First Post

This is the first post on my blog. I intend to put all kinds of Scrabble-related stuff on here, so stay tuned!

The final of the BEST 2008 knockout tourney will be played this weekend, between Harshan Lambadasuriya and Paul Allan - it should be a cracker. I lost 9-7 to Paul in the semi-final, largely thanks to chickening out of various valid bonuses. Here's a selection of them, in puzzle form:

a) IILTXY?

b) ABDEORS + R [ending with that R]

c) CCEIOPR + A [never heard of this - nice word though!]

d) DEILSTU + L

e) ADEIGLR + L

f) CEGINPS + I [not quite sure how you'd use this in a sentence...]

I did manage to play some nice words too - things like HACIEN(D)A for 106, BEsTRe(W)N for 158, MInIBAR, SOOGEED and the two nines D(OW)NTIMES and INTENSi(fY) in the final game. Sadly, this wasn't enough - I seem to have acquired the annoying habit of pulling dreck from the bag after each bonus I play at the moment...

Hopefully, coverage of the final will be available on the Internet Scrabble Club: www.isc.ro. In 2006 - the previous time the tournament was held - ISC hosted such coverage, which enabled observers to post comments and thoughts as the games were relayed on a tape-delay basis. It is both fascinating viewing and a great way to learn about the game.

Predictions? I think it will go right down to the wire. Paul has struggled a fair bit this year, but has regained confidence and form as the year has progressed. Harshan has turned in some terrific performances this year, including a 12-3 result at the Masters and winning his semi-final 9-3. I would give Harshan the edge, although there is almost nothing in it. Regardless of the result, we should see some topnotch Scrabble.

The following weekend is the Four Nations tournament, held in Glasgow this year. Each of the four home countries sends four players to compete against the other representatives. I will be looking to stage a repeat of my 12-0 performance from last year's event, although this will be a longshot(!) England took the trophy that time by 10 clear wins - let's see if we can do it again!