Indianapolis, 4/26/15

Bingo Quiz answers are at bottom.

Game 1 v. Phyllis Koselke

She landed WEaRIES, and I missed a new bingo - AELORSTU (1).  I managed one from DELOSTU (2), but missed DEILOSTU (3).  I also “missed” a nine DEILOSSTU (4) through IS.  PYX(I)E with some overlapping hooks for 62 escaped my attention.   I might've danced a jig had a I known and seen ?AIKOPY (5).  The lesser choice of the two in AEILORPT (6) allowed her R(I)TZ for 69.  Still, no pride, just W's.
424 – 387     1-0     +37                          me: ?SSSX                      opp: ?SJQZ

Game 2 v. Travis Green

I hit AELOTRV (7) early with one blank, but he came back with the other in VARSItY.  I missed two chances to salt this one away late.   One was BEEILNNS (8), with which I was unfamiliar.  The other was ILEXES/(QI)S for 75.   Ouch.  He took the lead again with MISRATE, but I got it back with BEEEILNS (9).
410 – 391     2-0     +19         +56          me: ?SJXZ                       opp: ?SSSQ

Game 3 v. Maureen Kennerk

EILOPST (10)- my first move, but she replied with COM(F)IEST.  I landed EEHORSU (11) midgame, but she caught nearly all the way up with SquINTE(R) for 105!   She was forced to leave an S wide open as end game approached though, allowing me AACDILRS (12).  Bingo'ed off my last full rack with the second blank – ABEILRT (13)
581 – 343    3-0     +238      +294          me: ?SSJXZ                    opp: ?SSQ

Steve was 3-0 at the lunch break, too.  We spent it at a strip mall Mexican place, where I encouraged him to drink shots, but to no avail.  Pork burritos were quite good. My quest for seafood burrito continues. (not enchilada, not fajita. burrito. grilled shrimp, bell peppers...) My old fave in Winchester, Kentucky no longer has it on their menu.  I search on.

Game 4 v. Connie Breitbeil

Got an unsuccessful challenge thanks to the new lexicon – DE(W)Y/(JEEZ)E for 40.  AEFNNRS (14) put me ahead enough that she (I think) chanced hooking an S-bingo to make DUIS*, which came off.  We traded blank-bingos late, my AINNOST (15) to her RINSERS.

408 – 348          4-0       +60      +354                       me: ?SSSJZ                  opp: ?SQX

Game 5 v. Lois Greene

EEFISTV (16) was fine, but I'm still ruing not having thrown caution to the wind mid-late in this one.  Think I could've fished out WOODC(HUCK) from a tws.  She had SINNERS.

395 – 346          5-0      +49       +403                        me: ??SQX                 opp: SSSJZ

Game 6 v. Liz Davis

Lois got off early PASTIER. but I went back-to-back with AACEETT (16) with a blank and DEINORW (17).   She closed the gap with GAITERS, but found all the U's late.
429 – 389          6-0      +40      +443                         me: ?JQZ                   opp: ?SSSSX

Game 7 v. Steve Bush

Steve had lost his previous to rounds, so I get to be the big, big weenrrrrr, huzzah!
He started strong early ENSILAGE.  I replied with stylish ??IINQTU (18) through disconnected Q and T, but missed better for more points to a tws from an M.  I then hit DEEIORVW (19), but Steve fired off GENOISES.

The bag unseen latish was consonant-heavy, and I would get the lion's share of vowels. But there were nice spots for his mid-value consonants.  I foolishly tried for WAT(E)RJET with one left in the bag, as he confirmed later he saw the possibility and would've blocked.  I passed up plays that Quackle suggested would've given me as good as 50% chance to win in the end game.

404 – 446        6-1        (42)   +421                             me: ??SJQZ              opp: SSSX

A disappointing final round for me- a potentially winnable game against the #1 seed of 1800+ rating. Of course, it was an overall fine event for me, and I am happy to have regained a 1700+ rating again.

Thank you to Troy Thompson and the many folks I'm sure played a part in putting on the event.  Kudos to Steve for winning the other three events leading into Sunday with only two losses total (wow!).

Stat me, baybeee
Blanks: 9/14
esses: 11/28
JQXZ: 14/28
TOTAL: 34/70

Bingos: 15-10

Avg. score: 436 - 378

QUIZ ANSWERS

1)   OESTRUAL – pertaining to period of female heat in mammals    (also ROSULATE - did not fit)

2)   TOUSLED                                  (also LOUDEST)
3)   SOLITUDE                                 (saw TOLUIDES, but did not fit)
4)   DISSOLUTE – indifferent to moral restraints
5)   KOPIKYA – monetary unit of Ukraine
6)   PETIOLAR – pertaining to a leaf's stalk (also EPILATOR)
7)    LEVATOR – a muscle that raises and organ or part
8)   BLENNIES – a fish, named for the Greek for “mucus”, a slime that covers its body
9)   BEELINES
10)   PIOLETS – an ice ax (pl.) (also PISTOLE)
11)   REHOUSE
12)  RADICALS
13)   LIBRATE – to move from side to side (also TRIABLE)
14)   FANNERS
15)  NATIONS (also ANOINTS, ONANIST)
16)   ACETATE – a salt of acetic acid
17)   DOWNIER
18)  REQUITING – there were a few others, too
19)  OVERWIDE

Port Clinton, OH 2015

Port Clinton, OH 2015   (Quiz answers at bottom)

Will Scott and I drove into the teeth of lakefront snowy circle of hell in Port Clinton. As bad as it was when we returned to Lexington, it was actually illegal to drive during the Level Three up there. Good thing what few restaurants were open were within walking distance, if barely, considering the easily subzero temps.

Game 1 v. Dallas Johnson

An honor to play Dallas, such a class act. He will be missed in the ranks of NASPA leadership. He bingo'ed with INSTATES early and PETIOLAR late. Then I tried SULVAKI* - meaning SLUVAKI* - when the Greek food is SOUVLAKI. Didn't deserve this one.
405 – 342     1-0     +73                                   me: SSSJXZ              opp: ??SQ

Game 2 v. Kit Morehead

CDEIKRT (1), ACDEEENR (2), and phony PREMELTS* that got through. Good morning, good afternoon, and good night.
463 – 321     2-0     +142       +215                  me: ??SSQZ              opp: SSJX

Game 3 v. Kevin McCarthy

VASTIER had him up by fifty through midgame. I hadn't known AEENPTTY (4) or EENTTSY (5) and so missed a chance to catch up, even while getting away with CYTE*. Kevin felt confident enough in his lead and the board shape to guess at VIBES/(TELOMIC)S*,- challenged.

Down eighty late, I finally managed ADENOST (6) with a blank. It only made one new bingo lane - unlike the better play -ADENOPS (7). Kevin wisely lowered my chances at the one with BID. Down forty, I now needed a bingo ending in A, O, or have either in the sixth position of a seven-letter find. EGILNOT (8)! Yet in creating OBA, S(OBA) on a tws two ways was created, and there were two esses and the other blank unseen to me. He couldn't take advantage, at least to effect, but then I missed seeing the one way to block it! He ended up with all three big tiles, but had just the unlucky combos to not be able to bingo.

366 – 361      3-0     +5     +147                           me: ?SXZ           opp: ?SSSJQ

Game 4 v. Maureen Kennerk

The only bingo of the game was mine, and one I hadn't known until three days before when doing analysis on games from the Des Moines tournament the weekend before. EEGLOPRS (9).
330 – 296     4-0    +34     +181                           me: ??SSQX       opp: SSJZ

I don't recall if I was in first at this point or not. Surely any other 4-0 players had a larger cumulative spread than mine. Lunch at the 1812 Island House – the tourney site was very affordable, quite good, and kept most players right there on site for squeezing in more games in less time.

Game 5 v. Jason Idalski

My greatest Scrabble fear isn't losing, it's looking foolish. Failed. A thousand ways to spell the food, and I got PIROGH* out before getting to make it valid hooking an I. Jason scored GABIONS and got PURpLEs(T) late when I foolishly left the only lane open.

269 – 456     4-1     (187)      (6)                          me: SSX               opp: ??SSJQZ

Game 6 v. Joe South

Joe struck first with MAPLESS*. I assumed he saw SAMPLES and was trying for a challenge. My AEINQRTU (10) for 131 changed everything. His iNCHOA(T)E/ E(DIT) play was countered by my EIKLOORT (11) with the other blank. I went out with ADEINRT (12).

534 – 361    5-1     +173      +167                        me: ?QX               opp: ?SSSSJZ

Game 7 v. Lila Sinaan

My open- FLOWY* Booo. I “missed” AEGNRSSTU (13) through disconnected G and T, but drew to AILORST (14) with one blank, EIINPPR (15) with the other, and AEENRRS (16) in between.

457 – 291    6-1     +166     +333                          me: ??SSSJZ        opp: SQX

Game 8 v. Connie Breitbeil

I thought NONSPACE* was valid. Got it by though. DEIOPRS (17) was fine, but knowing that plus another S (18) would've been better. Connie landed INGRATE. Weird – I played one blank for eleven at the end, and hers went unplayed.
454 – 309    7-1     +145    +478                           me: ?SSSSXZ       opp: ?JQ

Alone at seven wins, first place! Excitement reigned, even with almost half the event to go.

Will and I hoofed it back the two blocks to the quaint old Our Guest Inn. Port Clinton is near Cedar Point, the nearby amusement park, and -very- reasonable in the off-season for rooms. Then it was back the way we came for dinner and drinks at the Irish Pub and Grille McCarthy's. I enjoyed a passable shepher'd pie/boxty combo dish. The recipes must've come from a different part of Ireland than Dublin Bay in Ames, Iowa, a fave old haunt of mine, where they black peppered the bleep out of everything. The company was even better, as we were invited to join (eventual champ) Jason Idalski and former Scrabble acquaintance Pete Ziegler (my opp for the coming KOH match).

Will had a touch more adult beverage than me, so I got the best of him in three straight matches back at our room. But would my good fortune from both the day and evening hold for Sunday?

SUNDAY
Game 9 v. Josh Kopczak
TWANGEr early for him, then DOZIER for 78, VALIDATE and ATHELING for more each. I made suboptimal decisions early and often, if missing no bingos. EILNORST (19) late was little help.

312 – 529     7-2    (217)     +261                      me: ?SSSX             opp: ?SJQZ

Game 10 v. Will Scott

I lost the score sheet. I done got whupped, too. I should've bought him a bourbon beforehand.

362 – 488     7-3    (126)     +135                                        unknown

Game 11 v. Flossie Swint

Had to out-bingo her 3-0. ADEORSTU (20), AIGIORTV (21), and then AEIILSRT (22) for the out. The last was blockable for a win for her, but she confirmed just not seeing the chance.

420 – 357     8-3     +63      +198                       me: ?SSSJ              opp: ?SQXZ

Game 12 v. Stephen Henney

He hit REAGENT and VANISHES. His miss on ASTATIC and ASTRICT with the second blank was little consolation.

291 – 404     8-4     (113)     +85                       me: SJZ                   opp: ??SSSQX

The lunching, complete with delicious eggplant entree and time to mull over my drop to eighth place.

Game 13 v. Joe South

Had to have this one to keep playing folks at the top of standings, have any shot at a money slot. Life is better with blanks. I hit ABDEEMNO (24) as a double double with one, ACERKST (25) with the other. Last letter was a C, so he made up about seventy points in end game on the stick.

440 – 352    9-4      +88     +171                             me: ??SSSJ               opp: SQXZ

Game 14 v. Kit Morehead

I missed ADLMORU (26). CEHLORRT (27) with a blank was ok, but remembering GALA takes an H back hook would've given me ECHLRRU (28). Her only bingo was LEMURINE with the other blank, but she scored so consistently that my late BDEEINOS (29) didn't get me close.

349 – 406     9-5     (57)      +114                            me: ?SSSQ                opp: ?SJXZ

Game 15 v. Pete Ziegler KING OF THE HILL match

Final round match would be my most exciting. Pete opened with LINEATE, but I pulled close with ADEGILMN (30) and took lead with ?ABGORR (31). I'd get a free turn off his VIVES*, but gave it back and burned several minutes of clock on PLENATE*.

AEELNST (32) regained me the lead late. Time pressure led me to create two unnecessary bingo lanes for him late, as I decided to go for score and to not lose to any combination of non-bingos. I lucked out and he did not have an out-winner.

402 -388     10-5    +16       +130                           me: ?SSJX                 opp: ?SSQZ

(Pete minus 10 for time)

I tied with several people at the ten win mark, but with the smallest spread, and one victory out of first.  Sixth place, one slot out of winning any cash, and met my win expectation almost exactly. And so I still linger just under 1700 after the two point rating gain. Will finished with nine wins, and congrats to him for it, also finishing at expectation and gaining single digits on his rating.

I'm not missing tons of playable bingos. But I'm still needing to improve my consistence on nonbingo plays, as I miss so many overlaps using letters already on the board. My new focus on rack leave versus overemphasizing the highest-scoring options is very much a work in progress. My fours and fives need reviewing... and it's also a day of the week that ends in Y. But I understand to at least some degree how I can improve at the board and in prep, and learned/relearned the lessons without crapping the bed at the tournament. Good times!

Stat me, baby –

Blanks:      15/28     (played 15 games, but don't have the Will-stats)

Esses:        32/56

JQXZ:       24/56

            TOTAL:   71/142 power tiles

25 bingos to opps' 15

391-377 average scores

Games with both blanks: 4-0
Games with no blanks: 1-2
Games with one blank: 5-2
Games against Will: 0-1

QUIZ ANSWERS

1) TRICKED
2) CAREENED
3) There is no #3. Let us meditate.
4) ANTETYPE – an earlier form of something
5) TEENTSY
6) DONATES
7) DAPSONE – an antibacterial medicine, used on leprosy and dermatitis
8) LENTIGO – freckle
9) GOSPELER – one that teaches the Gospel
10) ANTIQUER          (also QUAINTER)

           – one that antiques, gives an aged feel to something

11) ROOTLIKE
12) TRAINED             (also DETRAIN, ANTIRED)
13) ASSURGENT – rising
14) RIALTOS             (also ORALIST, TAILORS)
           – a Venetian marketplace, consisting of an island and surrounding district
15) NIPPIER
16) REEARNS            (also EARNERS)

17) PERIODS

18) DISPOSER and DROPSIES – excessive accumulation of serous fluid
19) RETINOLS – vitamin A
20) OUTDARES        (also OUTREADS, READOUTS)
21) RAVIGOTE – a spiced vinegar sauce
22) LISTERIA – rod-shaped, aerobic bacteria
23) There is no #23.  It went AWOL with #3. Discuss.
24) BEMOANED
25) RACKETS           (also RESTACK, RETACKS, STACKER, TACKERS)
26) MODULAR
27) CHORTLER
28) LURCHER
29) EBONISED – to stain black, in imitation of ebony
30) MALIGNED       (also MEDALING)
31) BEGORRA – as in “faith and _____ !”
32) LATEENS           (also LEANEST)

Des Moines tournament Feb. 2015

Iowa will always be home for me, and it was amazing to get back to Des Moines and see so many friends. Thanks to Rich Banker for directing this year's event and Pat Boddy, who has directed all previous years and helped again. To those I forget to mention who helped, my apologies and thanks!

Our two year old daughter, Abby, had been sick before and as we left for Cedar Rapids on Friday. For the first time in our short years as a family, wife Wendy and I were down some serious sleep. I normally even shun coffee, but Saturday morning was for even stronger stuff. Two large energy drinks had me barely functioning for the morning two hour drive to Des Moines and the early games. But it's not Day One tiredness tends to affect me as much.

 

Parenthetical quiz number answers at bottom of entry.

Round 1 v. Kevin Gauthier

It would be a tough weekend for Kevin, who came from Albany, NY. ADEORTU (1) and EIILNOS (2) with a blank back to back early for me. I missed CDEIILT through a wide open O (3) midgame.
414 – 332      1-0     +82                            me: ?SSJQ                opp: ?SSXZ

Game 2 v. Chuck Riordan

I held but let go WAULERS* for his first play. Inexcusable. More, I completely overlooked that my opening NUS takes more than just a G front hook and missed answering with ADILOTU (4). I managed ADLNOST (5) with a blank, but his THI(E)vERY and COESITE were too much.
365 – 459     1-1      (94)      (8)                 me: ?SSJZ                 opp: ?SSQX

Game 3 v. David Brown

Strange game. I had both blanks and all esses, but mediocre decisions kept me from more spread. I hit STELEnE, but missed the double-double that slots the S in the third slot (6). EIGNOOS (7) followed shortly with the other blank. Between us we only had one more play that was for 30+ points.
367 – 248     2-1     +119     +111              me: ??SSSSJZ           opp: QX

Game 4 v. Mike Johnson

This took all the sweet letters and more than a little serendipity this. I opened with no vowels while he took lead with REBLENT early. I picked both blanks on a three-tile draw for ??ASTTX (8), but was still down. REGINAE for him, an exchange 7 for me, down 100+ again. Then the serendipity. AACNSTT for me and an open A he doesn't happen to block (9). I was still down a bingo after his AQU(A) for 39, but outscored him with higher-point letters through the end game.
404 – 377     3-1      +27      +138               me: ??SSSSXZ         opp: JQ

Another thank you to Rich Banker for the bevy of six foot sub sandwiches he brought for everyone again this year.!

Game 5 v. Avery Mojica

?AEUWYY- how would you open (10)? My vowels hurt me more than his struggles early, and he led after we traded my ?EGLORP (11) (hadn't known GosPEL(E)R for 96) to his REMAINS.

Then my history with Avery caught up to him. I've helped him quiz for English class vocab tests before. So I tried TSARINA/T(ROPED)* with nowhere else to bingo. He held me for several minutes, let it lie. ZITi for 52 sealed the deal.

436 – 356     4-1      +80      +218                me:  ??SZ                  opp: SSSJQX

Game 6 v. Kevin Gauthier

Study all you want, I say be lucky. EILOORTV (12) with one blank and AEILNRTU (13) with the other blank early staked me a holdable lead. I did miss TEXTUAL with a blank in between. ADILNOS (14) sealed the spread late.
424 – 341     5-1       +83     +301                me:  ??SSX                opp: SSJQZ

Game 7 v. Chuck Riordan

Gotta bring A-game against Corky. I brought my D-game. CEGINOSZ (15) kept me from flunking. Chuck phonied me with FORESAY* for 98 (FORESAID is valid, so weird). Then he caught me on PREDIALS* when know valid bingos played. Should've known he'd know the real answers (16) or that PREDIAL was only an adjective. His TERAOHM was salt in the wound I'd opened myself.
322 – 460    5-2       (138)    +163                me: SSSXZ                 opp: ??SJQ

Game 8 v. David Brown

HUNDREDS with for David, AIORSTU (17) for me. David then slotted a K in the triple lane for maybe my fave play of the weekend – KWANZA! Not just a holiday, also a currency. I let him back in late, creating an overlapping lane for his ANISOLE, but held on.
395 – 357     6-2        +38     +201               me: SSXZ                    opp: ??SSJQ

Evening was time for double date dinner at Chef's Kitchen in the Beaverdale neighborhood. Dan Heck and wife Michelle live close enough to walk from their house, so it had been something of a favorite for even we former suburbanites from further north in the metro when we lived there. I surprised myself by skipping my favorite Baked Shrimp Scampi there (a dish that redefines jumbo for shrimp) for an Italian Sandwich that was half ground beef, have grazziano sausage. No regrets!

Wendy and I stayed downtown at the Mariott Savery. Fancy lobby, diginified rooms. A night out of town with no Abby, and it was a nearly-literal race to bed after dinner - for passing out immediately. And yet still, no regrets!

Day Two. When a full night's sleep and another energy drink were not enough...

Game 9 v. Mike Johnson

Mike's first move was LEAFING and he never trailed. We traded AEORRST (18) to his double-blank PERIDOT later. I got away with PERMAIN* late, and probably won't ever get this rack right (19).
422 – 485     6-3       (63)    +138                                   me: SSQZ              opp: ??SSJX

Game 10 v. Avery Mojica

AEIIMRT (20) and AEEIGNPR (21) back to back for me early, but he fired off MANGROVE for 90+. I intentionally phonied EYELINE* to retake lead, but he'd picked up esses. SHEILAS for another 90+ sealed my fate in a game in which my my biggest mistakes involved not exchanging.
399 – 463    6-4        (64)    +74                                     me: ?JXZ                opp: ?SSSSQ

Game 11 v. David Brown

David started the show early with AGONIST using a blank, but AEENNMO (22) and EGILNOS (23) reversed our course. I misplayed some consonant-heavy racks late, but pulled the second blank to bingo out with DEENRST (24).
451 – 354    7-4        +97    +171                                    me: ?SSJQZ           opp: ?SSX

Game 12 v. David Brown

He's too good to not have been overdue for a win against me. CAVITIES and AVERTING let him lead pillar to post. I managed ABEINORT (25) after.
360 – 398    7-5         (38)    +133                                  me:  ?SSSJQZ         opp:  ?SX

I'd been seeded second, finished in third tied with two others on wins, lost just enough ratings points to knock me under 1700 rating again – and couldn't have had a better time. Congratulations to Avery for living up to his seed and taking Division One handily. But I must say, my most pride and joy was for Dan Heck and Rich Banker, who won Divisions Two and Three. Dan works his game away from the board very hard, had been playing me evenly for months before Wendy and I moved back to Kentucky, and continues to do so online. Rich isn't a classic studier, but plays more club games than everyone else to do his learning. They're both so deserving, and I couldn't be happier for them.

Stat me, baby -

13 of 24 blanks
27 of 48 esses
25 of 48 JQXZ
65 of 120 power tiles total 54%

24 – 17 bingo advantage

396 – 387 average score

Games with both blanks:    3-0
Games with one blank:       3-3
Games with no blanks        1-2

QUIZ ANSWERS

1)   OUTDARE            (also OUTREAD, READOUT)

2)   ELISION                (also LIONISE and ISOLINE)
3)   IDIOLECT – the variety or form of a language used by an individual
4)   OUTLAID
5)   SANDLOT             (also DALTONS)
6)   EUSTELE – plant part, weird botanical term
7)   GOONIES – albatross
                                    (also NOOGIES, ISOGONE)
8)   SEXTANT – astronomical instrument used to determine latitude and longitude
                                    (also TAXITES, POSTTAX)
9)    CANTATAS
10)   YAWEY – pertaining to an infections disease in children in tropical climes, related to syphillis
11)  PERGOLA – a shaded walkway or passage
                                    (also PROLEGS, PLEDGOR)
12)  OVERTOIL
13)  TENURIAL – pertaining to tenure
                                    (also AUNTILIER, RETINULA)
14)  LADINOS – a wild, unmanageable, vicious horse or other ranch animal
15)  COGNIZES – to become aware of in one's mind
16)  LIPREADS, PARSLIED, SPIRALED
17)  SAUTOIR – a heraldic design (St. Andrew's cross)
18)  ROASTER
19)  PERMIAN – related to amphibious part of Paleozoic era
              ^ For PERMAIN*, I combined this and PEARMAIN
20)  AIRTIME
21)  PERIGEAN – pertaining to a perigee, when a satellite is at closets point in orbit to Earth
22)  ANEMONE – plant of buttercup family
23)  LONGIES – long underwear
                                    (also ELOIGNS, LEGIONS, LINGOES)
24)  TENDERS
25)  TABORINE – a small drum, used to accompany oneself on a fife or pipe

Whiteland, IN 2015

2015 Whiteland, IN

Game 1 v. Margaret Yoder

(KI)MCHEE for 48 - my fave find of the day. ARPONST (1) late with a blank and then drawing the second were the difference.

391 – 312 +79 me: ??SSJQX opp: SSZ

Game 2 v. Tom Tremont

I never dreamed NUGATORY was actually good. I was just hungry for nougat. I can't believe I thought AGNORTU (2) was invalid. AEGNORTU (3) was blocked. Having gotten a challenge on OURANG is now little consolation.
I let SIEGERS* go, then challenged his admitted guess at NoNHERO/(J)O. I had orphan EELORST and he blocked EELNORST (4). He then landed HOLIEST, so my EEILLST (5) only moved me to 3% to win. (B)ANZAI for 51 made it a game, but I wouldn't see a vowel the last two racks.
401 – 408 -7 +72 me: SSQZ opp: ??SSJX

Game 3 v. Joe Roberdeau

I have the best luck against Joe. He later cited in the five times we've played, my lowest score has been 490. I opened with ?EEILOT (6), EHIOOSTT (7). He blocked my PUSHIEST for 102, but I followed with EINPSTU (8) and ADGIINNT (9). Joe and TARRIEST early, too.
500 – 283 +217 +289 me: ?SSS opp: ?SJQXZ

Game 4 v. Connie Breitbeil

Early vowel-y racks and her CHEESI(E)R put me in a big hole. EGIOPRSS (10) and ?ADEMNR through OM (11) got me back in the game. EX for 53, her challenge of my NISI and my challenging off her STYs*/(HAO)S* and STYe/HAOS* sealed it.
435 – 308 +127 +416 me: ?SSQX opp: ?SSJZ

Game 5 v. Julia Bogle

I can rue vowel-y early racks all I might want, but can't give up turns challenging plays like BRILL. After her SATINET, I scored AEIORSTU (12) and ADEEMNOR (13) back to back, but only to pull within about 70.
327 – 402 -75 +341 me: ?SSJ opp: ?SSQXZ

Game 6 v. Brad Sharlott

I got a challenge off of GITE. He got one off of CARINAS. I forgot the O front hook to the latter to miss chances late to seal this one up. He also had rENTERS to my ABDEEIPR (14). Z(E)ROTH for 76 was fun! I forged a Q-stick late to eke out a sloppy win.
408 – 402 +6 +347 me: JXZ opp: ??SSSSQ

Game 7 v. Jacquelyn Fyr

She did a double-take over her double-double, surprised her UNB(O)NED come up valid on challenge. I let HISTID* slide shortly after. Still, EIILMSS (15) evened things up. I bought a turn challenging her double-blank INTERLET* off, but she evened it back up herself with INFERiOr. Setting up an out in two but only play TO(r)A for six to start ended up being the difference. Well,that and her not asking for a recount. Turned out she underscored UNBONED by twelve and missing three more points somewhere else.
365 – 359 +6 +353 me: SSQX opp: ??SSJZ

A win here and she'd have been Gibsonized as division winner. Instead – rematch!

Game 8 v. Jacquelyn Fyr

I landed AEGINSTY (16) early, but she stayed close throughout until surging ahead with WONdERS. I replied with a bingo - ?AAGILLN (17), but very dangerously placed. I missed the superior three in AACeILLN (18) and got rebuked with MAIM for 44.
Nether of us played the optimal end game. I opted for HAJ for 44 on my penultimate move to go ahead by 11, but this didn't block the first move of her own winning sequence. However, she didn't block my P(E)WIT outplay.
392 – 388 +4 +357 me: ?SJ opp: ?SSSQXZ

I came in as the #1 seed by a a fair bit. Despite the division title, I lost a few ratings points, so I didn't perform like a 1700+ player. But I remind myself that's just a number. I won three of four very close games, and I continue to alter my overall strategy by playing aggressively but not as recklessly as I so often have.

The prize format was fun, working well for a one-day with a small entry fee. Most of the monies were distributed to all players at a $5 per win clip. Thank you to the Whiteland directors for a fun event!

Stat me, baby –

Blanks – 6/16
Esses – 14/32
JQXZ – 14/32

TOTAL 34/80 42 %

Bingos 13-10

Games I got both0 blanks: 1-0

Games I got one blank: 3-1
Games I got no blanks: 2-1

Average score: 402 – 358

QUIZ ANSWERS

1. TARPONS – a large warm Atlantic game fish (also PARTONS, PATRONS)
2. OUTRANG
3. OUTRANGE
4. SOLERET – a piece of armor for the foot; ENTRESOL – a mezzanine
5. TELLIES
6. ZEOLITE – a volcanic mineral (also ETOILES, PETIOLE, TOELIKE)
7. HOOTIEST
8. PUNIEST (also PUNTIES)
9. NIDATING – to become implemented in the uterus
10. GOSSPIER
11. COMMANDER
12. SAUTOIRE – a heraldic design (also OUTRAISE)
13. DEMEANOR (also ENAMORED)
14. BEDIAPER
15. SIMILES (also MISLIES, MISSILE)
16. YEASTING
17. ALLAYING
18. ALLIANCE, ANCILLAE, CANALLIE

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