. 3W 3L (Accum spread -244).
Game 7: vs Tan Yao Zhong
Played with Yao Zhong during last year's Nationals and he seems to have grown bigger and taller. Both of us got one bingo each. I played STAINED(82) while my opponent played TAVERNS(96). Was quite surprised that the bag emptied sooner than expected and my tracking seems far off than usual. Realised after the game that about four or five tiles were missing including the blank! It was too late to do anything then but we helped to replace the missing tiles from the spare bag.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: STAINED(82) Opp Bingos: TAVERNS(96)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: CET*
My High Moves: FEH(32), DAISY(37) Opp High Moves: XI(44), WOK(30)
L 388-335, +53. 4W 3L (Accum spread -191).
Game 8: vs Valli
Was frustrated with a very closed board until I decided to open up with EATING 14I. Suddenly, three TWS lines were available at the same time and I was able to score well with FISH O12. Valli was able to score on the other two TWS lines though with EXPOS and JOBS. She also bingoed with LEANEST(66) and won the game.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: LEANEST(66)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: COOR*
My High Moves: FAY(37), FISH(50), RAZED(44) Opp High Moves: EXPOS(53), JOBS(47)
L 351-403, -52. 4W 4L (Accum spread -243).
Game 9: Bye
Not really sure whether to feel happy about having a bye as this means that I play one less game than I am entitled to. Had fun walking around helping people check challenged words! Saw Bee Tiang missing an opening bingo with a AIORTU? rack where he put OUTRAIn* and Serene missing a closing bingo with a AELPRSU rack where she put PAULERS*.
W 150-100, +50. 5W 4L (Accum spread -193).
Game 10: vs Valli
Surprised to meet Valli in the KOTH round as I thought she should be somewhere on top of the field, way out of my league. I bingoed with TRAILED(66) while Valli bingoed with FLEECING(82). She missed a few turns trying for a bingo but was challenged off. It was a very closed board towards the end and I decided to open up. Turned out to be a bad decision as she promptly put down REQUITS(105) back hooking the T to an existing VAU. Later, she scored with FITS(46) underneath REQUITS across the TWS line and won convincingly.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TRAILED(66) Opp Bingos: FLEECING(82), REQUITS(105)
My Phoneys: WALT* Opp Phoneys: SURRIES*, SOURIES*
My High Moves: AX(36), CREW(43) Opp High Moves: SEZ(39), PANE(37), FITS(46)
L 344-501, -157. 5W 5L (Accum spread -350).
Game 11: vs Peter Yu
A game that is full of bingos! I bingoed twice with INEARTH(87) and TIRADES(78) while Peter bingoed with SNORTER(65) and SUCTIONS(61). Held a ACEINO? rack on one turn but wasted it on a phoney with ACONISE*. Drew many high scoring tiles towards the end and counted that there were exactly 7 tiles left in the bag. Changed my tiles and left Peter stuck with them towards the end to give me the game.
New words learnt: ZINGY
My Bingos: INEARTH(87), TIRADES(78) Opp Bingos: SNORTER(65), SUCTIONS(61)
My Phoneys: ACONISE*, AWIDE*, YOR* Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: XI(39), HOED(35) Opp High Moves: ZINGY(53), QAT(32)
W 433-419, +14. 6W 5L (Accum spread -336).
Game 12: vs Low Bee Tiang
Second time playing with Bee Tiang. Once again, I got an ACEINO? rack on one turn. Luckily, Winston helped me check the anagrams for it with his PDA just before the game and I played ACONITE(70). Didn't have many high scoring moves after that but managed to maintain my lead towards the end.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: ACONITE(70) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IE*
My High Moves: AX(33) Opp High Moves: ROC(35), BODY(33), ZOA(38)
W 353-300, +53. 7W 5L (Accum spread -287).
Managed to squeeze into top 10 with 7 wins and spread -287. Sad that I didn't have the chance to play with Marcus, JoBeth and Jason. Hope to have the chance to play with them sometime in the future!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
9th Singapore Open (First Day)
This is my first time playing Scrabble in Teck Ghee CC. Didn't have much trouble locating it as I have a street directory with the bus stop information in my bag.
Saw many familiar faces as I reached there: Marcus, JoBeth, Valli and Peter Tay to name a few. Haven't seen Peter Tay for a long while since the last time I played him in the Millenium Cup, so was quite happy to be able to play with him again. Found out that I was playing with him for my first game after the organisers did the pairings.
Game 1: vs Peter Tay
Learnt many new words from Peter Tay. Spent a long time deciding whether to put FIBRE or FIBER across a TWS line and was still shuffling the tiles around after I put down the word until I decided that FIBRE looks more right. Catherine who was observing the game at the side told me that both words were valid after I pressed the clock. Lost as Peter bingoed with INTAKES(91) and made many high scoring moves.
New words learnt: OURANG, HIST, FISTY
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: INTAKES(91)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: FIBRE(33), XIS(35) Opp High Moves: HART(36), JADE(37), FISTY(40), MZEE(48)
L 296-450, -154. 0W 1L (Accum spread -154).
Game 2: vs Chua Zhong Jie
My favorite move in this game would be FLORA N9, back hooking the "O" to ROT. Was unsure of ROTO, so was glad that it turned out to be good when challenged! Felt great when I was able to score very well with JILT 15L across the TWS line back hooking the "L" to FLORA on my next turn! Was still able to keep the lead and win when my opponent bingoed late in the game with WEARIES(67). (Short quiz: There is a valid anagram for MANKIES*. Can you guess what that is?)
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: WEARIES(67)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: MANKIES*, VAWN*, NANE*
My High Moves: FLORA(41), JILT(66), SHEET(34), WIRY(38), AH(31) Opp High Moves: MAD(33), EX(31), QUA(41)
L 393-343, +50. 1W 1L (Accum spread -104).
Game 3: vs Victor Gwee
Was totally out of luck in this game! Had the "J" and the "Z", but Victor had both blanks, all four "S" and the "K", "Q" and "X". Made a very silly mistake when Victor put down HaX* M3 next to an existing CLAW L3 and PAN K5. I challenged it off but made no attempt to block it as I thought HeX would be safe as Le* would not be good. Victor promptly put HoX on his next move to score! He won with many high scoring moves and two bingos: TANNERS(66) and SENATES(89).
New words learnt: CHIV
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: TANNERS(66), SENATES(89)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: HAX*, COSTY*
My High Moves: VANE(33), WITE(32), ATE(34) Opp High Moves: PEEKS(61), HOX(45), DIV(35), QUA(35)
L 311-502, -191. 1W 2L (Accum spread -295).
Game 4: vs Ong Wen Hong
Fell behind when my opponent put down ENZYME(44) for his first move but caught up as I made two bingos PRINTERS(74) and TINIEST(71). My opponent replied with DRAINED(76) and with all the remaining "O"s on his rack, he did a pretty good setup with JUT N1. I attempted to block with UG 2N but realised later that he could also have the "G" and the "U" on his rack to form a 3-letter J word. Luckily he didn't see that word and I got away with a comfortable win!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PRINTERS(74), TINIEST(71) Opp Bingos: DRAINED(76)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: ABLY(32) Opp High Moves: ENZYME(44)
W 410-302, +108. 2W 2L (Accum spread -187).
Game 5: vs Winston Gwee
I started very well with QUAIR(48) but Winston was able to catch up when he bingoed with STRAINS(74). He could have overtook me if he had not wasted a few moves playing phoneys that were challenged off. A nail biting finish and I was just able to edge him out for a win! Probably worth analysing the end game to see if there were more optimal scoring moves.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: STRAINS(74)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IKE*, TREP*, AF*
My High Moves: QUAIR(48), EX(36) Opp High Moves: RAJ(39), ZOO(34), WHO(30)
L 398-382, +16. 3W 2L (Accum spread -171).
Ended the first day pretty well with 3 wins out of 5 although my spread is terrible. Hope to do better the next day!
Just a small quiz on players in the Scrabble scene:
Guess which player has the favorite phrase: "I am one hundred percent sure!".
I hear him say that so often that I could subconciously hear him shouting out that phrase whenever I think about Scrabble. If you have no idea who he is, just ask any active intermediate player and they'll know straight away!
Saw many familiar faces as I reached there: Marcus, JoBeth, Valli and Peter Tay to name a few. Haven't seen Peter Tay for a long while since the last time I played him in the Millenium Cup, so was quite happy to be able to play with him again. Found out that I was playing with him for my first game after the organisers did the pairings.
Game 1: vs Peter Tay
Learnt many new words from Peter Tay. Spent a long time deciding whether to put FIBRE or FIBER across a TWS line and was still shuffling the tiles around after I put down the word until I decided that FIBRE looks more right. Catherine who was observing the game at the side told me that both words were valid after I pressed the clock. Lost as Peter bingoed with INTAKES(91) and made many high scoring moves.
New words learnt: OURANG, HIST, FISTY
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: INTAKES(91)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: FIBRE(33), XIS(35) Opp High Moves: HART(36), JADE(37), FISTY(40), MZEE(48)
L 296-450, -154. 0W 1L (Accum spread -154).
Game 2: vs Chua Zhong Jie
My favorite move in this game would be FLORA N9, back hooking the "O" to ROT. Was unsure of ROTO, so was glad that it turned out to be good when challenged! Felt great when I was able to score very well with JILT 15L across the TWS line back hooking the "L" to FLORA on my next turn! Was still able to keep the lead and win when my opponent bingoed late in the game with WEARIES(67). (Short quiz: There is a valid anagram for MANKIES*. Can you guess what that is?)
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: WEARIES(67)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: MANKIES*, VAWN*, NANE*
My High Moves: FLORA(41), JILT(66), SHEET(34), WIRY(38), AH(31) Opp High Moves: MAD(33), EX(31), QUA(41)
L 393-343, +50. 1W 1L (Accum spread -104).
Game 3: vs Victor Gwee
Was totally out of luck in this game! Had the "J" and the "Z", but Victor had both blanks, all four "S" and the "K", "Q" and "X". Made a very silly mistake when Victor put down HaX* M3 next to an existing CLAW L3 and PAN K5. I challenged it off but made no attempt to block it as I thought HeX would be safe as Le* would not be good. Victor promptly put HoX on his next move to score! He won with many high scoring moves and two bingos: TANNERS(66) and SENATES(89).
New words learnt: CHIV
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: TANNERS(66), SENATES(89)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: HAX*, COSTY*
My High Moves: VANE(33), WITE(32), ATE(34) Opp High Moves: PEEKS(61), HOX(45), DIV(35), QUA(35)
L 311-502, -191. 1W 2L (Accum spread -295).
Game 4: vs Ong Wen Hong
Fell behind when my opponent put down ENZYME(44) for his first move but caught up as I made two bingos PRINTERS(74) and TINIEST(71). My opponent replied with DRAINED(76) and with all the remaining "O"s on his rack, he did a pretty good setup with JUT N1. I attempted to block with UG 2N but realised later that he could also have the "G" and the "U" on his rack to form a 3-letter J word. Luckily he didn't see that word and I got away with a comfortable win!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: PRINTERS(74), TINIEST(71) Opp Bingos: DRAINED(76)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: ABLY(32) Opp High Moves: ENZYME(44)
W 410-302, +108. 2W 2L (Accum spread -187).
Game 5: vs Winston Gwee
I started very well with QUAIR(48) but Winston was able to catch up when he bingoed with STRAINS(74). He could have overtook me if he had not wasted a few moves playing phoneys that were challenged off. A nail biting finish and I was just able to edge him out for a win! Probably worth analysing the end game to see if there were more optimal scoring moves.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: STRAINS(74)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IKE*, TREP*, AF*
My High Moves: QUAIR(48), EX(36) Opp High Moves: RAJ(39), ZOO(34), WHO(30)
L 398-382, +16. 3W 2L (Accum spread -171).
Ended the first day pretty well with 3 wins out of 5 although my spread is terrible. Hope to do better the next day!
Just a small quiz on players in the Scrabble scene:
Guess which player has the favorite phrase: "I am one hundred percent sure!".
I hear him say that so often that I could subconciously hear him shouting out that phrase whenever I think about Scrabble. If you have no idea who he is, just ask any active intermediate player and they'll know straight away!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Lim Boon Heng Cup (Day Two)
Game 6: vs Rosalind
An easy game as Rosalind had not been playing for a while and was quite rusty. Had to clarify the rules for her as she didn't seem to be familiar with them. She actually requested to play in the recreational division but was refused because of her ratings attained in 1999! Also heard that Kok Onn's request to play in the intermediate division was refused as he only started playing competitively after the LBH cup cut-off date. Guess the ratings system has its limitation to eliminate both under-qualified and over-qualified players in a particular division.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IL*(ch)
My High Moves: AWAY(35), YEH(33), BRAVeD(34) CLEAN(30) Opp High Moves: -
W 423-291, +132. 3W 3L (Accum spread +76).
Game 7: vs JoBeth Pan
Was thrashed by JoBeth a few years ago at the NTU open. Had a bingo rack with AEILNRS and played NAILERS back hooking the R to an existing EME but EMER* was challenged off. Could have bingoed by front hooking to an existing TIC on the board! My opponent bingoed three times with tURRETED(62), REALTIES(82), SNORTER(73) and I lost badly!
New words learnt: ETIC, EBON(ch)
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: tURRETED(62), REALTIES(ch)(82), SNORTER(ch)(73)
My Phoneys: EMER*(ch), LOM*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: PAS(33), RACIER(36), EX(42), VOLTI(30) Opp High Moves: TIC(36)
L 346-481, -135. 3W 4L (Accum spread -59).
Game 8: vs Peter Yu
My phoney SLINT* was let off as both of us thought it was good. Peter tried to hook an S and I tried to hook a Y and both were challenged off. Later, Peter bingoed twice with SOlDiER(78) and AGONIES(67) and won easily!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: SOlDiER(78), AGONIES(67)
My Phoneys: SLINT*, EMED*(ch) Opp Phoneys: SLINTS*(ch)
My High Moves: ZO(35) Opp High Moves: XU(39), MED(31)
L 281-449, -168. 3W 5L (Accum spread -227).
Game 9: vs Lim Shi Min
Had a bye as my opponent did not turn up.
W 150-100, +50. 4W 5L (Accum spread -177).
Game 10: vs Sebastien Lim
Start of the King-of-the-Hill round and my second time meeting Sebastien. Both of us had one bingo each. I had TRAiNEE(66) and he had REALISE(68). Was quite confused over what the blank in TRAiNEE represented and played a silly phoney of HiI* which was challenged off. Also made a mistake of not blocking the back hook of MOC next to the TWS cell and allowed my opponent to score with SKEW(57). Just managed to win by 4 points in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TRAiNEE(66) Opp Bingos: REALISE(68)
My Phoneys: HiI*(ch) Opp Phoneys: TAPINGS*(ch), MOCA*(ch)
My High Moves: TAJ(39), QIS(39), TAX(45) Opp High Moves: HAW(31), ZEA(32), SKEW(57)
W 373-369, +4. 5W 5L (Accum spread -173).
Game 11: vs Catherine
My second time meeting Catherine and thought I had a chance to revenge myself. Couldn't beat her in the end as she bingoed with sTrINGS(72) and scored well while not opening up the board.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: sTrINGS(72)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: VISA(38) Opp High Moves: CRONY(41), QI(32)
W 332-375, -43. 5W 6L (Accum spread -216).
Game 12: vs Peter Yu
My second time meeting Peter and my luck was better this time. Bingoed once with EGOtISE(80) and scored well with the J and the Q. My QUA(38) exposed the TWS cell though and allowed my opponent to score even better with FEINT(48)! Maybe should have played QAT(29) at a safer spot. Was distracted by Rosalind talking to Peter in the middle of the game but was too shy to tell her off as Peter himself didn't complain. Missed a playable bingo with a AILNST? rack at the end but played reasonably well to win.
New words learnt: HOWS(ch), TIPT(ch)
My Bingos: EGOtISE(80) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JEATS(56), FEW(32), QUA(38) Opp High Moves: NICER(30), FEINT(48)
W 390-348, +42. 6W 6L (Accum spread -174).
Came in 11th position out of 16 players. Not quite an above average intermediate player yet but I hope to do better the next time to at least make it to the top half of the field!
An easy game as Rosalind had not been playing for a while and was quite rusty. Had to clarify the rules for her as she didn't seem to be familiar with them. She actually requested to play in the recreational division but was refused because of her ratings attained in 1999! Also heard that Kok Onn's request to play in the intermediate division was refused as he only started playing competitively after the LBH cup cut-off date. Guess the ratings system has its limitation to eliminate both under-qualified and over-qualified players in a particular division.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: IL*(ch)
My High Moves: AWAY(35), YEH(33), BRAVeD(34) CLEAN(30) Opp High Moves: -
W 423-291, +132. 3W 3L (Accum spread +76).
Game 7: vs JoBeth Pan
Was thrashed by JoBeth a few years ago at the NTU open. Had a bingo rack with AEILNRS and played NAILERS back hooking the R to an existing EME but EMER* was challenged off. Could have bingoed by front hooking to an existing TIC on the board! My opponent bingoed three times with tURRETED(62), REALTIES(82), SNORTER(73) and I lost badly!
New words learnt: ETIC, EBON(ch)
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: tURRETED(62), REALTIES(ch)(82), SNORTER(ch)(73)
My Phoneys: EMER*(ch), LOM*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: PAS(33), RACIER(36), EX(42), VOLTI(30) Opp High Moves: TIC(36)
L 346-481, -135. 3W 4L (Accum spread -59).
Game 8: vs Peter Yu
My phoney SLINT* was let off as both of us thought it was good. Peter tried to hook an S and I tried to hook a Y and both were challenged off. Later, Peter bingoed twice with SOlDiER(78) and AGONIES(67) and won easily!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: SOlDiER(78), AGONIES(67)
My Phoneys: SLINT*, EMED*(ch) Opp Phoneys: SLINTS*(ch)
My High Moves: ZO(35) Opp High Moves: XU(39), MED(31)
L 281-449, -168. 3W 5L (Accum spread -227).
Game 9: vs Lim Shi Min
Had a bye as my opponent did not turn up.
W 150-100, +50. 4W 5L (Accum spread -177).
Game 10: vs Sebastien Lim
Start of the King-of-the-Hill round and my second time meeting Sebastien. Both of us had one bingo each. I had TRAiNEE(66) and he had REALISE(68). Was quite confused over what the blank in TRAiNEE represented and played a silly phoney of HiI* which was challenged off. Also made a mistake of not blocking the back hook of MOC next to the TWS cell and allowed my opponent to score with SKEW(57). Just managed to win by 4 points in the end!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: TRAiNEE(66) Opp Bingos: REALISE(68)
My Phoneys: HiI*(ch) Opp Phoneys: TAPINGS*(ch), MOCA*(ch)
My High Moves: TAJ(39), QIS(39), TAX(45) Opp High Moves: HAW(31), ZEA(32), SKEW(57)
W 373-369, +4. 5W 5L (Accum spread -173).
Game 11: vs Catherine
My second time meeting Catherine and thought I had a chance to revenge myself. Couldn't beat her in the end as she bingoed with sTrINGS(72) and scored well while not opening up the board.
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: sTrINGS(72)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: VISA(38) Opp High Moves: CRONY(41), QI(32)
W 332-375, -43. 5W 6L (Accum spread -216).
Game 12: vs Peter Yu
My second time meeting Peter and my luck was better this time. Bingoed once with EGOtISE(80) and scored well with the J and the Q. My QUA(38) exposed the TWS cell though and allowed my opponent to score even better with FEINT(48)! Maybe should have played QAT(29) at a safer spot. Was distracted by Rosalind talking to Peter in the middle of the game but was too shy to tell her off as Peter himself didn't complain. Missed a playable bingo with a AILNST? rack at the end but played reasonably well to win.
New words learnt: HOWS(ch), TIPT(ch)
My Bingos: EGOtISE(80) Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: JEATS(56), FEW(32), QUA(38) Opp High Moves: NICER(30), FEINT(48)
W 390-348, +42. 6W 6L (Accum spread -174).
Came in 11th position out of 16 players. Not quite an above average intermediate player yet but I hope to do better the next time to at least make it to the top half of the field!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Lim Boon Heng Cup (Day One)
Game 1: vs Lim Seng Bock
My first time playing with Seng Bock and I learnt that he was preparing for the upcoming ISBG games. Hmm, someone to look out for when our company takes part in it! Was leading late in the game until my opponent bingoed with PATerNAL(68) using two blanks! Had lots of consonants left and he finished first to add 8 points to his final score to overtake me.
New words learnt: EHING(ch), BOFF(ch), TRIZONE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: PATerNAL(68)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: AES*(ch)
My High Moves: FIXES(36), KAF(38), PALING(43), MEATY(57) Opp High Moves: QUITS(35), CIG(37), EHING(43), ZERO(48)
L 373-380, -7. 0W 1L (Accum spread -7).
Game 2: Sebastien Lim
Sebastian is Seng Bock's colleague. Was trailing far behind when he bingoed three times in alternate turns: bIPLANE(86), BOILERS(76) and DESTINED(78)! Caught up a little bit when I bingoed with FeNITAR(78) but it was too late!
New words learnt: VIVO, bIPLANE(ch)
My Bingos: FeNITAR(78) Opp Bingos: bIPLANE(ch)(86), BOILERS(76), DESTINED(78)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: LOXY*(ch), QUOIR*(ch)
My High Moves: LOX(33), JOT(35), ZEL(32) Opp High Moves: -
L 380-455, -75. 0W 2L (Accum spread -82).
Game 3: Arul
Played with Arul before at the last LBH cup and I think he must be the most well equipped player in the tournament, with his own board, tiles and clock! He even had extra clocks in his bag that he wanted to sell! Managed to make many high score moves including a bingo with READIER(80) back hooking to an existing DEN. Arul bingoed late in the game with eTAERIO(67) but it was too late. Had ABGNOOS for my rack at one time and saw the bingo in it but didn't put it down as I was not sure of it.
New words learnt: DENE(ch), GABOONS
My Bingos: READIER(80) Opp Bingos: eTAERIO(67)
My Phoneys: JIT*(ch) Opp Phoneys: ENLEARN*(ch), ADIM*(ch)
My High Moves: THY(33), JILTS(38), FRAY(33), ZO(31) Opp High Moves: -
W 412-284, +128. 1W 2L (Accum spread +46).
Game 4: Aloysius
Played with Aloysius before at the last Nationals. A bingoless game but I managed to make many high scoring moves while not opening up for my opponent!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: ALOT*(ch), WEF*(ch) Opp Phoneys: REL*(ch
My High Moves: ZEAS(43), MY(34), VINAS(36), GHI(33), PRY(38) Opp High Moves: JIVED(35), PEDS(32)
W 338-284, +54. 2W 2L (Accum spread +100).
Game 5: Catherine Tong
Played with Catherine before at the NTU open a few years ago. Bingoed first with ASTRIDE(65) and Catherine bingoed later with sINGLES(78). Had AENPSTU on my rack at one turn but missed the two possible anagrams and put UNTAPES* instead that was challenged off! After that, I made many low scoring moves that did not help to open up the board and lost badly in the end.
New words learnt: PESAUNT
My Bingos: ASTRIDE(65) Opp Bingos: sINGLES(78)
My Phoneys: HANED*(ch), UNTAPES*(ch), PLEG*(ch), YIS*(ch), ASTRIDES*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: AIDE(38), JOhN(45) Opp High Moves: OXO(43), CREEK(31)
L 266-422, -156. 2W 3L (Accum spread -56).
My first time playing with Seng Bock and I learnt that he was preparing for the upcoming ISBG games. Hmm, someone to look out for when our company takes part in it! Was leading late in the game until my opponent bingoed with PATerNAL(68) using two blanks! Had lots of consonants left and he finished first to add 8 points to his final score to overtake me.
New words learnt: EHING(ch), BOFF(ch), TRIZONE
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: PATerNAL(68)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: AES*(ch)
My High Moves: FIXES(36), KAF(38), PALING(43), MEATY(57) Opp High Moves: QUITS(35), CIG(37), EHING(43), ZERO(48)
L 373-380, -7. 0W 1L (Accum spread -7).
Game 2: Sebastien Lim
Sebastian is Seng Bock's colleague. Was trailing far behind when he bingoed three times in alternate turns: bIPLANE(86), BOILERS(76) and DESTINED(78)! Caught up a little bit when I bingoed with FeNITAR(78) but it was too late!
New words learnt: VIVO, bIPLANE(ch)
My Bingos: FeNITAR(78) Opp Bingos: bIPLANE(ch)(86), BOILERS(76), DESTINED(78)
My Phoneys: - Opp Phoneys: LOXY*(ch), QUOIR*(ch)
My High Moves: LOX(33), JOT(35), ZEL(32) Opp High Moves: -
L 380-455, -75. 0W 2L (Accum spread -82).
Game 3: Arul
Played with Arul before at the last LBH cup and I think he must be the most well equipped player in the tournament, with his own board, tiles and clock! He even had extra clocks in his bag that he wanted to sell! Managed to make many high score moves including a bingo with READIER(80) back hooking to an existing DEN. Arul bingoed late in the game with eTAERIO(67) but it was too late. Had ABGNOOS for my rack at one time and saw the bingo in it but didn't put it down as I was not sure of it.
New words learnt: DENE(ch), GABOONS
My Bingos: READIER(80) Opp Bingos: eTAERIO(67)
My Phoneys: JIT*(ch) Opp Phoneys: ENLEARN*(ch), ADIM*(ch)
My High Moves: THY(33), JILTS(38), FRAY(33), ZO(31) Opp High Moves: -
W 412-284, +128. 1W 2L (Accum spread +46).
Game 4: Aloysius
Played with Aloysius before at the last Nationals. A bingoless game but I managed to make many high scoring moves while not opening up for my opponent!
New words learnt: -
My Bingos: - Opp Bingos: -
My Phoneys: ALOT*(ch), WEF*(ch) Opp Phoneys: REL*(ch
My High Moves: ZEAS(43), MY(34), VINAS(36), GHI(33), PRY(38) Opp High Moves: JIVED(35), PEDS(32)
W 338-284, +54. 2W 2L (Accum spread +100).
Game 5: Catherine Tong
Played with Catherine before at the NTU open a few years ago. Bingoed first with ASTRIDE(65) and Catherine bingoed later with sINGLES(78). Had AENPSTU on my rack at one turn but missed the two possible anagrams and put UNTAPES* instead that was challenged off! After that, I made many low scoring moves that did not help to open up the board and lost badly in the end.
New words learnt: PESAUNT
My Bingos: ASTRIDE(65) Opp Bingos: sINGLES(78)
My Phoneys: HANED*(ch), UNTAPES*(ch), PLEG*(ch), YIS*(ch), ASTRIDES*(ch) Opp Phoneys: -
My High Moves: AIDE(38), JOhN(45) Opp High Moves: OXO(43), CREEK(31)
L 266-422, -156. 2W 3L (Accum spread -56).
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