Knoxville Dec. 2014 tournament

Drove over the mountain with Will Scott for a pleasant trip Friday night. We ducked the awful fog by not waiting until early Saturday morning to travel. Despite an OK Rodeway Inn stay in Asheville the month before, I tried Priceline. Thanks for the very reasonable rate on the very nice Best Western Plus, Mr. Shattner. Dinner out with Will, Ruchi, and Mark was excellent company. I was excited to see a seafood burrito on the local Mexican place's menu (a rare find, and I try).

Thank you to all the Knoxville club players who made the event such a treat. They brought so much food players never had to eat out lunches. Ruchi, thank you for the pizza for everyone Saturday night. And to the directors for putting on an event that looked effortless, though we know they must be anything but.

Game 1 v. Mark Schmidt

XENIA - the first of three five-letter words starting with X I would use Saturday. Just quirky. HARVEsT/(ZEBU)s for me. I credit Will Farrell and John C. Reilly for my second one. I had the song “Boats 'n' Hos” stuck in my head after I saw some of their movie Stepbrothers Friday night. AAGINRSS (1) is in the lyrics. Mark had SARODEs and L-stuck me.

452 - 315 1-0 +137 +137 me: ?SSSQX opp: ?SJZ

Game 2 v. Erik Harshbarger
Eric opened with RAUn(C)HES and hit DARTINg shortly after. Next turn I missed ANOOPRSS (2). I landed H(A)UNTERS midgame, chickening out on the seven that started with S (3).
327 - 406 1-1 (79) +58 me: SSJXZ opp: ??SSQ

Game 3 v. Ruchi Gupta

She blocked INTERIOR early, and I had orphan PLENIST later. Gave me an S-only hook right under a tws spot, but I held RESTING and STINGER. Ruchi had ADVeNTS. Good tiles, wrong board.
307 - 370 1-2 (63) (5) me: SXZ opp: ??SSSJQ

Game 4 v. Will Scott

X-starter #2 - XYSTI. Will caught my GLAE* early. I always forget that's invalid and GALE plays. I landed TARTIEsT and the word ending in O from ?CDNOOS (4).
435 - 315 2-2 +120 +115 me: ??SSJXZ opp: SSQ

Game 5 v. David Gibson

Quackle indicates I played this one pretty decently! I nearly wimped out on AEIOTZZ (5) for 102. Thatr draw gave me the other blank; I would never play it. I only missed one bingo with it -?OLRTUW through a G (6). David landed ASSI(G)NEE, and then went out with SHALIER. Blocking that possibility meant spending my blank for a guaranteed loss.

364 - 444 2-3 (80) +35 me: ??JXZ opp: SSSSQ

Game 6 v. Lloyd Mills

Fireworks to open. LUSTERED for him, double-double DEEILNRS (7) for me, his OVeRGiLT consecutively. And then shame. I missed AIORRSTT (8), EILOORST (9), and CEIIKLRS (10) inside of four turns. Meanwhile, he found FRESHMEN. I got AEEFRST (11), then blew a turn on PIP(i)*, mixing up the blank designations. Didn't matter- he had AZIDE for 77 next turn.
350 - 507 2-4 (157) (122) me: SSJ opp: ??SSQXZ

Game 7 v. Cynthia Seales

XENON - my third X-starter of the day. She landed BEsPOKe early, but I got EEIGLRSV (12) through her E. I hit EMNORRSU (13) midgame, then milked my lead until INSTATE.
449 - 377 3-4 +72 (50) me: SSSSJQX opp: ??Z

Game 8 v. Mark Schmidt

I couldn't sim this one far, but saw I missed ?ELNOST for a double-double with S in the fourth spot (14) (I played TOLaNES). INTERNED caught Mark up, but SCEPTERS put me ahead to stay.
436 - 393 4-4 +43 (7) me: ?SSSSX opp: ?JQZ

Game 9 v. Eric Harshbarger

Eric's first play was ReTHINK. I couldn't get going - spent my S on SYCE for 36, got away with LAWNED*, anything to stay within a bingo. His anxiousness to be rid of the Q gave me OXTER for 60 to almost catch up. It looked hopeless at the end, so I created a desperation lane, playing B(UT) for the A front hook. Except mine was not the case A. Sometimes the best one can do is hope for a tiny mistake. Eric, feeling some time pressure, didn't block. My outbingo would have to have A in the sixth or seventh slot. I drew to a last rack of ?ADEIOT (15). In short, I stole one.
395 - 348 5-4 +47 +40 me: ?SJX opp: ?SSSQZ

Game 10 v. Ruchi Gupta

I risked URBANIA* early, got it through. Aggressive rack balance plays eventually burned me when she scored DEdUCTS for 105. SINLEsS put me back up.
434 - 352 6-4 +92 +132 me: ?SSSQZ opp: ?SJX
Game 11 v. Will Scott
AEORRSS (16), ADEEIRTW (17), ?AEEITUX (18) - why study when one can just draw like gangbusters? I did nearly crap the bed and invert two of the letters in the third one.
477 - 302 7-4 +175 +307 me: ??SSSXZ opp: SJQ

Game 12 v. David Gibson

ADILNOS (19) , but my luck ends there. He replies with Z(A)RIBAS for 58. His next two plays block bingos of mine. I get two consecutive SATIRE + O racks and lose ground. We trade his LEGATORS to my AEIOSRTT (20) by the end.
341 - 429 7-5 (88) +219 me: SSJX opp: ??SSQZ

Game 13 v. Lloyd Mills

He got STREAKED, then tried EsTOVER* for a dws-dws instead of a smaller bingo.  [redacted February 19, 2016)  I hit DEEILNRS (21) and AEEILPRT (22) to his EMIGRANT and out-bingo of RAINOUT.
419 - 403 8-5 +16 +235 me: ?SSJXZ opp: ?SSQ

Game 14 v. Cynthia Seales

Didn't know a bingo right out of the gate - CIMNNOSU (23). Got way with MIRN*, but then she nailed GNAWERS/MIRNS*. ABEEHNS (24) and double-double STRIATE got me ahead. Didn't know AAIJNRSY (25), but hit STIcKER the next turn.
451 - 363 +88 +323 me: ?SSSJX opp: ?SQZ

Game 15. KOH v. Eric Harshbarger

I opened with LIGHT, offering up his PEN- front extension for 42 later. He also hit RELATING, but I had RECODES double-double for 40, EX for 52 and JERID for 40 around that. Then came my ADEEILMN (26). I think needing to beat me by about 80 to catch me for third place played into him challenging. He had to keep the board open, so I hit DGINSTUY (27) to salt it away.
464 - 359 +105 +428 me: ??SSJX opp: SSQZ

And so, 3rd place, tied for 2nd on wins, and back over 1700 for NASPA rating.  Lessons learned:  Be patient.  Be cognizant of hooks on words even if they are in crowded board areas.  Learn the value of specific leaves.

Stat me, baybeeee--

Blanks 14/30

Esses 31/60
JQXZ 33/60
TOTAL 77/150 51%

Bingos: 29-20

1-4 in games I got no blanks

3-1 in games I got both blanks
6-0 in games in which blanks were split

Average pts. for: 406

Average pts. against: 379

Quiz Answers

1) SANGRIAS
2) SOPRANOS
3) SHUNTER - something that moves, diverts, or shifts (variety of contexts)
4) SECONDO - the lower part of a piano duet
5) AZOTIZE - to combine with or add nitrogenous material to
6) LUNGWORT - any of several plants of the borage family, prev. used to treat lung disease
7) REDLINED - to mark as restricted (variety of contexts)
8) TRAITORS
9) OESTRIOL - female hormone
10) SICKLIER
11) FEASTER (also AFREETS)
12) VELIGERS - larval stage of mollusks
13) MOURNERS
14) TELSONS - the last segment of or an appendage on the last segment of body of crustacean or arachnid
15) GODETIA - showy-flowered annual garden plant
16) SOARERS
17) WAITERED
18) EUTAXIES - good order, management (also EXUVIATE)
19) LADINOS - an unmanageable,viscous horse or other ranch animal
20) TOASTIER
21) REDLINES
22) PEARLITE - microscopic lamellar structure in some carbon steels and cast irons that consists of alternating plates of pure iron and iron carbide
23) NONMUSIC
24) BANSHEE (also SHEBEAN)
25) JANISARY - a Turkish soldier
26) ENDEMIAL - present within a localized area
27) STUDYING

Lexington, KY 2014

Lexington, KY 2014

What a fun week it was! Rich Banker, Norm Weathers, Dan Heck and his non-Scrabbling wife Michelle came all the way from my former club in Des Moines for a few days. We feasted on quality BBQ at a dive joint in the middle of nowhere north of town (redstatebbq.com), and introduced some to the culinary joy/sure heart attack that is the traditional Kentucky Hot Brown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Brown) at a longtime haunt, Columbia's Steakhouse (columbiassteakhouse.com). Also traveling from Des Moines were former club mates and friends Dawn Mennear, John Dearchs and Lexington native David Brown. It was a treat to see so many smiling, familiar faces from home.

Game 1 v. Tracy Bowman

She opened with GRIVETS, but I hit my fave of the day on turn two - CEELNNOP (1). Later, I missed AL(E)HOUsE/(FIG)s and OvE(R)HAUL, but did score 44. The blank yielded no playable bingos for three turns. I tried OUTSTeA(L)* unsuccessfully, but she left my AENOSTU (2) lane unblocked, and her proceeding Ze(A)L for 66 left her just short.

473 - 397 1-0 +76 +76 me: ?SSSX opp: ?SJQX

Game 2 vs. Will Scott

Another fave early in a game - got a challenge on nonbingo DEEGGORT (3) through a two. I skipped playing ?AFILRS (4) to take advantage of a dws spot under a Z, then landed SILLiER. Will hit SOlVING the turn in between to keep pace, but I drew the last two esses. I did miss/not know two nines - FRONTLETS and FRONTLIST.

421 - 367 2-0 +54 +130 me: ?SSSQ opp: ?SJXZ

Game 3 vs. Richard Johnson

Fought through half a game of dreck racks before getting luckypicking up ?S to make PASTRIES to take a tiny lead. Small as it was, he felt need to try ENDCAP* or he'd lose. No dice.

383 - 338 3-0 +45 +175 me: ?SSSX opp: ?SJQZ

Game 4 vs. Kelly McKenzie

ACETAMID for Kelly early, then simpler ADEIINT (5) for me. 50+ pt. REX I'd set up put him in lead again. I drew the second blank for ?BGLNOOP (6) late to pull even, but he bingo'ed out with ESTRONE. It was a tight fit, so mercifully, Quackle indicated any attempt to block the lane was a poor choice - he'd only had a 1/5 chance of holding a bingo that played.

392 - 452 3-1 (60) +115 me: ?SJQZ opp: ?SSSX

Game 5 vs. John Dearchs

COCAINES, TRAILERS and ?EEELPR from a D (7) for me. John scored 60 for his JETTED.

411 - 383 4-1 +28 +143 me: ??SSSQZ opp: SJX

Game 6 vs. David Brown

For me, the story of the game was SNOOTFUL* being challenged off. An amount of alcohol sufficient to get one inebriated - snootful! Dictionary.com shows is, guess it's slangy though. And it -will- be valid with the new dictionary. I had ADDEELS (8) and AGIILRNS (9); he scored FORERAN and ITEMING. Close game. Whatever. SNOOFTFUL*! Faux rage!

443 - 403 5-1 +40 +183 me: ??SSSQZ opp: SJX

Game 7 vs. Maureen Kennerk

Only bingo starting with U out of ?ILNNSU (10) and REELE(C)Ts couldn't get me ahead much. I missed CEEIMORT (11). Her AERATEs late drew her even, but she caught a clunky end rack.

404 - 361 6-1 +43 +226 me: ?SSQZ opp: ?SSJX

Game 8 vs. Cynthia Seales

I opened with LINDIES, but then couldn't get any traction after. PRENAME and JUBES for 60 for her was enough, and her guess at GLOSSER late gave her spread. I two nines late - AEILLNSRT (12).

332 - 461 6-2 (129) +97 me: ?SQJ me: ?SSSJX

SUNDAY

Game 9 vs. Marc Broering

DET(R)AINS/(FOG)S, ABEEINST (13), and ?AENNTY (14) for me, apparently unlucky racks for Marc. I think he may have played (PE)CKER just for a chance at extending with WOOD. Style points.

407 - 286 7-2 +121 +218 me: ?SSSJQZ opp: ?SX

Game 10 vs. Eric Harshbarger

My chance at beating #1 seed hinged on letting a big phony go early. I had just played double-double

?AAILRSS (15). He came back with HANdJOB(S)* for 104. I didn't even hold. After all, the BLOW- compound is valid. Later, I would take the lead with DEIORRTU (16) to a tws, only to give him STUMPIER for 95. I desperately tried UNDA(ZED)* in the end game, needing an unsuccessful challenge. He did the math, challenged it off to avoid a tie.

382 - 436 7-3 (54) +164 me: ?SSX opp: ?SSQJZ

Game 11 vs. John Fultz

My twentieth tournament game ever against John, far and away the most I've played against anyone. He usually has my number. Wish I'd made a better showing! John bingo'ed early with F(R)GUALly. We traded my bingoes a bit later - my ADEEILMR (17) to his ASTATINE. Unfortunately, I would unsuccessfully challenge his. I inadvertently made PO* setting up a 80+ pt. spot for my X. I foolishly passed on 50+ chances hoping for ADDAX or some such. Nope. My end game ploy failed - hoping he'd challenge SIDDAR* and that it would actually be valid.

384 - 405 7-4 (21) +143 me: SSJQXZ opp: ??SS

Game 12 vs. David Brown

Now we're all in pods of four based on standings. I'm in contention.

I couldn't sim it all, but know I missed a double-double seven out of EGHNOTX with an A for the fourth slot (18). He got PUDGILY for 54, then back to back with PRIVETS and SINCERE. I got AEENRRTU (19) between those. I'd also land ACEEILNR (20) and then salt it away with OLESTrA.

494 - 398 8-4 +96 +239 me: ??SJXZ opp: SSSQ

Game 13 vs. Kelly McKenzie

We traded opening bingos - his IDEATES to my DENNOSTU (21). His POACHIER forced me to play openly, but he got JOW for 46 and KNAR for 55. AADEIRT (22) didn't close the gap enough, and his FEISTIER capped the blowout. I tried RAMILLE* late, confusing it with RAMILIE/RAMILLIE.

323 - 548 8-5 (225) +14 me: SSZ opp: ??SSJQX

Game 14 vs. Marc Broering

Gotta win the close ones if you want money. I landed easy aLINERS early. Later I would make a simmed-best play that slotted F in a tws lane for his FANTASIE. Feeling the time crunch, I didn't plan an out-in-two and missed several game-winning moves holding a homeless SANTERA.

368 - 369 8-6 (1) +13 me: ?SSSJ opp: ?SXQZ

Game 15 vs. John Fultz

King of the Hill match. I don't think either of us could've climbed into the top four with a win for money prize.

EIPRRSU (23), DEEILSS (24) with a blank, and EEORSTV (25) got me home as other than an early sTANDEE John appeared to have zero luck on his draws.

431 - 311 9-6 +120 +133 me: ?SSSQX opp: ?SJZ

6^th place and only a three point drop in rating. Perhaps I deserved worse fate for blowing Round 14. Or perhaps I need to remember few of us play perfectly and I made a couple nice plays along the way. Congratulations to Alabaman Eric Harshabrger on winning this, the top division of three we hosted. Thank you to our director, Steve Bush, for everything he put into the event; to his daughter Madeline for her data entry and other help; and to the Lexington club members for providing game room snacks and necessary tournament items.

Stat me, baby...

Blanks 15/30

Esses 35/60

JQXZ 29/60

Total 79/150 52 %

Games I had..

both blanks 3-0

one blank 6-4

no blanks 0-2

Bingos 29-20. Yay, me.

QUIZ ANSWERS

1. PENONCEL - little triangular, tapered flag on the end of a knight's lance
2. SOUTANE - clergyman's long garment (cassock)
3. GORGETED - (adj.) a piece of armor for the throat
   - colored or textured patch on throat of a bird or animal
   - crescent-shaped ornament worn by officers of rank 17th-18^th C.
   - Middle-Age wimple (woman's head scarf), ends fastened in the hair

4. FRAZILS - ice crystals formed in turbulent water, like swift stream or rough seas
5. INEDITA - unpublished literary works
6. BLOOPING - to hit a short fly ball
7. DEPLETER
8. DELEADS
9. RAILINGS
10. UNSLING
11. METEORIC
12. INSTALLER, REINSTALL
13. BETAINES - alkaloid used in treating muscular degeneration
14. TENANCY (also TANNERY)
15. SALARIES (also ASSAILER, REASSAIL)
16. OUTRIDER - mounted rider outside a carriage
    - person who goes in advance of another or a car to clear a passage
    - mounted rider who leads a racehorse to the post
    - someone who leads the way or is part of a vanguard
    - someone like a scout, cowhand or ranch hand
17. REMAILED (also REMEDIAL)
18. HEXAGON
19. RENATURE - to restore a denatured substance to its natural state
20. RELIANCE
21. UNSTONED
22. TIARAED (also RADIATE, AIRDATE)
23. UPRISER (also PURSIER)
24. LIDLESS
25. OVERSET (also REVOTES and VETOERS)

Ashevllle 2014

Game 1 vs. Curtis Lee

Chickened out on ACIMNORU (1). Missed ACDINRU (2). Found ACEINORV (3)! Missed

?DEELMNP (4). But Curtis appeared to be struggling with unbalanced racks, and so tried to get OVERRISE* through. His ACQUITS late cut the spread.

430 - 348 1-0 +82 me: ?(?)SSJX opp: SSQZ

Game 2 vs. David Turissini

The only play I made that simmed bad was my last play, with the game long lost. Everything else I played about as well as I could've. I was especially pleased to find INDRAWN as a nonbingo, much better than all other options that turn. IORSSTU (5) and ACEILLOT (6) - C had to fit in the fifth slot) only served to mitigate late. David had OVERSETS and TIERCEL.

350 - 459 1-1 (27) me: SQX opp: ??SSSJZ

Game 3 vs. Liz Gottlin

I started with ?AAFOOR. Only one bingo possible, an eight (7), but Liz did not give me either necessary letter. Her THIRAMS slotted the T in a tws lane. ?ADELOV in hand, there were three trip-trips possible with the T in the six slot (8) and I managed one. Her SENARRI put the I in another one, so my DIZENED for 54 balanced that out. Later she added BE- do it for a fun 57.

436 - 399 2-1 +10 me: ?SSJQZ opp: ?SSX

Game 4 vs. Jeff Clark

Jeff remembered from meetings past I claim to be about the luckiest draw-er in the game. Thusly, I got ?AILRST on a tws to an E (9) and the nice ?ADIRSY starting with the S later (10). I don't feel badly about missing the nine from KA on the latter rack (11).

368 - 330 3-1 +48 me: ??SSSJQXZ opp: S

Game 5 vs. Will Scott

Will scored two 90 point double-doubles, FELONIES and SOLITARY. I hit ANOORTT (12) in between to stay within shouting distance. FRIZ, A(BA)MP for 33 and LIVYER kept me there. He blocked my STUDIED late and forced me to risk CUDDIEST* for 92. I was completely unsure. It moved me to about a 2/3 chance of winning from 10%. Will let it go and then suffered the lesser endgame draw. In short, I stole one.

434 - 397 4-1 +85 me: SJX opp: ??SSSQZ

Game 6 vs. Kevin Bowerman

I opened by getting caught on SEGUING*. Turns 3, 4 5, and 7 I got EGINNRS (13), ACEOPST for 102 (14), AINORST (15) and ?ADEIOUW (16). I let BEMUSERS* go late because the only way to lose was to risk a challenge.

503 - 416 5-1 +172 me: ??SSX opp: SSJQZ

Game 7 vs. Ruchi Gupta

One good play - all it takes to win a game once in a blue moon. I missed (Z)OECIA out of a vowel-heavy rack for 34 when it was tons better than all other options. I saw homeless ACHENES, yet missed a chance to play the singular for 46. KEX for 42. (C)AJOLER for 64! I saw PEDLARS and flat out missed the overlap spot for it... But I got a challenge on ?EEENSY (17) early and the extra turn balanced out her ATTORNS.

378 - 341 6-1 +209 me: ?SSSSJX opp: ?QZ

Game 8 vs. Guy Ingram

My first play was ADEEILM (18) with a blank. But then I messed up dually by letting INLOASE* go and getting caught hooking a D to it later. I got the turn back when he tried EUHARIES*. I couldn't Quackle the rest, but think I may have had comeback chance. But time shortage caused me to open nice-scoring nonbingos for him late. He landed NIOBITE and TETANOID.

390 - 425 6-2 +179 me: SSSJZ opp: ??SQX

A bunch of us went out to Zia Taqueria that night. Unique layout- wait staff present, yet everyone must order at the side of the bar, next to an alcove next to a giant around-a-corner painted wall menu. My pastor plato was passable, and everyone else did as well or better, so huzza!

Game 9 vs. Jeremy Jeffers

I missed DOE/(E)D/(M)O(C)/(P)E(A) as a NON-out-play for 100% chance to win. The slot only existed because he had one game-winning move the turn before that -didn't- create it, but scored a less. I landed EEGSRSTU (19) and EINRSTV (20) to his LANGUAGE and 70+ pt LAZIER. Jeffrey and Guy finished at the bottom of our division, but I lost to both. A tight, talented field!

407 - 410 6-3 +182 me: ?SSSSJX opp: ?QZ

Game 10 vs. Cynthia Seales

With blank for an A, my first move was perhaps my fave of the weekend, ABAEEMPR (21). Despite having to fight through multiple multiple-U racks after ditching the Q, bingos came: EGNOOTU (22), EENILRTT (23), and EHILRSD (24). Each took the only bingo lane or blocked the only decent ones for her. Board-shaping! Her phony of COCOID* was neat, and I challenged her SHIVE late.

458 - 353 7-3 +287 me: ?SSSQ opp: ?SJXZ

Game 11 vs. John Merlau

I reviewed my heavy fives and sixes, but still forgot D to OOZY early. Meanwhile, he landed CURITES, which I challenged, and then MENORAH. I had a blank from start to turn eight, missing/not knowing VITIATOR and VICTORIA respectively. Best I could scrape up was AEIINRT (25), missing more fun ones like HETAIRAI and VIZIRATE. AADENRL (26) helped me save a little face. Not knowing COXLESS did not.

359 - 496 7-4 +150 me: ??SSSJX opp: SQZ

After a whupping like that, I figure I'm no longer leading or anywhere very close. To my surprise, no one else in contention broke away that round either. Surprising 2^nd place for me with just three rounds to go. Next up, guy who had been 1^st most of the weekend.

Game 12 vs Mark Schmidt

I hadn't known AEEENPTT (27) for my first play. Made up for it by getting AEELNRTV (28) challenged. Really blew it by missing EILNNOST (29) and then BEEILNST (30). Mark made a sweet tws-dws play of COPES/C(HI)/P(REX) for 57 and then took lead the next turn with TAILORS. I hadn't known EHHILMNT (31) but finally landed EILNRTY (32) for a small lead. Then Mark made the game-swinging mistake, knowing he'd get GODE* challenged off seconds after laying it down.

409 - 353 8-4 +206 me: ??SSJZ opp: SSQX

Game 13 vs. Carl Davis

This one ended up hinging mainly on phonies. I did hit AEFIILT (33) early. Midgame, I caught him on RATHERS*. I'd been unsure, but had a bunch of bingoes to play with a blank in hand. And instead of a valid one, I got away with NONAGERS*. He laid down TRASHER for 75, but missed a 90-+ pt. three-tile underlap tws spot. The cases two esses for me made the the win, and blocking his possible DIOXANE(S) out-play bingo.

401 - 378 9-4 +229 me: ??SSSQZ opp: SJX

Game 14 vs. John Merlau

No runaway players, so championship round! I picked a great time to finally play a pretty clean game. Opening with a blank-bingo helps much - AEENNTU (34). One fun miss was (LIQUID)ATING to a triple. I'd let myself be blinded by an underlap play with a dws under a Z. I wasn't 100% on MARTINS with a blank late, and the only way to let him back in was to have something challenged off. So we traded - AIIMNRT (35) to his SERICIN.

424 - 345 10-4 +310 me: ??SSSJ opp: SQXZ

Much respect to all my opponents! It seemed to me a very even field. Thank you to Will Scott, my club and division two compadre, and his wife Barb for driving me down. Having just returned from Iowa before the weekend, those mountain roads in the dark would've been a lot for me. Thank you to

William Snoddy, the Asheville club members, and sponsor Dancing Bear Toy Company for a sensational event. They add more little touches than anywhere I've been.

Stat me, baby...

Blanks 17/28

Esses 36/56

JQXZ 28/56

TOTAL 81/140 power tiles 57%

Bingos: 29-18 (1 phony, 2 phonies)

BINGO QUIZ

1. COUMARIN - chemical used in soap and perfume, etymology is 'tonka-bean tree' - fun!
2. IRACUND - piss-off-able
3. VERONICA - it is said St. Veronica gave Christ a handkerchief with which to wipe his face Calvary and it came away with his image miraculously printed upon it
4. EMPLANED - to have boarded an airplane
5. TOURIST
6. TEOCALLI - Aztec temple on a top-flattened pyramid
7. FOOFARAW - excessive ornamentation or fuss; origin unknown, but started appearing in 1930's
8. OVULATED (also SOLVATED, VIOLATED)
9. STARLIKE
10. SATYRID - brown butterfly
11. KAILYARDS - also spelled KALEYARD, Scottish for 'cabbage garden'
12. RATTOON (also ARNOTTO) - to sprout from previous year's growth; etymology is shared with word 'autumn'
13. RINGERS
14. CAPOTES (also TOECAPS) - hooded cape, or a bullfighter's cape or a buggy's canopy
15. AROINTS (also RATIONS) - to drive away; Shakespeare used 'aroint' as an imperative, like “Begone!”
16. MIAOUWED
17. SHEENEY - currently an offensive word for a Jew, before 1870's it was not considered vulgar and was used by Jews and Gentiles
18. EMAILED (also LIMEADE)
19. GESTURES
20. STRIVEN (also INVERTS)
21. ABAMPERE - equal to ten amperes, the unit of electrical current
22. OUTGONE
23. NETTLIER
24. HIRSLED - to slide along; whereas 'hirsel' is 'to herd sheep'
25. INERTIA
26. ADRENAL
27. PATENTEE - the holder of a patent; PATENTOR is the grantor of the patent
28. LEVANTER (also RELEVANT) - an easterly Mediterranean wind, it brings airplanes to a near standstill in flight around the Strait of Gibraltar in spring and autumn
29. INSOLENT - etymology is 'departing from custom'
30. STILBENE - chemical used in dyes; stems from Greek for “shine”
31. HELMINTH - a parasitic worm
32. INERTLY
33. FILIATE - commonly 'to associate closely with', but legally means to judicially determine the paternity of a child born out of wedlock; from Latin for 'son'
34. UNEATEN
35. MARTINI - could be named for vermouth manufacturer Martini & Rossi, or be a back formation from Spanish drink Martinez

2014 National Scrabble Championships - Buffalo, NY

2014 National Championships - Buffalo, NY

I'm grateful to Lexington clubmate Will for helping talk me into attending, a fairly late decision. Also thankful for my wife letting me go, and my parents for timing a trip from Iowa to see their 2 year-old granddaughter with the event. Thank you to my former clubmates from Des Moines - Dawn, Valerie and John - for sharing their hotel room with me.

Less thanks to MegaBus. I had to deal with a maniac the whole trip, and I mean bad -had my hand stealthily gripped on Katie the Kabar combat knife much of the ride.

Alphagram solutions are listed near the end of this nonsense :)

Game 1 v. Ian Weinstein

Would my opponent's first play being a 3-S bingo (STENOSIS) be a bad sign for the week? I took a big chance on my second play, unsuccessfully trying ASHHEAP* for 94. I landed AEHORRS (1) soon after, but he all but sealed the game late with OVERNEAT. I did make one interesting decision just before the endgame, passing on low-scoring (AEEGIPNR) (2). It simmed well, being the only option that gave me over a 50% chance to win. A desperation FA(N)A(R)T* out-play failed. I made good decisions as the game went on, but one mistake is too many against a top seed.

341 - 379 0-1 (38) Me: ?SQXZ Opp: ?JSSS

Game 2 vs. Thomas Reinke

My early ABDEORR (3) only helped me keep pace with his 40+ pt. plays. I hit AAILORRS (4), but he fired back TIMELIER. OX for 52 caught me up, but he got the to the J first for INJECT for 69. Quackle never suggested I block it cheaply, so I feel good about that. .

397 - 465 0-2 (103) Me: ?SSXZ Opp: ?SSCJQ

Game 3 vs. Morris Greenburg

My first move, I found the eight through a T with DEEIRRS (5), but missed all five higher-scoring sevens. My best Quackle-approved move of the game was clearing a bad rack the next turn with COENU(R)I, despite slotting the C in a TWS lane. Unfortunately for me, it was sandwiched between his GYRATES and double-blank VAMPIRE. I let his 40 pt. WALLEY* go and would never get close.

323 - 453 0-3 (233) Me: SSSQ Opp: ??SJXZ

Game 4 vs. Bruce Baginski

Bruce entered Nationals rated in the 900's. He plays club against some pretty good people, and so thought he might not be overwhelmed by playing all the way up from bottom top top division. Good for him. He only won six games, but gained about fifty ratings points. I hope he had fun, too.

Less fun for him was my opening rack of BEENORR (6). I landed ADEEILM (7) early as well to get a 100 pt. lead I would never let go of. DEIINRTU (8) with a blank was about the weakest bingo I could've made but worked, and SUNDIAL kept him out of shouting distance. I missed R(e)T(UR)NERS for a fun nine.

511 -352 1-3 (74) Me: ??SSJQ Opp: SSXZ

Game 5 vs. Marlene Milikent

My ACEGORS (9) was sandwiched early between her SEDATES and TENSING. Trying TENSABLE* instead of the playable NESTABLE cost me a 25% chance to come back. EEIINRT (10) got me within shouting distance, but a desperation tws lane hook from me allowed her TRIOxID.

372 - 488 1-4 (190) Me: ?SJQ Opp: ?SSSXZ

Game 6 vs. Ross Brown

Talk about one that got away. XENIA for 40 for me to open, WATCHER first for him. We then traded phony attempts with my TONGLIKE* to his FUCID*. Two turns later, we each accepted phonies, my REFORGET* to his UMBELATE*. I landed ABEMNOS (11), but allowed him to briefly take the lead with COPLITE* since I was unsure and had JEEPS for 42 to grab it back. Then came his ZA for 78. Quackle says I was correct in not blocking it for the several turns it was open, but it's hard to see it happen. His pretty IRO(N)IsT/(QAID)s/(KI)T play in the endgame sealed my deserved fate.

461 - 485 1-5 (214) Me: ?SSJX Opp: ?SSQZ

Game 7 vs. Shah Ali

Unable to read my handwriting and recreate the board, but no doubt this was winnable. I hit EGILNORW (12) to his BIGGIES and SWISHED, but the story was elsewhere. Shah had 16 ½ minutes left at the end, whereas I incurred a 10 pt. time penalty. Still, I thought I'd won by one, but lost by two on recount. A fitting end to a brutal Day One.

369 - 370 1-6 (215) Me: SSJXZ Opp: ??SSQ

DAY TWO

Game 8 vs. Siri Tillekratne

Quackle indicates I played this about as well as I can. EEINOMRV (13), AEFGILNR (14), and ACEINORT (15) for me, too-late ATTUNES and INULASES for him.

496 - 353 2-6 (72) Me: ??SJQXZ Opp: ?SSS

Game 9 vs. Tim Weiss

Blanks to the rescue! I needed both, for him to need to exchange, and him drawing the Q late for this one to come together. Neither AEELORU (16), DEEILNOT (17), or AIRSTTU (18) gave me much of a lead at any point. He only landed CIGARET yet kept scoring consistently.

432 - 373 3-6 (13) Me: ??SSX Opp: SSJQZ

Game 10 vs. Samuel Moch

I landed ABEINORT (19) early, which seemingly only served to rile Sam up. He responded with EIRENIC and AVERTED back to back, and TALESMEN shortly after. It would only have moved me up to a 21% chance to win late (from 2%), but it's sooo frustrating to miss bingos one knows. After slotting the Z in the open, I settled for GLAZED for 42 instead of spotting DEGLAZES.

339 - 441 3-7 (115) Me: SSSSQZ Opp: ??XJ

Game 11 vs. Jan Cardia

Four bingos in my opening rack of ?ACELPTY (CLYPEATE, CALOTYPE, CALYPTER, EUCALYPT). I'd never seen three, and only guessed closed with CLYPATE* (challenged). I recovered with AACELMN (20), but then gave up NORTHED* to lose the lead. EELLRSS (21) got me back in, and UVU(L)A out of a dreadful rack saved me, if barely.

373 - 350 4-7 (92) Me: ??SSQ Opp: SSJXZ

Game 12 vs. Maddy Kamen

SANITARY. TELEOST. RESIGNED. ARACEOUS for an out-play. Quackle didn't even recommend I block it. I played pretty darn well for what I had, but...

318 - 501 4-8 (275) Me: SSE Opp: ??SSJQXZ + 11 E's

Game 13 vs. David Pearl

He opened with LINEATE and landed GENITORS shortly after. ADEGIOST (22) got me close, my plays simmed well, but I could never quite get over the hump.

331 - 396 4-9 (340) Me: ??SSQZ Opp: SSJX

Game 14 vs. Robert Kahn

Another that got away. He landed the gorgeous FRE(E)hAND early, but I got one from AACEILNT (23). Unfortunately, the one I picked left a DLS/DWS spot he hammered with ZITS for 68, and then got another 51 for WALTZ. I did get to extend it to WALTZING for 63 later, and got AEEIPSTT (24) down. But he had NITRIDE with the other blank midgame.

431 - 469 4-10 (368) Me: SQ Opp: ??SSJXZ

DAY THREE

Game 15 vs. _______

I had trouble early recreating this one in Quackle and would just as soon forget the game. This player was the least pleasant person I played. The demeanor was about what I expected from a snooty jazz singer haha. Person sure had some nice bingos though - CORDITES, PENCILED, STENCIL, and SEVRUGA.

332 - 486 4-11 (522) Me: SSX Opp: ?SSJQZ

Game 16 vs. Jim Pate

I met Jim at the 2013 Vegas Nationals and almost hate eking out a win against him, especially in messy fashion. Already up fifty, I tried OUTMISSED* early, getting challenged and his OUTWEPT response. I managed DEIMNSTU (25) with the blank next, but missed the far better SEMINUDE. We traded bingos again - his POWDERED to my ?EINKRR (26), but his JEWED in a crowded space for 52 put him in the driver's seat with the end game approaching.

I placed an O in a dangerous spot out of desperation, seeing the chance for FONTANEL. Success! But then I was so sure he'd bingo out with the second blank that I forgot about my O! He missed the several bingos available to him and I missed mine. Fortunately for me, in missing his, he made my best non-bingo even more valuable. The recount held.

402 - 400 5-11 (520) Me: ?SSSQX Opp: ?SJZ

Game 17 vs. Judy Newhouse

Nice to win a catchup game, even having missed VIBRATOR. I countered her AWAITED with my ADIIRTY (27), but setting up my case A to hook NEAR for a tws 30 is what saved the game for me.

352 -326 6-11 (496) Me: ?JX Opp: ?SSSSQZ

Game 18 vs. Dave Liefer

Missed ?ACEEEU (27.5) right out of the gate. ACEEHNS (28), DEOSTTU (29) kept me ahead anyway. Dave then let UNPEAKED* go, seeing I had other bingo options and having given him spot for INOSITE.

441 - 397 7-11 (452) Me: ??SSSJX Opp: SQZ

Game 19 vs. Mark Miller

Pillar to post. ACEENFS (30) and AABIORT (31) matched his THERIAN and SARSNET, but his early clunky racks did him in.

447 - 351 8-11 (356) Me: ?SSJQZ Opp: ?SSX

Game 20 vs. Cheryl Tyler

We traded early bingos - my EEGLNST (32) to her TEENIEST. But I got a challenge on ACEEPST (33) and she never got close. ADDELRT (34) made it a runaway.

485 - 329 9-11 (200) Me: ?SSJQX Opp: ?SSZ

Game 21 vs. Brian Galebach

This was an odd game. Despite my margin of victory, Quackle downrated most of my moves in favor of similar plays with what looked to me like inferior leaves. Also weird because my inadvertent phony may have helped me win. Early I played TITTRES* by accident instead of EIRSTTT (35). After challenging, Brian felt compelled to block that lane, but the only reasonable play on his end to do so ruined a pretty good rack for him. Plus I had another playable bingo in a different spot. The game was mostly about maintaining manageable racks while he suffered through three exchanges. We went out with EINORSU (36) and his double-blank LEAVIEST.

466 - 329 10-11 (33) Me: SSSJ Opp: ??SQXZ

Game 22 vs. Mike Baron

Nothing like discovering after the fact that your opponent let a phony four go because it gave him his only chance to bingo. He left my SADS* play - I'd had SSS in hand - because it allowed him COWRITES. Oh wait, there are other things like that... such as trying to hook an L to the end of VACUA and having it challenged off, only to later find that the same main word I was playing scored better elsewhere anyway. The lesson? Don't try phoneys against the man who wrote the definitive word study book for the game. I did manage CEILLOR (37) with a blank late, though LOWLIER would've been superior for board openness. And he complimented me on what Quackle agreed was the best endgame I could've played.

323 - 299 (minus 10 for time) 10-12 (57) Me: ?SSSSXZ Opp: ?JQ

Game 23 vs. Seth Lipkin

Mr. Cross-tables.com, yet another star of our world to cut my teeth against. Neither of us knew my opening VILLA took an E backhook, so his ZeBROID did less damage. I responded with AEEGLMN (38). Playing aggressively allowed me to score big twice with my J, bookended around his OX for 52. He hit DANSEUR as the endgame neared to take the lead, but I played small ball to duck the five T's still unseen. He got saddled with them, allowing me time to block his best bingo lane late.

388 - 348 11-12 (17) Me: SSJQ Opp: ??SSXZ

Game 24 vs. Amnuay Ploysangngam

I landed CELMOPS (39). He got IODATED and LINEATES*. I lost the game on that phony. Self-forgiveness is an art, and one I have yet to master.

405 - 443 11-13 (55) Me: ?SSSJZQ (unplayed ? and Q) Opp: ?SX

Game 25 vs. Mark Pryzbyszewski

I think I was done after this with long P-names I couldn't pronounce. I made a board-shaping mistake early that gave him GREASING. If I'd known SAWLOG, maybe it's a different game. We traded pairs of bingos after that, my DEEIRST (40) and ADEEINRT (41) to his DESTINED and PLEASERS.

368 - 472 11-14 (159) Me: ?JQZ Opp: ?SSSSX

Game 26 vs. Tom Bond

Just couldn't get any traction, and he acknowledged getting a lot of serendipity. PLANKED for him, AEEILMR for me (42). He also made a fun extension for SWA(RAJ) latish.

329 - 407 11-15 (237) Me: ?SSSZ Opp: ?SJQZ

Game 27 vs. Josh Sokol

A game full of suboptimal decisions; wish I understood why my moves sim so poorly sometimes. But more to blame for no comeback was my chickening out on SELLOUT (OUTSELL didn't play) and not having ever seen SOLUTES (neither LOTUSES nor TOUSLES played). I also got caught on BLINT*. Josh had ISLETED, RAFFLING and AIGRETS to my EILOOST (43).

332 - 429 11-16 (334) Me: ?SSJQZ Opp: ?SSX

Game 28 vs Jason Ubeika

There was no keeping up this round. He had MISGIVEN, TUNICAE and HALITES.

279 - 473 11-17 (528) Me: JQZ Opp: ??SSSX

Game 29 vs. Ted Rosen

No blanks? No problem for once. I had EEINRST (44) to his CALLERS, ROUTINES to his EX for 52. The last opened a spot for me to salt the game away with VIGOR for 33.

428 - 370 12-17 (470) Me: SSQZ Opp: ??SSJX

Game 30 vs. Deen Heffgot

I got bLITZED on his opening for 102. I actually came back to lead by about fifty with DEEILRT (45) and ADEHILS (46). Needing to exchange out of a two-U rack, then his BARBIeS did me in.

385 - 458 12-18 (543) Me: SSJX Opp: ??SSQZ

Game 31 vs. Siri Tillekratne

A rematch! to determine who could climb to...oh, twelfth-to-last place haha. It was a low-scoring affair with the blanks coming out late. EFILRST (47) for me, OPERANTS for him. Having endured a particularly tough couple of days, it was nice to finish on a high note.

334 - 280 13-18 (489) Me: SSSJQX Opp: ??SZ

QUIZ ANSWERS

1. HOARSER
2. PERIGEAN
3. ARBORED also BOARDER, BROADER, REBOARD
4. RASORIAL
5. DESTRIER - a type - but not breed - of war horse, from medieval times
6. ENROBER
7. LIMEADE also EMAILED
8. UNTIDIER
9. CORSAGE also CARGOES, SOCAGER
10. NITERIE
11. BEMOANS also AMBONES
12. LOWERING also ROWELING
13. OVERMINE also VOMERINE
14. FINAGLER
15. CREATION also ACTIONER, ANORETIC, REACTION
16. AUREOLE
17. DELETION also ENTOILED
18. TURISTA - intestinal sickness infecting a tourist in a foreign country
19. OBTAINER also REOBTAIN, BARITONE, TABORINE
20. MANACLE
21. SELLERS also RESELLS
22. GODEITAS - a shrub or wildflower of the western U.S. (pl.)
23. ANALCITE - a mineral also LAITANCE
24. PEATIEST
25. MISTUNED
26. DRINKER also PRINKER
27. ARIDITY

27.5) EVACUEE

28. ACHENES also ENCHASE
29. TESTUDO - ancient Roman portable screen used as a shield
30. ENFACES
31. AIRBOAT
32. GENTLES
33. PECTASE
34. DARTLED
35. TITTERS also TRITEST, STRETTI
36. URINOSE
37. COLLIER
38. GLEEMAN also MELANGE
39. COMPELS
40. REEDITS also, DIETERS, DIESTER, RESITED
41. DETAINER also RETAINED
42. MEALIER
43. STOOLIE also OOLITES and OSTIOLE
44. ENTIRES also ENTRIES, RETINES, TRIENES
45. RETILED
46. HALIDES - a chemical, used in discharge lamps and photo development (pl.)
47. STIFLER also LIFTERS, TRIFLES, FILTERS

Bingos: 49, including two successful phonies 60 for opps, maybe 3 phonies

25 blanks

5/6 wins in ?? games

4/12 in no-? games

63 of 124 esses

64 of 124 JQXZ

152 of 310 power tiles