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new pages:Layout 1 18/9/09 12:54 Page 8

45 TLW 127

The bi-monthly magazine of the ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH

SCRABBLE PLAYERS

SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark of J.W.Spear & Sons Ltd., Maidenhead SL6 4UB

No. 128 October 2009Deadline for next issue 5th Nov.

Mark Nyman is

2009 BMSC CHAMPIONdetails inside.

ABSP’s 2009 British Matchplay Championship sponsored by DENKI http://www.denki.co.uk/

STOP PRESS

Craig Beevers and David Webb

arethefinalistsintheNSC

 “Congratulations to all BMSC winners” from Denki

TLW 127

Committee Corner  1

Events Reports and Results  3

GodswillNigerian Tourney  15

That Was Then  16

Letters   19

Youth Matters  21

ISSUE CONTENTS

Editor:Elisabeth Jardine6 Wentworth AvenueBournemouth BH5 2ED01202 419 708ejardine1@btinternet.com

Forthcoming events:Steve Perry29 Elm RoadFaringdonOxon SN7 7EJsperry123@talktalk.net

THE LAST WORD TEAMThe Last Words Team welcomes contributions from readers to their respective areas, either as letters, articles or suggestions. Contact information:

Games and Strategies:Submissions forAnnotated Games and Moves to be proud of toBen Wilsonscrabblin.ben@btinternet.com7 Perney CrescentLincoln LN6 9RJ0

Words and Puzzles:Elisabeth Jardineejardine1@btinternet.com

To join or renew membership of the ABSP

Using the Paypal function on the site http://www.absp.org.uk is very easy and completely safe. More traditionally you can join or renew by sending your details and a cheque for £15 to Anne Ramsay, membership secretary, made payable to ABSP to:

ABSP, 8 Glen Clova Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY2 6UL If you wish to write to Anne her email address is anne.ramsay@blueyonder.co.uk

or telephone: 01592 640130If you have changed your address, telephone number or email address, 

please contact Anne as soon as possible with the changes.

WESPA  22

Obituary  23

The Rules  24

Ratings  25

Across the Board  31

Forthcoming Events  38

Solutions  ibc

Throughout this publication, comments by the Editor do not represent the views of the ABSP Committee. Any statements by the Committee are clearly marked as such. All other contributions to The Last Word  represent only the views of the contributor.

1 TLW 127

COMMITTEE CORNER

 The BMSC, held at Yarnfield Park over the bank holiday weekend was, as ever, a very enjoyable event and thanks go to Sarah Wilks for her excellent work. 

The Committee would also like to thank Terry Kirk for his hard work and leadership over the past few years.

The Committee met on September 6th in Stafford, where Ross Mackenzie chaired his first meeting; of course, that means we now need a new Treasurer. Ross will act as ‘caretaker’ until a replacement can be found, but we would be interested in hearing from any willing volunteers to take on the role. 

Laura FinleySecretary ABSP

Letter from the Chair Dear Members As you will see from the minutes of the AGM and Committee Corner, the Committee have nominated me to be Chair of the ABSP following Terry standing down at the AGM.  I am honoured and delighted to accept this, and would like to take this opportunity of thanking those members who have given me support and encouragement in my new role. Terry leaves the ABSP committee in a strong position going forward.  I joined in 2002, and have seen many changes in that time, but I am convinced the current team is one of the strongest and most dedicated I have been a part of.  Having said that, we are always in search of keen, enthusiastic members willing to provide a particular function within the ABSP - the treasurer’s role is one I will gladly support a member in taking on, but we currently also require a Youth Officer.  I am very pleased to report that Karen Richards has stepped in as an interim appointment, and I am confident in her abilities to steer our younger members towards WYSC success this autumn, and to support our engagement with schools to promote the game we all love.  See her report elsewhere in this issue. Another  report  to  look  out  for  in  these  pages  is  that  from  the WESPA Chair  and ABSP committee member, Elie Dangoor.  Several UK tournament regulars are playing an active part in WESPA’s subcommittees, and I am delighted that the inputs of Elie, those players and many others  from around the globe are now yielding dividends  in  terms of  international rules, ratings and word list. There are many other subjects I could give you my own views on - calendar congestion, 

2TLW 127

membership benefits and penalty challenges are three hot topics that spring to mind.  But my views are always secondary to yours.  What do you think of declining tournament attendances, and the chance of more penalty challenge events?  I and the rest of the committee team always take our lead from you, so please do get in touch.  You can approach any committee member at an event or drop one of us an email, but why not try winning a prize, and write to TLW? Best regards, and thanks for reading.

Ross MackenzieChair, ABSP

Taken from BBC News, 31st August 2009Reporter: Howard Nettles Unemployment levels rose to record highs yesterday following the announcement by the Association of British Scrabble Players (ABSP) to cut an estimated 100 jobs from sites all over the UK. Members voting at the annual general meeting took a near unanimous decision to use ‘self-adjudication’ for the majority of their sanctioned events, when previously ‘runners’ had been given full-time positions throughout the tournaments and tax-deductable wages and accommodation. A spokesperson  for  the Association of Runners  for Scrabble Events (ARSE)  said:  “It’s  an  absolute  disgrace. They’ve  given  no  consideration  to  our  financial wellbeing, our health benefits or our social development skills. This is just another example of technology making workers obsolete. What about the human cost? And what about my pocket money?” However,  the BBC has since uncovered  that  the ABSP  is under  investigation after  it was revealed that most of the ‘runners’ it has been using may have been under the legal working age. A whistle-blower within  the  association, who wished  to  remain  anonymous,  said, “The ABSP has willingly used child  labour  for more  than 20 years, with  some members even submitting their own children to work 12-hour days for minimal reward and no union representation. Self-adjudication isn’t wrong, it’s actually the humane choice.” Amnesty International said it supported the decision to stop using child labour but attacked the government for not having acted sooner. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been criticised for his silence over the issue (not for the first time), while Conservative leader David Cameron was photographed playing on a giant Scrabble board inside Wembley Stadium but refused to commit to any single point of view over the ABSP’s actions. Nobody from the association itself was available for comment.

HN

WESPA’s  ratings  subcommittee  has  produced  a  questionnaire  for  all  tournament  players which requires your input on matters relating to WESPA Ratings and, more importantly, the idea of eventually moving away from national ratings towards a global ratings system. The questionnaire seeks the views of tournament players of all levels from all countries. Please visit http://www.wespa.org/ratings before 31st October to make your voice heard.

3 TLW 127

Organisers are encouraged to send a list of prize winners and a brief tournament report to the TLW editor as soon as possible after the event. 

Remember I can only publish them if you send them to me!

Scrabble Events Results and Reports

Romford

July 11th (6 rounds)

Romford AVincent Boyle  5  545Kevin Synnott  5   402Olatunde Oduwole 5   301Austin Shin  4   348

Romford BHeather Laird  5   549Nick Jenkins   5   410Stephen Wintle  4   249Marian Hamer  4   165

English Open

July 17th - 19th  (21 rounds) Report from Len Moir

Romford CJo Holland   6   618Joan Everitt   5   230Cody McCormick  5   180Susan Thorne   4   245

Open Division 22 players battled to become the English Open champion in one of the toughest divisions ever assembled in UK scrabble, with Nigel Richards hoping to defend his title against many of the UK’s best players including ex world Champion Mark Nyman. Round 10 Austin Shin  led  the field, with Nigel Richards close behind, Paul Allan  in 3rd place.  1 81⁄2–11⁄2 +876 A Austin Shin    2 8–2 +744 A Nigel Richards    3 71⁄2–21⁄2 +288 A Paul Allan   

Round 16 Nigel Richards storms into the lead 3 games clear of Ed Martin. Austin Shin in 3rd place, Lewis and Wayne 4 games adrift of the leader, with only 5 games left to play.

 4 7–3 +380 A Ed Martin    5 7–3 +211 B Wayne Kelly  

4TLW 127

 1 14–2 +1350 A Nigel Richards   2 11–5 +681 A Ed Martin   3 101⁄2–51⁄2 +595 A Austin Shin  

Round 20 Nigel loses 4 games in a row, Lewis wins his previous 4 games and plays Nigel in the final game for the Title and £1000 top prize. Mark Nyman coming into form in 3rd (beating Nigel in his previous 2 games), Ed Martin in 4th.   1 14–6 +987 A Nigel Richards    2 14–6 +592 A Lewis Mackay   

Round 21 A thrilling final game with the score 420-413. Lewis Mackay is the 2009 English Open winner confirming his place as the World’s best current player in the International ratings.

Round robins 2 divisions of 10 - 21 games B division At the Halfway stage Naomi Landau  leads the pack of 5 players all on 6 wins  1 6–4 +343 B Naomi Landau    2 6–4 +132 B Maureen Chamberlain    3 6–4 +121 B Geoff Cooper    Maureen Chamberlain has an impressive run and wins the division with 15 wins, Marion Keatings 2nd on 12 wins, Len Moir 3rd on 11 wins. C division Barbara Goodban I game clear on 8 wins  1 8–2 +446 A Barbara Goodban    2 7–3 +244 A Nicki Huitson    A closely contested division with the top 3 places decided on Spread, Ted Lewis emerges the winner Barbara Goodban 2nd, Pauline Weatherhead 3rd.

4 10–6 +383 A Lewis Mackay   5 10–6 +312 B Wayne Kelly

 3 13–7 +739 A Mark Nyman    4 13–7 +570 A Ed Martin  

4 6–4 +114 A David Steel    5 6–4 -109 B Sylvia Swaney

3 6–4 +589 A Ted Lewis    4 6–4 +86 B Pauline Weatherhead

English Open A15  599   Lewis Mackay (A8)14  980  Nigel Richards (A1)14  625   Ed Martin (A9)13  684   Mark Nyman (A5)

English Open B15  906   Moz Chamberlain (B6)12  487   Marion Keatings (B1)11  26  Len Moir (B4)11 -390  Sylvia Swaney (B10)

English Open C14  919   Ted Lewis (C3)14  645   Barbara Goodban (C2)14  462   Pauline Weatherhead (C9)12.5 476  Carmen Toscano (C4)

Lewis Mackay Moz Chamberlain Ted Lewis

5 TLW 127

Bournemouth H-BJuly 17th  - 20th (15 rounds)

New Malden

July 18th  (6 rounds) Photos from Mauro Pratesi

96 players at New Malden on July 18.  Each section was won by a player from the lower half of the table. D division was won by Sara Hardy at her first ever tournament.  Division B was won by Sheila Green playing for the first time ever at a New Malden tournament having helped organise them  there since they began.  Amongst our numbers were Gerry Carter from Thailand and 13 year old Joe Knapper who travelled from Stafford to play.

Newhaven A Neil Scott  7   713Amy Byrne   4.5   113

Newhaven B James Squires  4   93Iain Harley  4   37

Newhaven(Edinburgh)Round Robin July 11th (7 rounds)

Newhaven CLinda Bradford  5  422Carol Malkin  5   145

Newhaven DGordon Winter  5   280Hilbre Jenkins   5   32

Newhaven E Robert Peters  6   339Doreen Jarvie  5   217

Newhaven FBob Horne   5   387Wendy Young   5   42

Bournemouth AMoira Conway  10   447  Sue Bowman  9   359  Bob Lynn  8   -49   

Bournemouth BGinny Dixon   11.5   590  Jan Bailey  8.5   269  

Bournemouth CIrene Lawes  11   661 Anne Lawton  11   497

New Malden ABob Berry   6   610Gerry Carter  4   443Theo Kumi  4   229Ratings Prize Paul Thomson

New Malden BSheila Green  6   502Stephen Wintle  5   422Margaret Keegan  5   394Ratings Prize Peter Hall

New Malden CKen Bird  6   320Linda Bird  5   310Peter Sime  4   204Carole Wheatley  4   156New Malden D Sara Hardy  6   469Reeyaaz Goolamhossen 5   502Brenda Young   5   423Ratings Prize Eileen Hunter

Bob Berry Sheila Green Ken Bird Sara Hardy.

6TLW 127

Brighton&HoveJuly 19th (6 rounds)

Brighton ADanny Bekhor  5   424Phil Kelly  5   200Gareth Williams  4   308Paul{T} Thomson  4  287

Brighton BRuth Marsden  5  336Pamela Windsor  5   203Mary Siggers  5   186Vivienne Newman  4   239

Brighton CSheila Tutt  5   235 Jan Vokes-Taylor  5   193Betty Simmonds   4   311Brian Beaumont  4   294

Southport ARhoda Gray   11   532Barabara Lukey   9   283Peter Ashurst   7   366

Southport H-B

July 24 - 27th (14 rounds) 

Southport BMarlene Skinner   11   719Juliet Green   11   606Peter Lindeck   8   562

Southport COlive Martin   12   820Ruby Flood   11   702Myra Copleston   9   610

Scottish Round Robin

August 8 - 9th (14 rounds) 

This year there were 38 players playing seven games each day. On both Saturday and Sunday, groups A, B and E were round robin groups of eight. Groups C and D comprised seven players with one interdivision pairing each round. This was indicated using a composite Player C or Player D.

Scottish RR AH. Gipson   7   990R. Tate   5   157

Scottish RR BC. Atkins   5   196K. Surtees  5   -20

Scottish RR CS. Harkness   6   175S. Swaney   5   112

Scottish RR DL. Bradford   7  382S. Wilson  4.5   208

Scottish RR EK. McGinness  6   524M. Irons  4   284

Scottish RR AN. Scott  6   464H. Gipson   6  426

Scottish RR BA. Georgeson  6   347S. Gillam  5   94

Scottish RR CM. Armstrong.  7   479A. Ramsay   4   132

Scottish RR DC. Nicol  6   669A. Robertson  5  218

Scottish RR EM. Harkness   6   449 J. Tate   5  103

Saturday

Sunday

Saturday winner Helen Gipson

Sunday winner Neil Scott

7 TLW 127

Nomads Weekend

Aug 8th-9th (16 rounds) Report from Clive Spate

AGURK Wayne Kelly  6  639Martin Harrison  5  482

BLACKJACK Nick Deller       6  723Paul Richards     6     419

CRIBBAGE Peter Thomas  6         396Gerard Fox       6          78

DEUCES Ruth MacInerney    7         580Graham Bonham  5          68

EUCHRE David Meadows  7         465Margaret Pritchett  5          93

FARO Jill Bright      5.5         68Mick Healy    5         339

GLEEK Pat Wheeler      6         188Viv Beckmann  6         132

HEARTS Marlene Skinner  5         215Vivienne Stokes   5         206

IN BETWEEN Remie Salazar     5          99Christine Tudge    5   55

JASS Kerry Constant  7         330Damian O’Malley  6         488

KALUKI Flo Davies    6.5       520Ruby Flood  5.5         84

SATURDAY RESULTS

“And the winner of the Nob group is……” You can appreciate that the original idea of naming groups after cribbage terms was never going to work. Groups called muggins, skunked and round the bend were hardly acceptable either. Hence a shift to card games in general. 

Our decision to stick to “free challenge” probably coincided with some higher-rated players being absent. When  I mentioned  this,  I  think  it  is  fair  to say  that an  immediate negative response to penalty challenges was overwhelming. Despite those missing at the top end we had our maximum of 100 players, including a group where all players were rated below 100. It was never the case that the Nomads tournament was only for “top players” – though this has been quoted to me many times – players of all abilities are very welcome.

Consolation prizes for Saturday were:

Ratings prize:   Paul ( Eng )Richards  Highest spread : Damian O’Malley +488Best last three games : Ted Lewis 3 wins, +353Tough luck ( lowest three losses ) : Lorraine Crouch -13, -13 and -1Theme word : QUINZE  Diane Pratesi

SUNDAY

It seemed appropriate to name the groups after hairstyles – it being Liz Barber’s birthday. I’m sworn not to reveal a lady’s age but using Scrabble letters as Roman numerals you would need five tiles including both blanks.

One incident at the weekend involved a dispute over what the blank represented in a play of C?TABLE. Player A said he had said it was an I, his opponent, player B, said that it had been announced as an E.

Despite the advice on the score sheet, the letter had not been written down in the space provided, though CITABLE was written on player A’s score sheet. When it is one player’s word against another it is impossible for a Tournament Director to prove what was said. (Indeed, 

8TLW 127

AFRO Martin Harrison  6   631Wayne Kelly     6         394

BEEHIVE John Ashmore      7         337     Diane Pratesi     6         360     

CREW CUT Alec Webb  6         302Donna Stanton  5         183

DREADLOCKS Maurice Brown      7         342Margaret Pritchett   5         301

FRINGE Neil Broom        6         452Sue Bowman        6         255

HIGHLIGHTS Andrew Eames      6         276Carol Smith       5         149

MOHAWK Geoff Cooper    6         426Marlene Skinner  5.5       163

MULLET Nicki Huitson     7         320Liz Barber          6         643

PONYTAIL Stany Arnold    7         519Kerry Constant  5         249

QUIFF Paul Walford    7         350     Vicky Nelson-Owen     6         172     

TEDDY BOY Lee Fisher   7         592Renee Gilbert   6         167

SUNDAY RESULTS

in some accents one letter  might sound very much like another . ) In this case,  the spare player doing the word checking was seated adjacent to this game but could shed no light on the matter.

It reasonable to assume that very few games reach a point where both blanks are unplayed – so it would seem that blanks are recorded in only one-fifth of games.  I think the ABSP should strengthen Game Rule 4.2 so that the blanks MUST be written down before play can proceed.  I’m sure that this would soon become as automatic as pressing the clock.Best runner-up over the whole weekend:  Viv Beckmann,   11wins, +228Best run of games over both days :  Jackie McLeod,  6 wins, + 357.Highest spread :  Liz Barber 643

The raffle raised a total of £495. Our sincere thanks to everyone who bought tickets and added to the collection of prizes. Both the usual cancer charities benefited to the tune of £600.

The next Nomads weekend is on  February 6th and 7th.

West Sussex

West Sussex AG. Oliver   5      523P. Downer     5     403

West Sussex BB. Jones     5    226E. Wallace     4      187

West Sussex CS. Wintle               6     154A. Sodny                4     320

West Sussex DM. Siggers              6      167 P. Munday             4    203

West Sussex EP. Windsor              6   558M. Seabrook          5    -140

West Sussex FP. Bailey             6      187V. Sime                 5      275

West Sussex GC. Hollyer    6      551M. Davis     5     211

Aug 16th (6 rounds)

-Geoff Cooper and Nicky Huitson -

two of Sunday’s winners

9 TLW 127

ABSP BRITISH MATCHPLAY SCRABBLE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009

Report by Allan Simmons  

This year, the BMSC event was being given a boost in several ways. Firstly, the ABSP had one thousand pounds of cash injected into the prize fund thanks to our sponsor, Denki. Secondly, the event progress and annotated games were to be broadcast on the internet, and thirdly, a BBC crew were in attendance to do some filming and interviews for an up-and-coming documentary. As a consequence of the above, or maybe just because it’s such a great event at a very spacious and comfortable venue, the number of players was up on last year.

Warming Up…..

Before all the excitement of the main event, a selection of Ladies and Men chose to flex their Scrabble muscles in the six-game warm-up events. This year there were 50 ladies and 36 men taking part, each field split into two divisions, with the division A Ladies and Mens players competing for the Kay Thorne and John Rusted memorial trophies respectively.

The winners of the Ladies events were both unbeaten over the six games with the top prize in A going to Karen Richards. Karen is over in the UK from Australia assisting with promoting Youth Scrabble and has been running some coaching sessions. She’s clearly going to be a dominant force across the board whilst she’s over here. 

Ladies Division A1  £50   6-0 +395   Karen Richards (Kay Thorne trophy) 2  £30   5-1 +373  Diane Pratesi3  £20   5-1 +67   Margaret StauntonLadies Division B1  £50   6-1 +290  Heather Laird2  £30   5-1 +326  Marlene Skinner3  £20   4-2 +356  Carmen Toscano

Things were a little closer in the Mens divisions with just the spread points separating five of the six prize winners. A special welcome back to Russell Byers who’d been absent from the BMSC from several years, and who showed he hadn’t lost his touch at the top. 

Mens A1  £40   5-1 +417  Russell Byers (plus John Rusted trophy) 2  £25   5-1 +352  John Ashmore 3  £15  5-1 +128  Steve PerryMens B1  £40  5-1 +351  Alan Bailey2  £25  5-1 +342  Chris Harrison3  £15  4-2 +291  David Meadows

Karen Richards

Heather Laird

Russell Byers

10TLW 127

….And so onto the BMSC MAIN EVENT: This year. although overall numbers were up slightly on last year, there was one less division. This was because there was a surge of players rated under 170 who fancied their chances of improving their ratings by playing in the Open division, giving 66 players in division A compared with last years’ 46. A few of those in  division A were  also  hoping  they  could perform well  enough  to  grab  the  remaining World Championship place in Malaysia which added  an  extra  level  of  excitement  to  the weekend. The other divisions consisted of a division B of 36 players and three round-robin divisions  of  20. Another  significant  change this year was the increase in games to 20 from 18. This was largely achieved by using what’s termed  a  fontes  swiss  pairing  system which meant  that  pairings  for  a  subsequent  round could be posted before the previous round had finished. With everyone turning up on time,  the event got underway bang on time under the supervision of regular BMSC TD, Ian Burn

The early leaders after the first day’s play (7 games) were:In division A there were two unbeaten, Harshan Lamabadusuriya (a  previous BMSC champion) and Russell Byers, still keeping up the momentum from his Mens victory. There were no unbeaten players in the other divisions with a notable bunching at the top in division C. Division B leaders, both on 6-1 were Anne Hidden and Peter Thomas. There were four players on 5-2 in division C: Steve Balment, Jill Parker, Ginny Dixon, Len Edwards. Out alone at the top in divisions D and E respectively, both on 6-1, were Linda Barratt and Val Hoskings On day two, this year there were a further 8 games to get through and that’s when the early leaders can flag a little and give way to others having a second-day burst of wins. As the dust settled after round 15 the front runners  Lamabadusuriya and Byers were still lurking at the top in A with Helen Gipson in close pursuit, but Mark Nyman (three times BMSC winner) and Ed Martin had ploughed through to dominate the field.

Also  noteworthy was  Steve Balment’s  dominant  spread  in C  and  young  Jessica  Pratesi’s performance in  B making her mark in fourth place against many much more experienced players -- the ABSP is hoping Jessica will be representing the UK in the World Youth Scrabble Championships this year.

After 15 games, those in prize positions were:Division A1  13-2  +1518  Mark Nyman2  12-3  +763  Ed Martin3  11-4  +1160  Harshan Lamabadusuriya4  11-4  +369  Russell Byers5  11-4  +338  Helen Gipson

11 TLW 127

Division B1  12-3  +748  Carolyn Emery2  11-4  +823  Paul Thomson (Tranmere)3  11-4  +200  Peter Thomas4  10-5  +711  Jessica PratesiDivision C1  11-4  +1417  Steve Balment2  10-5  +177  Jill Parker3  9-6  +182  Tia KnowlesDivision D1  11-4  +673  Marlene Skinner2  10-5  +400  Samantha Beckwith3  9-6  +678  Linda BarratDivision E1  12-3  +1081  Val Hoskings2  11.5  +574  Lou McMeeken 3  10-5  +568  Jean Owen

During the Sunday lunchtime period on the Sunday, Denki representatives (BMSC sponsors) had set up their new video game, Quarrel, which was a territorial word game (based on CSW).  This attracted quite a lot of attention in the coffee area with a few players willing to be guinea pigs and give it a go. The Denki representative, Dave Thomson, would like to thank all those who gave them feedback on the game during the event.

And so the final day, with tension building, especially in the Open division  as the final round approached. Below, was the position at the top  in A after 19 rounds. The final round was a straight king-of-the-hill so any of  those shown could make the top five. But it was clear that the title was to be fought between Nyman and Lamabadusuriya, with Ed Martin looking pretty much like grabbing third place whatever happened around him, and Calum Edwards being most vulnerable with a low spread:

Division A top places before the final game:1  16-3  +1711  Mark Nyman2  15-4  +1614  Harshan Lamabadusuriya3  15-4  +1058  Ed Martin4  13-6  +286  Calum Edwards5  12.5  +719  Phil Robershaw6  12-7  +808  Lewis Mackay7  12-7  +623  Allan Simmons8  12-7  +598  David Webb

In divisions C and D respectively, Steve Balment and Marlene Skinner were  home and dry, being two wins  ahead. In divisions A and E, Carolyn Emery and Val Hoskings were also looking very safe to take top spot but mathematically could still lose. Carolyn had to not lose by more than 333 and Val had to make sure she didn’t lose by more than 337.  In one hour all became clear…..

12TLW 127

BMSC 2009 MAIN EVENT PRIZE WINNERSThe 2009 ABSP British Matchplay Scrabble Champion on 16 – 4 (+1669 – just 13 spread points ahead of second place ) is MARK NYMANHe won the £1000 plus the BMSC trophy, plus gets the extra WSC place for the UK (This is Mark’s fourth BMSC title, the others being 1992 1996 2002)2  £500     16-4  +1656  H Lamabadusuriya3  £250     15-5  +989  Ed Martin4  £125     14-6  +355  Calum Edwards5  £75    13-7  +933  Lewis MackayTwo rating prizes of £25 went to Nick Deller and Abraham Sosseh. Also on 13-7 just outside the prize positions were: David Webb, Russell Byers and Helen Gipson.

Division B1  £250   16-4   +988  Carolyn Emery  (also gets the Ivy Edmunds trophy)2  £125   14-6  +1133  Paul Thomson (Tranmere)3  £75   14-6  +196  Peter Thomas4  £40   13-7  +303  Alison SadlerOne ratings prize of £25 went to Anne Hidden.

The prize monies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd for divisions C,D,and E were: £150  £75  £35Division C1  14-6  +1772  Steve Balment2  13-7  +630  Tia Knowles3  12-8  +528  Sarah-Jane JamisonDivision D1  15-5  +762  Marlene Skinner2  13-7  +422  Samantha Beckwith3  12-8  +895  Linda BarrattDivision E1  16-6  +1320  Val Hoskings2  15-5  +576  Paul Cartman3  14-6  +674  Julie Tate

A FINAL THANK YOUFinally a big thank-you to our sponsors, Denki, for their financial boost to the prize fund (see www.denki.co.uk) , and a big thank-you to all the runners and helpers that were essential for ensuring the event ran smoothly, the challenges were prompt, and the rest of the world could follow progress and follow some top games on the internet. 

So, in alphabetical order – a big round of applause for….Craig Beevers, Elizabeth Burn, Ian Burn, Stewart Holden, Amber Jamison, Natasha Pratesi, Mauro Pratesi, Fred Saxon, Yoke Shin, Sarah Wilks, Ben Wilson.

Mark Nyman

Carolyn Emery

13 TLW 127

Scarborough ASteve Balment   9   460Jill Bright   9   20Moira Conway  8   151

Scarborough BPhilippa Morris  9   259Hilary Birdsall   9   256Esther Bacon  9   51

Scarborough H-B

Sept 4th - 7th (14 rounds)

Scarborough CAnne Darby   10   615Gill Carr  10   126Peter Lindeck  8  415

Scarborough DAnne Atherton  10   814Wendy Cox   9   311Pat Carr  8   260

The BBC team have advised that the documentary which will  feature clips  from  the BMSC and  interviews with players is understood to scheduled to appear on BBC1 in December as part of  ‘Imagine’ series, so watch out for that. The ABSP would like to thank players for putting up with cameras around on the Saturday and for being willing to be interviewed on the Sunday. 

Self adjudication was compulsory in the Open division and encouraged in other divisions. Given the experience this year I expect self-adjudication will become the norm across all divisions at next year’s event with runner help available for those who need it.

The BBC filming Mark Nyman v Alan Yentob

Lochee

Lochee ANeil Scott  6  769Alan Sinclair   5   292Iain Harley   3   -35

Sept 6th (6 rounds)

Lochee BMoya Dewar  5   404Bob Jarvie  5   370Hilbre Jenkins  5   346

Lochee CLinda Christie  5  493Sybil Berrecloth  4   350James Christie   4   16

Rose Calder  4   616Norman Smith  3  138Edith Smith   3   127

Burnham on Sea Invitational

Jason Goddard   3   -63Beverley Calder   1   -279Rod Winfield  1   -539

14TLW 127

David Webb  12   882Craig Beevers  11   900Ed Martin  10  995Howard Wilde  10   -46Austin Shin  9½   733Mark Nyman  9   945Phil Robertshaw.  9   723Mikki Nicholson  9   539Femi Awowade  9   410Neil Rowley  9  169Bob Lynn  9   149Karl Kwiatkowski  9   55Russell Byers  8½   424Allan Simmons  8   595Gary Oliver   8   558Paul Allan  8   527Gareth Williams  8   442Wayne Kelly  8   296

NSC Semi-Final

Sept12th-13th. (14 rounds)

Ross MacKenzie  8   256Elizabeth Hull   8   8David Steel  8   -127Jared Robinson  8   -158Elie Dangoor  8   -202Steve Perry  7   414Paloma Raychbart   7   339Raymond Tate   7   84Bob Violett  7   56Mike Chappell  7   25John Hardie  7  6Chris Vicary .  7   -19Jackie McLeod  7   -55Mike Whiteoak  7   -163Christina French  7   -175 Chris Hawkins  6½   -174 Paul{T} Thomson   6   -176Margaret Staunton  6   -181 John Ashmore   6   -225 

John Grayson  6   -279 Joanne Hiley   6   -438 Calum Edwards  6   -445 Noel Turner(Exp)  6   -467 Kwaku Sapong  6   -555 Russell Smith  6   -621 Martin Harrison  6   -629 Nick Deller   5½   -160 Amy Byrne  5   -271 Elisabeth Jardine  5   -280 Andrew Goodwin   5   -304 Ed Rossiter  5   -341Anthony Pinnell  5   -457Kim Hands  5   -536Sandie Simonis(  4   -110Robert Pells  4   -535Richard Moody  4   -1195Ben Wilson   3   -19Colin Nicol  1   -1187

Havering AVincent Boyle  6   556 Karen Richards  5   320 Calum Edwards   4   362 Karl Kwiatkowski  4   280 

Havering

Sept 5th (6 rounds) Report from Cindy Hollyer

Horrendous traffic jams on the M25 had our emergency number in constant use but eventually all 72 contestants arrived and we only experienced a 20 minute delay in starting. As usual the football pitches and warm sunshine provided an entertaining diversion between games.We had one player entering her first  tournament and  the other players  sharing her  table were aghast to notice that her clock was well over the time limit whilst that of her opponent registered only 10 minutes. As a result many well intentioned players gave her advice on how to use her clock properly and kept a friendly eye on her during the rest of her games. She was a popular winner when she came third in her group. It is appreciated that the players are  responsible  for  their own clocking on but  surely a  little kindness and understanding never goes amiss.

Vince Boyle always fares well at our tournaments and again swept all aside in Div A whilst Paul Carter did the same in Div C.

Havering BSharon Landau   5   337 Phyllis Fernandez   5   231 Sue Ball  5   176 Jayanthi Kannan   4   444 

Havering CPaul Carter  6   299 Michelle Minnaar  5   458 Valery Jansen   4   491 Joan Rees  4   412 

15 TLW 127

The Governor of  the Oil Rich Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria Scrabble Federation wish  to  invite interested Scrabble players to the Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics 2009. Updates on this event will soon be available on the Nigeria Scrabble Website:  www.nigerianscrabble.com   

DATE: 9th-11th October 2009. Arrivals preferably on Thursday 8th or morning of Friday 9th

VENUE: Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Nwaniba Road , Uyo

DICTIONARY: Collins Scrabble Dictionary (CSD) RULES: WSC Rules but with 10 point penalty challenge rule

ROUNDS: 21 games, Modified Swiss Pairings for first 17 games, and KOTH for the last 4 games 

ENTRY FEE: a. International Players (Non Nigerians) - $200 b. Nigerian Players (Rated over 1500) - N8000

Please note that the above fee for international players is payable to Femi Awowade at an account to be provided or at the venue. The fee covers accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) for 4 nights (Thursday – Sunday) and lunch at the venue on Saturday and Sunday. There will be an opening ceremony on Friday 8th; before the commencement of games which will offer small chops. 

Contacts/ Enquiries: a. Chief Toke Aka tokzy7@yahoo.com   b. Femi Awowade  femichamp@yahoo. com 

SCHEDULE:

DAY 1: FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER (5 GAMES) 0800-1200 Registration1200-1300 Opening Ceremony1330-1830 Games 1 - 5

DAY 2 - SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER (8 GAMES) 0830 – 1230 Games 6 – 9 1245 – 1345 Lunch 1400 – 1800 Games 10 - 13 DAY 3 - SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER (8 GAMES)0800 - 1300 Games 14-181300 - 1400 Lunch1415 - 1715 Games 19 - 211700 - Closing Ceremony: Prize Presentation and Dinner with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State

PRIZES:Champion - USD10,000 + Trophy.2nd – 10th positions to share a minimum of $10,000 (Breakdown to be announced soon; just in case more funds can be raised). N.B. 10% of all prize monies will be deducted as tax.

Accommodation: Different  accommodation  plans  are  being  offered  (Details  later). However,  all  international participants do not need to pay any extra fee for accommodation other than the registration fee above. COMMENTS: You can read what Terry Kirk who attended this event last year had to say at: http://games <http://games/> . groups.yahoo. com/group/ uk-scrabble/ message/63263 

Regards, Chief Toke Aka President: Nigeria Scrabble Federation

Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics 2009.

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Collated by Robert Richland

That Was Then

15 years ago:

APSP Newsletter, issue 38, October 1994, editor Hartley Moorhouse

The front page listed the qualifiers for the 1994 NSC Finals in November.   The top 16 rated players went straight into the Finals without having to qualify via the Regionals.   The Editorial noted that “apart from one or two [notable] absences  . . . all the people you would expect to see in the finals are there.”  It then went on to say that “the Nelkon reforms are vindicated”.  This was the first NSC that Philip Nelkon oversaw since he replaced Leonard Hodge as Scrabble clubs co-ordinator the previous year.

Philip also took part in a lengthy interview in this issue; asking the questions was incoming Newsletter editor Hartley Moorhouse.

Meanwhile,  Philip’s wife  Julie  reviewed  a  variant  game  called  “Hot  Spot Scrabble”, created over a 22-year period by a Hawaiian prince called  Joli Quentin Kansil.

There were two new books published;  Darryl Francis’s  “How To Play Better Scrabble” (reviewed by Edna Merrit, aka Martin Reed) and the third edition of “Official Scrabble Words” (OSW3), reviewed by Evan Simpson.  Words about to make their debut included:  BRRR,  GUV,  LUV,  MZEE, QOPH,  RURU,  VEEP,  XU,  YNREH  and the most significant debutant of them all . . . QI.    On its way out (relegated from a contraction to an abbreviation) was OP, but it made a triumphant return five years later in OSW4 (see below).

Reigning WSC Champion Mark Nyman  finished  6th  (and won  $1000)  in the North American Scrabble Open at the Universal Hilton, Los Angeles, in August.  It was Mark’s fifth appearance at the NASO . . . he of course had the added burden of the OSPD word list (the UK switch to SOWPODS was still seven years away) and also the “double challenge” rule.  His report on the event was in this issue.

The Isle of Wight mourned the loss of local player Bill Stock, who helped to form the Scrabble movement on the island in the late 1970s.

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Recent tourney wins included:Jayne MacKenzie  (Melton Mowbray)John Catto  (Lang Toun)Joyce Cansfield  (Oldham)Terry Kirk (Canterbury)Clive Spate  (Festival - Prestige)Tony Davis  (Peterlee)Bob Violett  (Luton)

Top 3 in the ratings (Sep 30th 1994)

1=  Andrew Fisher  1961=  Clive Spate  1963    Phil Appleby  195

Clive Spate ran a 1-day, 8-game round-robin event in Nottingham in August called the “Maid Marian”.  It was the forerunner to the successful twice-yearly Nottingham Nomads event which began the following year and is still going strong 14 years later.

The 1994 BMSC was the biggest to date . . . 170 players (with 74 in Division A).  Russell Byers was the winner, pocketing £750, the biggest BMSC top prize until surpassed in 2009 by the £1000 that Mark Nyman won just recently.

10 years ago

TLW, issue 68, October 1999, editor Paul Golder

The headline on  the  front  page  (with  accompanying pic) was  “ANDREW PERRY 1999 BMSC CHAMPION”.   17 year-old Andrew was also the subject of this issue’s “Twenty Questions” ; he disclosed he’d been playing Scrabble since the age of five, after getting bored with Junior Scrabble after only a week!

Paul Golder reviewed “PC Scrabble”, the first Scrabble game (using OSW) to appear on CD ROM.

Leo Lard Lichens (aka Nicholas Deller)  under the title “I – That’s Your Lot!” gave us a list of 7-letter words with just “ I “ as the solitary vowel; this included DIRNDLS,  SCRITCH  and WHISHTS.

OSW4 was just published.  The newly recruited words included the return of OP (after a 5-year exile during the reign of OSW3) . . . plus  KOI,  SPAM,  LOGIN,  ONLINE,  WEBSITE,  PRINTOUT and INTERTEXT.    

Recent tourney wins:

Steve Perry / Andrew Perry   (Nottingham Nomads OSW)Terry Kirk  (Nottingham Nomads SOWPODS)

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5 years ago

TLW, issue 98, October 2004, editor Alec Webb

This year’s AGM in August welcomed guest speakers Elaine Higgleton and Kay Celtel (from Collins) who were open to questions from the attendees in the wake of Mattel’s announcement of the “Chambers to Collins” switch late in 2003.

Christina French’s “Xtras” section announced two weddings and a birth:Mark Nyman married Helen in Port Meirion in Wales on July 23rd.Another Helen  (Greenaway) married  fellow  Scrabbler Graham Harding  in Wokingham, Berkshire on September 4th.   They share the distinction of having exactly the same birthdays and being born on the same day of the week!

Phil Appleby’s wife Tomoko gave birth to Emma on September 11th, weighing 7lbs 14oz.  Phil had suggested giving Emma the middle names of Molly and Margaret, so that her initials would also be EMMA, but, in Phil’s words . . . “Tomoko looked at me as though I was mad”.

Top 4 ratings (Sep 20th 2004)

1   Mark Nyman  2052   Phil Appleby  204 3= Harshan Lamabadusuriya  1993= Adam Logan  199

Recent tourney wins:

Mark Nyman  (New Malden)Lewis Mackay  (Summer Matchplay)Lorraine Gordon  (Inverness)Chris Hawkins  (Lincoln)Helen Gipson  / Terry  Kirk    (Nottingham Nomads)Amy Byrne / Alan Sinclair  (Scottish Round Robin)Wayne Kelly  (MSO Sunday)Martin Thompson  (MSO  Mon-Tues)

Joyce Cansfield  (BMSC Ladies)Brett Smitheram  (BMSC)Len Moir  (Penrith)Austin Shin  (Havering)

Alan Sinclair / Neil Scott  (Scottish Round Robin)Marion Keatings  (Perth)Philip Nelkon  (MSO Weekend SOWPODS)Simon Carter  (MSO Weekend OSW)Mark Nyman  (MSO Weekday SOWPODS)Tony Killilea  (MSO Weekday OSW)Ruth MacInerney  (BMSC Ladies)Andrew Perry  (BMSC OSW)David Acton  (BMSC SOWPODS)Embert Titmarsh (aka Brett Smitheram) (BMSC Clabbers)

Top 3 ratings (Sep 21st 1999)

1=  David Acton  1971=  Phil Appleby  1971=  Andrew Davis  197

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LETTERSA new thread last time that started on UK Scrabble, it could run and run. If you have something you are proud of or just want to share with others send it in. There will be a prize of a set of Protiles for the best letter printed each edition. Ed

Memorable game Over the past 48 hours I’ve played a couple of friendly games with Mark Nyman, whose family have spent a couple of days with us. In the first, Mark played 5 bonuses in his first 6 moves and won 561-391. In the second game he averaged over 43 points a move - and lost by 217 points. The game was over in 19 moves. I scored 606 in 10 moves, with 6 bonuses (WATERiNG, PREBUYS, RoNDAVEL, REVERTS, DOMINIE and LITIGATE). Six bonuses in a game equals my best ever, and I suspect 60.6 is probably my highest average move score.  Phil Appleby

The Strange World of High Probability Eights

Having decided to try to improve my spotting of high-probability 8-letter words as preparation for this year’s BMSC (a fat lot of good that turned out to be), I was looking at the 500 most frequently-played 8s as listed in the current OSL (pp 624-626). I limited myself to the bottom of page 624 and the first column of page 625, so that’s the 80 most frequently-played 8s, as being about the maximum I had a hope of learning and remembering.

It didn’t take long to notice these words had some unexpected properties. First, only five contain an S. ETAERIOS, OLEARIAS, UNEASIER, ELOINERS and SIDENOTE are the only 8s in the top 80 which have an S.

How can this be? We know that we shouldn’t obsessively hoard an S till we can make a bonus with it, but this seems to indicate that an S is fairly useless. There are far more words listed with an L, for instance, than with an S. Should I stop keeping S’s and start keeping L’s?

One answer could be that this “most frequently-played” list is words most frequently played by a computer. And computer programs tend to be more profligate with S’s and blanks than human players – they’ll play them for just a few more points because they are confident they can get bonuses without them, knowing and being able to spot words like KOREROED and MODIWORT, which we mere mortals might occasionally miss. But 5 out of 80 still seems very low.

It may be that words with an S have more anagrams. A word that has no anagram is (other things being equal) more likely to be played then one that can be anagrammed. You won’t play RETSINAS all that often because you can also play STAINERS, STARNIES, etc, whereas 

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Fred Burford, who will be known to many members of ABSP, will be 90 on the 3rd of December this year.  Fred first joined Bourne Scrabble Club in the Spring of 1994 as a means of helping to keep himself occupied, following the loss of his wife.  He took to Scrabble like a duck to water, and was soon willing to enter local tournaments and then began playing postal Scrabble as well, often playing six or more games at the same time.

Before  long  he was  going  to  tournaments further  afield  and  on  Scrabble  holidays. Always  cheerful,  win  or  lose,  he  made many  good  friends  across  the  country. Unfortunately, following a serious illness two years ago he no longer felt able to continue with  the  holidays,  but,  being  Fred,  and determined not to miss out on his Scrabble, took to playing online instead. 

There will probably be a good many members of ABSP who will want  to  join  Bourne & District Scrabble Club in wishing him a very happy birthday and many more years of good Scrabble.

Happy 90th Birthday Fred

a word like AERATION (the most often-played 8 according to this list) has no anagram so, if that’s the 7 letters + floater you’ve got to play with, that’s the only word you can make.

Another thing that stood out about these 80 words was the high number of vowels in them. Thirty out of eighty, including all the first seven, have 5 vowels. Twelve have 2 A’s and another 12 have 2 I’s. That’s 30% of the top 80 which contain the supposedly kiss-of-death duplicate A or duplicate I. Again, it may be a lack of anagrams helping to propel these words up the list. But it certainly seems that a 5-vowel rack, or 4 on the rack plus one floating, is no barrier to having an 8-letter word.

So, to sum up, it appears that if you want to get a frequently-played 8, the way to do it is get rid of your S’s, and hold on to A and I in the hope that you might pick another one. Everything you knew is wrong!            Barry Grossman

PS And did my studying do me any good? Well, I got TERATOID on a TWS against Helen Gipson, which I might otherwise have missed. Still lost the game, though. 

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YOUTH MATTERSby Karen Richards For  those who don’t know me,  I am the one with a ”down-under” accent  (but do claim Welsh and English ancestry, plus our Crichton family castle in Scotland).    I chair WESPA Youth Committee, and organize the annual World Youth Championships.  My husband will be working in UK for a few years, and I want to help increase youth participation in UK Scrabble during that time.  A WYSC in England would be wonderful, but is not feasible until UK have a significant number of young players.  This year, three young players have been chosen to represent UK – next year, the number should double, with your help. Anyone can do what Paul Cartman is doing – working with a local school, he discovered Joe, and continues to mentor him. Joe has also attended my coaching clinics, where we have worked through basics like rack and board management, devised a word study program, and inspired Joe to play as many tournaments as possible.  If you identify any young person with potential, I am running another coaching clinic in October.  My email is karendrichards@gmail.com. Various initiatives will be evolving, to attract more players of the calibre of those you already have (a)     ABSP will establish selection criteria for future WYSCs, such that young people know what is expected of them, and can aim to meet those requirements. 

(b)     There are hundreds of young players already on the internet, if we can reach them.  Therefore, we will be establishing a Facebook Youth Online Scrabble League (similar to the UK Online Scrabble League) where  there are  regular  tournaments.   This will give young players a taste for tournaments, introduce them to the concept of ratings, and allow them to “meet” each other.

(c)         The youthscrabble.org website will be  further developed as a resource  for anyone wanting to work with young people.  There is some excellent training material on this site – eg, the scoring tutorial and beginners’ tutorial (developed by Graham Wakefield).  These are for anyone wanting to teach absolute beginners.

(d)     Scrabble for young people will be more actively promoted, eg by advertising on T-shirts. If you are involved in recruiting new young players, these shirts are free (they are also free for any young player who ventures into tournament play – they are our best advertisements, as they will hopefully wear the shirt in the company of peers)

(e)     I would like to see a revival of the Schools Championship event.

The  following players  (aged 13  to 15) have been  selected  for WYSC09. Let me congratulate them all, and formally introduce them: 

JESSICA PRATESI: No stranger to you all, she started playing on ISC at 6, and competing at 9 (with her parents). Her favourite subjects are Maths and Physical Education.  She enjoys computer games and watching CSI.  She listed two words as favourites – REQUINS and ZINGERS (obviously loves “heavy” tiles, so watch out when she gets them).

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TIM BUTCHER: First started playing aged 10, and competed in a tournament at 11. His best subject is Maths, and he plays football and badminton. He listed OTARINE as his favourite scrabble word - which is handy, since that is the bonus he is most likely to play over the next 60 years. In the 2007 Schools Championship, Tim finished third behind Austin and Annie. JOE KNAPPER: First started playing

at 12 in a school club, and began competing at 13. Joe plays at home with his father. He loves Maths, and is also a serious badminton player.

To offset some of the cost of flying to Singapore, plus hotel accommodation, these young players will be attempting to raise funds over the next few months. Please support them where possible.

Since taking over the chair of WESPA in March, my first aim has been to get more nations on board. I’m glad to say that the membership register is looking much healthier:See www.wespa.org and click on ‘Associations’.

I see WESPA primarily as a global body, promoting international tournaments and, where possible, adopting a standard that national associations may wish to follow. For instance, we have a common dictionary (apart from North America). The new WESPA Rules have been completed (see under ‘Rules’ on our website) through the hard work of Chris May and his team, and they will be tried out at the WSC and other international tournaments. National associations may wish to adopt them in due course, but time will tell.

My hope is to eventually have a global rating system that all national associations can use, but in the meantime to ensure that WESPA International Ratings are fulfilling their purpose. Stewart Holden will soon be issuing an online questionnaire for all national associations and players to answer on ratings matters.

Eventually it is hoped that WESPA will be able to organise international tournaments, but we need more people on board, willing to deal with organising them, promoting them and obtaining sponsorship.

We will have elections for the WESPA Executive Committee at the Biennial General Meeting to be held in Malaysia during the WSC and countries are being asked to put forward nominees. The ABSP Committee have proposed myself and Stewart Holden on behalf of the ABSP.

Elie Dangoor WESPA Chair

WESPA

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R.I.P.Mary Grylls

Mary was one of the founder members of the Grantham Scrabble Club, which is where I met her about 26 years ago, and it was not too long before we had struck up a friendship that was to take us to many places. Mary drove us to lots of tournaments – both day events and weekenders. She was good company, having a lively wit, good sense of humour, avid interest in people and insatiable appetite for words, scrabble and analyzing her games. She had a photographic memory and was probably the most intelligent woman I have ever met. She encouraged and helped me to improve my game and we engaged in conversations about absolutely anything. She was happy to share her knowledge and did not feel it was beneath her to ask me questions about things which she didn’t know. Even the last time I saw her, on Thursday night, when she was so desperately ill, she wanted to be sure, by pointing on the bedsheet, where various places were in relation to other places because “I just want to be sure I’ve got my geography right.” She wanted to visualize where I was going for the weekend! My three and four letter word books only exist because Mary encouraged me to write them and very kindly helped me by giving freely of her time checking the first issues for errors. Whenever I have had any misgivings about things I have wanted to try, Mary has generously and gently suggested or guided. My club, the EMSC, again only exists because Mary enabled me to believe I could do it. Mary and I used to play fairly regularly at each of our homes until my work commitments became too great and to get back to playing with her was high on my list of priorities once I retired. Sadly, the opportunity has now gone. I once asked Mary if she had ever met a certain player. Without hesitation, she replied that yes, she had played her once about 6 years previously at Cambridge. She set up the Scrabble board to show me what it had looked like and said the player in question had a bonus on her rack, which she had played out in such and such a place (Mary laid it out on the board to show me). She told me what her own rack had been and said if the other player had played her alternative bonus out, Mary could have had a nine timer, and she played that down to show me! What a memory! Those people who knew Mary well will remember her as a fair player and a very pleasant lady. Her death is a sad loss to the scrabble world, her friends and her beloved family of whom she was very proud. I will miss her very much. Lorna Rapley

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4.10.1 Once Player A has indicated the end of his/her turn by pressing the timer, Player B may challenge the play by announcing “Challenge” and neutralising the timer. Player  B  then  legibly writes  on  the provided  slip of paper which word(s) are  being  challenged  and  confirms them with Player A.

If  self-adjudication  is  being  used  for the game, both players should take the action necessary  to  protect  their  tiles from  the  view of  their  opponent  and make their way to the self-adjudication station.  Player  B, who  is making  the challenge,  enters  the word(s)  on  the challenge slip into the computer. Player A then presses the appropriate button to make  the  adjudication,  the  slip  is marked appropriately and both players resume their game.

If  self-adjudication  is  not  being  used for the game, player B should call for a “runner”.

Little Miss Perfect

You probably thought Little Miss P had given up on finding things to complain about. They are not really complaints or she would not keep coming back for more. Rather nice to regard them as items on her wish list. This month’s candidate for the stocks is me, me, me. Not as you might think the world’s no.1 egoist, nor an opera singer warming up. How often do you go to your allocated table to find someone else’s belongings. Glancing at the score sheet for a clue as to the owner, one sees the column headed ME. 

Miss P had had half-inched her trick from someone else, but what a  good wheeze  to  label  all  your playing  equipment with  address labels. Even the most prolific correspondent is happy to find further use for them when the minimum print run is 1,000.

The Rules4.10.2 Once the challenger has neutralised the timer, the decision to challenge cannot be altered unless both players agree that the challenge may be withdrawn. The challenger should immediately write the word(s) being challenged on the challenge slip. Once the challenge  has  been  confirmed  by  both  players and  the challenge has  left  the  table,  the word(s) being challenged may not be altered or added to pressing the timer, Player B may challenge the play by announcing “Challenge” and neutralising  the timer. Player B then legibly writes on the provided slip of paper which word(s) are being challenged and confirms them with Player A.

If self-adjudication is being used for the game, both players should take the action necessary to protect their tiles from the view of their opponent and make their way to the self-adjudication station. Player B, who  is making  the challenge, enters  the word(s) on the challenge slip into the computer. Player A then presses  the appropriate button  to make  the adjudication, the slip is marked appropriately and both players resume their game.If self-adjudication is not being used for the game, player B should call for a “runner”.

Please Note - Both these rules were passed at the AGM with immediate effect.

25 TLW 127

204 Nigel Richards200 0057 Mark Nyman(GM)200 0338 David Webb(GM)199 0158 Ed Martin(GM)195 0497 Andrew Davis(GM)195 1750 Kevin McMahon194 1355 Craig Beevers(GM)194 0147 Helen Gipson(GM)193 0482 Neil Scott(GM)192 0764 Lewis Mackay(GM)192 1427 Mikki Nicholson(Exp)191 0751 Paul Allan(GM)191 Dennis Ikekeregor191 0745 Harshan Lamabadusuriya(GM)189 0007 Allan Simmons(GM)188 0058 Russell Byers(GM)188 1618 Paul Gallen187 0015 Phil Appleby(GM)187 0846 Austin Shin(Exp)187 1570 Adrian Tamas186 1672 Philips Owolabi185 0823 Wayne Kelly(Exp)184 0814 Jared Robinson(Exp)183 0478 Elie Dangoor(Exp)183 Olatunde Oduwole183 1497 Azu Ogbogu183 0005 Brian Sugar(GM)181 0777 Adam Philpotts(GM)180 1220 Theresa Brousson(Exp)180 1428 Martin Harrison180 1000 Stewart Holden(GM)179 0362 Gary Oliver(Exp)179 Chrys Placca178 0770 Jake Jacobs178 0021 Evan Simpson(GM)177 0880 Femi Awowade(GM)177 0202 Penny Downer(Exp)177 0004 Philip Nelkon(GM)176 Evan Cohen176 1368 Phil Robertshaw176 1687 Howard Wilde

176 0041 Gareth Williams(GM)175 1016 John Ashmore175 1423 Calum Edwards174 Gerry Carter174 0014 Di Dennis(GM)174 1191 Neil Green174 1713 Alastair Richards173 0734 Nick Deller172 0914 Vincent Boyle172 1202 Jason Carney172 0045 Barry Grossman(Exp)172 Feargal Weatherhead171 0888 Chris Keeley171 1006 Ross Mackenzie171 0281 Steve Perry171 0049 Bob Violett(Exp)170 1348 Alex_Gboye Balogun170 1460 Paul Burton170 0072 John Grayson(GM)170 0368 Chris Hawkins(Exp)170 1408 Rael Hayman170 Rik Kennedy170 0224 Gary Polhill(Exp)170 1163 David Sutton170 Chris Vicary170 0162 Alec Webb(Exp)169 Toke Aka169 0103 Danny Bekhor169 0006 Darryl Francis(Exp)169 Mark Goodwin169 1419 John Hardie169 1164 Karl Kwiatkowski169 0165 Cecil Muscat169 1102 Paul{England} Richards169 1469 James Rossiter169 1369 Ben Tarlow168 0079 Chris Finlay168 0999 Kay McColgan168 1488 Ed Rossiter168 0428 Kwaku Sapong168 0123 Noel Turner(Exp)167 Andrew Goodwin167 0060 Terry Kirk(GM)

167 0115 Diane Pratesi(Exp)167 1714 Karen Richards167 0226 Alan Sinclair166 0343 Amy Byrne166 0307 Dick Green(Exp)166 0530 George Gruner(Exp)166 0038 Jackie McLeod(Exp)166 1170 Paloma Raychbart165 0199 Graham Harding165 Clement Ikolo165 Paul Nind165 Fidelis Olotu165 0213 Neil Rowley165 1057 Mike Whiteoak164 1120 Anand Buddhdev164 0479 Andrew Roughton(Exp)163 Catherine Costello163 Frankie Mairey163 0111 Neil Talbot163 0810 Linda Vickers163 1674 Ricky Zinger162 1375 Mike Chappell162 Billy Dott162 0836 Chris Fenwick162 0463 Helen Harding162 0609 Bob Lynn162 1268 Abraham Sosseh161 Olakunle Ajayi161 1116 Paul Bassett161 David Delicata161 1203 Greg Kelly161 1746 Dan Sandu161 0088 Sandie Simonis(Exp)161 1649 Paul{Hull} Thompson161 0292 Wilma Warwick160 1486 Ashley Coldrick160 0573 Gary Fox160 0059 Simon Gillam(Exp)160 1243 Doj Graham160 0268 Donna Stanton160 1389 Paul{Tranmere} Thomson159 John Barker

ABSP Ratings(GM) Grand Master, (Exp) Expert

ABSP membership number for members is shown before name

Ratings at 15.09.2009At least 30 games, and at least 1 since 15.09.2008

Prepared by John Grayson

26TLW 127

159 0978 Andy Becher159 0241 Bob Berry159 1221 JOjo Delia159 1429 Stewart Houten159 1228 Mark Lane159 1619 Joseph McGinley159 1510 Jessica Pratesi159 0555 Raymond Tate158 Chris Cummins158 1608 David Holmes158 Raz Naot158 Malcolm Quirie158 0101 Robert Richland(Exp)157 1440 Tim Charlton157 1217 Carolyn Emery157 Ed Garrett-Jones157 0488 Marion Keatings157 Theo Kumi157 0986 Robert Pells157 1032 Kevin Synnott157 0919 Peter Thomas156 0967 Gerard Fox156 Christina French156 0837 Peter Liggett156 0408 Nuala O’Rourke156 0873 Matthew Pinner156 0795 Chris Quartermaine156 0094 Rachelle Winer155 1728 Jerry Humphreys154 0003 Laura Finley154 Alan Georgeson154 1044 Paul Howard154 Brian Jones154 1715 Paul{Austral} Richards154 0790 Margaret Staunton154 1231 David Steel153 1046 Paul Ashworth153 1412 Melanie Beaumont153 1301 Rick Blakeway153 1210 Graham Bonham153 0852 Maureen Chamberlain153 1211 Ian Coventry153 0732 Wanda De_Poitiers153 0793 Joanne Hiley153 Llewellin Jegels153 0154 Mike O’Rourke153 1131 Russell Smith152 1404 Chris Harrison152 0105 Elisabeth Jardine

152 0997 Phil Kelly152 0020 Janet Phillips152 0631 Alison Sadler152 Mario Saliba152 1279 Ben Wilson151 0738 Margaret Armstrong151 Tony Bearn151 0063 Christine Cooper151 1145 Peter Darby151 1466 Suzanne Dundas151 0608 SandraHoffland151 1663 Mihai Pantis151 0229 GrahamWakefield150 1635 Nick Ascroft150 0713 Trish Johnson150 1270 Len Moir150 1380 Anthony Pinnell150 0719 Kate Surtees150 0116 Martin Thompson149 0635 Philip Aldous149 0835 Maurice Brown149 Christine McKenzie149 1691 Wojtek Usakiewicz149 1459 Ronan Webb149 0489 Tom Wilson148 0081 JoyceCansfield(Exp)148 0232 Iain Harley148 Tim Knight148 Timothy Lawrence148 0093 Ruth MacInerney148 0135 David Meadows148 1019 Lynne Murphy148 1123 Chrystal Rose148 0272 Ivan Swallow147 John Balloch147 0069 Moira Conway147 0024 Angela Evans147 Mike Evans147 Stu Harkness147 0471 Anne Hidden147 0923 Teresa Hill147 1743 Naomi Landau147 0480 Anne Ramsay147 0589 Anne Steward147 1273 Peter Winnick147 Richard Woodward146 0534 Caroline Atkins146 0066 Sue Bowman146 Ed Breed146 0124 Ivy Dixon-Baird146 John Dunlop146 1456 Andrew Eames

146 0676 John Garcia146 0688 Lorraine Gordon146 1051 Elizabeth Hull146 Sanmi Odelana146 Lesley Trotter145 0042 Barbara Brown145 0399 Louise Brundell145 1287 Stuart Solomons145 1732 James Squires145 1189 Martin Taylor145 0637 Val Wright144 Graham Buckingham144 0449 Alan Childs144 Chris Downer144 Pinaach Kolte144 0267 Graham Maker144 1269 Richard Moody144 1097 Ronnie Reid144 0876 Evelyn Wallace143 0080 Mary Allen143 0789 Alan Bailey143 0822 Jill Bright143 Alan Catherall143 0840 Rhoda Gray143 0242 Sheila Green143 0100 David Lawton143 Martin Leverton143 0707 Gwynfor Owen143 0028 Lorna Rapley142 1473 Neil Broom142 0254 Ian Burn142 1602 Kim Hands142 1199 Richard Hitchcock142 0084 Pauline Johnson142 1050 Yvonne McKeon142 0161 Margaret Pritchett142 1294 Christine Strawbridge141 0228 Adrienne Berger141 Rose Calder141 0395 Pat Colling141 1262 Ginny Dixon141 Marta Dunsire141 1484 Karen Game141 1413 Geoff Goodwin141 Wendy Lindridge141 Carole Rison141 0476 David Shenkin141 Nicky Vella-Laurenti140 0252 Steve Balment140 1035 Andy Gray

Ratings contd.

27 TLW 127

140 1115 Nick Jenkins140 0414 Jill Jones140 0456 Margaret Keegan140 0035 Lois McLeod140 1198 Maurice McParland140 0458 Eileen Meghen140 0895 David Reading140 0632 Carol{Norwich} Smith140 0422 Carol Stanley140 1149 Jim Wilkie140 1053 Stephen Wintle139 Nick Baker139 1092 Heather Burnet139 Alasdair Dowling139 1519 George Downing139 Eileen Farmer139 Robert Johnston139 1025 Marion Kirk139 0690 Maureen Reynolds139 0996 Kenneth Ross138 0096 Diana Beasley138 Martyn Colebrook138 1591 Mick Healy138 0150 David Longley138 Nola Marrow138 1153 Colin Parker138 1457 Amanda Sodhy138 0624 Lesley Watson137 Jean Bridge137 0469 Tony Davis137 0163 Yvonne Eade137 Alan Guy137 1383 Sarah-Jane Jamison137 0537 Carol Malkin137 0863 Kay Powick137 0291 Sylvia Swaney137 0177 Henry Walton136 Liz Dunlop136 0933 Ann Golding136 Brenda Margereson136 1206 Sarah Wilks135 0419 Michael Baxendale135 Brenda Baxter135 1607 Annie Hawes135 Linda Hillard135 1514 Victoria Kingham135 1770 Tia Knowles135 0523 Kate Leckie135 0077 Joy Lloyd135 Jo Ramjane135 0636 David Williams

134 1559 Joe Bridal134 1005 Verity Cross134 0032 Ron Hendra134 Helen Jones134 0397 Norma Nicholson134 0802 Patricia Pay134 Omri Rosenkrantz134 0029 Marlene Skinner134 0470 Norman Smith134 1468 Kathy Suddick134 1175 Rosalind Wilson133 1631 Jack Anscomb133 David Carrod133 1424 Len Edwards133 Sheila Hinett133 Bryn Packer133 Martin Sheehan133 0775 Pat Wheeler132 Abiodun Adeyemi132 0943 Carol Arthurton132 Gila Blits132 0992 Geoff Cooper132 1693 Rafal Dominiczak132 Terry Jones132 1509 Heather Laird132 1744 Mark Murray132 1511 Colin Nicol132 0236 Hazel Parker132 0423 Alec Robertson132 Evan Terrett132 1320 Rita Todd131 Gillian Ashworth131 0899 Jake Berliner131 Mario Camilleri131 Marian Hamer131 0759 John Harrison131 Peter Hunt131 1479 Bob Jarvie131 0875 Jim Lyes131 1535 Marc Meakin131 0505 Gordon Procter131 Mario Seychell131 0960 Mary Siggers130 1391 Jan Bailey130 Noel Barnes130 1739 Feroza Bartlett130 0682 Janet Bonham130 0061 Lorraine Crouch130 0092 Priscilla Encarnacion130 1282 Barbara Goodban130 Jayanthi Kannan130 1533 Colin Kendall

130 1054 Barbara Lukey130 Mary Oram130 0932 Jill Parker130 Brenda Rodwell130 Pauline Russell130 1504 Andrea Waddington129 0856 Minu Anderson129 0406 Moya Dewar129 1146 Leonora Hutton129 0655 Mary Jones129 0401 Sharon Landau128 0557 Janice Bease128 0511 Samantha Beckwith128 0603 Linda Bradford128 Joe Caruana128 0570 Jean Gallacher128 0975 Jill Harrison128 Jonny Maitland128 0886 Ruth Marsden128 Celine McCart128 1066 Barbara Morris128 Julie Nelkon128 1315 Tanya Robson128 1683 Janet Southworth128 0246 Wendy Tiley127 0922 Barbara Allen127 0639 Esther Bacon127 0924 Linda{Lincoln} Barratt127 1555 Bob Christie127 0718 Pat Friend127 1136 Ted Lewis127 0911 Marie Perry127 Mauro Pratesi127 Fred Rankin126 0330 Viv Beckmann126 1020 Derek Bower126 1455 Angela Burke126 Barbara Dein126 1265 Joy Fox126 0381 Michael Harley126 Paul Heasman126 0443 Ann Pitblado125 Sheila{Perth} Anderson125 Sue Ball125 0544 Marjory Flight125 Tom Sharp124 1765 Beverley Calder124 1305 Jason Goddard124 0776 Peter Hall124 0332 Debbie Holloway124 Angie Jones

28TLW 127

124 Ralph Obemeasor124 1317 Marjorie Struggles124 1003 Sheena Wilson123 Elizabeth{IW} Allen123 Jennifer Clifford123 Phyllis Fernandez123 0009 Sheila Hockey123 Josephine Mayo123 1237 Dorn Osborne123 0829 Kim Phipps122 0849 John Ball122 1158 Wasinee Beech122 1513 Linda Bird122 0493 Kate Boutinot122 1298 Helgamarie Farrow122 1670 David Follows122 0737 Margaret Harkness122 1183 Priscilla Munday122 Brenda Northcott122 Christina Pace122 Liliane Servier122 0248 Jean{Cardiff} Williams121 0512 Etta Alexander121 1373 Stany Arnold121 0110 Liz Barber121 0915 Shirley Chidwick121 1238 Juliet Green121 0715 Barbara Hill121 Dennis Hussey121 1642 Alan Payne121 1738 Heather Roberts120 Harry Beckett120 0579 Sheila Booth-Millard120 0565 Ann Coleman120 1027 Margaret Firmston120 0868 Christine Gillespie120 1169 Yvonne Holland120 1022 Nicky Huitson120 1696 Ena McNamara120 0692 Margaret Seabrook120 0634 Edith Smith120 0826 Elizabeth Terry120 Carole Wheatley120 0356 Pamela Windsor119 0427 Peter Ashurst119 Alistair Baker119 0518 Eileen Basham119 0257 Syd Berger119 0106 Ian Caws

119 0668 Ceridwen Davies119 0920 Eleanor Dobson119 0402 Sally Fiszman119 0948 Eileen Foster119 Norma Galley119 David Hoyle119 1181 Sue Ison119 0972 Denise Saxton119 0864 Margaret White118 0743 Nora Bain118 1263 Barbara Barker118 0735 Hilary Birdsall118 0854 Joseph Doku118 Mary Doyle118 0572 Val Hoskings118 1064 June Johnstone118 0263 Sheila Jolliffe118 1768 Charles Micallef118 0211 Philippa Morris118 1580 Nigel Sibbett118 1598 Carmen Toscano117 Shirley Angell117 1625 Georgie Burchell117 Terry Corps117 1212 Marjorie Gillott117 1331 Carol Grant117 1729 Paul Harding117 0941 Audrey Harvey117 1089 Vivienne Newman117 0452 Peter Sime117 1666 Brid Ui_Bhriain116 0725 Paul Cartman116 Eileen Douglas116 Ann McDonnell116 Willie Scott116 Dieter Turk116 Maureen Underdown115 1532 Lyn Allcock115 0953 Peter Bailey115 Carmen Dolan115 Paul Dundas115 Lorna Franks115 0736 Molly Lane115 0477 Malcolm Shaw115 1478 Vivienne Stokes115 1253 Philip Turner115 1442 Gordon Winter114 1063 Irene Atkinson114 Irene Catherall114 Georgina Cook114 David French

114 0858 May Macdonald114 Paul Mifsud114 0036 Dot Taylor114 Jo Tebbutt114 0169 Sue Thompson114 Sally Twine114 Pamela Vahed114 1520 Paul Walford113 1752 Carol Bartlett113 Linda Beard113 1049 Ken Bird113 Fran Burling113 1680 Maisie Culpin113 0374 Joy Hodge113 Gail Jarvis113 0917 Nicola Staunton113 Monica Stockwell113 Jane Weston112 1038 Jacquie Aldous112 1503 Maureen Barlow112 Jill Burgess112 1540 Rowan Callaghan112 0107 Joan Caws112 1735 Miles Daniels112 1306 Margaret Emmott112 0420 Marie English112 1113 Christabel Jackson112 Frankie Latham112 Marielouise Mifsud112 0938 Helen Polhill112 1445 Jean Robinson112 Julie Tate112 Cyndy Walker-Firth111 Cecilia Cotton111 1119 Anne Darby111 0442 Agnes Gunn111 1410 Hilbre Jenkins111 Albert Zammit110 1669 Andrea Bailey110 1403 Emma Brown110 Gill Carr110 1029 Tricia Cooper110 Eve Dwyer110 1222 Bronagh Kenny110 0320 Fay Madeley110 0976 Adrian Noller110 Mary Orr110 1675 Mark Smith109 0761 Mary Adams109 1259 Sheila{Rmfrd} Anderson109 Anna Borg

Ratings contd.

29 TLW 127

109 1694 Florence Fontaine109 Sylvia McCulloch109 Barbara McLaren109 1554 Vicky Nelson-Owen109 Elizabeth Ramsay109 Helen Sandler109 0152 Marjorie Smith109 1655 Maria Treadwell109 Sandra Walton108 1686 Angele Andrews108 Marlene Calleja108 1489 Anne Cheesman108 1327 Sonia Cox108 Frans Farrugia108 1525 Caroline Foy108 1007 Margaret Irons108 0185 Lou McMeeken108 0952 Jean Owen107 0928 Iris Cornish107 Les Costin107 Maggie Fleming107 Doug Hill107 1261 Jo Holland107 Anne Lyng107 Sheila Miller107 1640 Nova Williams107 Rosemary Wood106 1207 Hannah Corbett106 1458 June Faulkner106 Barbara Kent106 1574 Ken McGinness106 Moreen Shillitoe106 Pauline Weatherhead106 Julie Wise105 0982 Ron Bucknell105 0384 Mabel Choularton105 1289 Kerry Constant105 Marlene Diskin105 Joan Ellis105 0405 Peter Ernest105 Jean Mainwaring105 1575 Margaret Marshall105 0931 Janet Milford105 Greger Nassen105 1656 Damian O’Malley105 0782 Richard Pajak105 1341 Pamela Sparkes105 1450 Christine Tudge104 0474 Eileen Bradshaw104 Ann Croll104 1200 Caroline Elliott104 Rita Hennessey

104 1112 Peter Johnson104 0791 Rosemary Jordan104 1726 Duncan MacFarlane104 1646 Sylvia Pryce104 0451 Vera Sime104 1552 Charles Tollit104 Sheila Tutt104 1276 Evelyn Wansbrough103 Bridget Busk103 1704 Paul Carter103 Lena Cook103 0486 MarjorieLefley103 1297 Graham Pace103 David Paine103 1641 Helen Rendell103 1448 Joy Rowe103 1118 Remie Salazar103 0357 Jean Shaw103 1171 Susan Thorne103 0818 Rose Wall102 Eileen{Rdng} Anderson102 Matthew Denby102 1340 Paula Docherty102 Joan Everitt102 Pawlu Frendo102 1577 Esther Kasket102 1085 Betty Simmonds102 Judy Young101 Moses Azzopardi101 Dominic Borg101 Joan Rees101 Beryl Shoesmith101 0844 Jan Vokes-Taylor101 0872 Jacqui White100 0709 Betty Benton100 Shirley Cave100 Barbara Etheridge100 Joyce Frost100 1225 Lena Glass100 0798 Peter Lindeck100 0696 Mary Manson100 Marina Mehta100 Renee Paine99 Madelaine Baker99 1235 Rita Barton99 1168 Brian Beaumont99 Sue Bullock99 Jenny Corps99 0298 Mavis Harding99 Anne Lawton

99 1147 Brenda Lock99 1644 Kenneth Lovell99 1304 Linda Moir99 1492 Peggy Moore99 Jeanne Rossiter99 1009 Jenny Sakamoto99 0851 Sheila Smith99 0485 Ann Toft99 Chris Wide98 Jean Buckley98 Paul Grimshaw98 1502 Cathy Poacher97 Florence Davies97 1742 Lee Fisher97 1073 Jenny Harris97 John MacLellan97 1688 Jenetta Mills97 1560 June Peck97 0083 Pat Rockley97 1506 Gill{Norwich} Thompson97 1398 Jill Warren97 0134 Isla Wilkie97 1441 Jean{Ryde} Williams97 Alfred Xuereb96 0527 Dorothy Churcher96 Anne Connolly96 June Lindridge96 1252 Ruth Turner96 1084 RodWinfield95 1767 Martin Byrne95 1248 Margaret Coleman95 Alan Everitt95 Rosemarie Howis95 1734 Olive Martin95 Terry Masterson95 1587 Irene Newberry95 0376 Claire Violett95 1332 Sheila Wyatt95 Pippa Yates94 1548 Viv Bishop94 1104 Hazel Brannan94 1653 Tim Butcher94 0726 Christine Cartman94 Len Choules94 1643 Rhoda Farrington94 Fay Goble94 0783 Barrie Hall94 Gwen Linfoot94 1030 Derek Neath94 1633 Robert Peters

30TLW 127

94 Derek Turner94 1501 Brenda Young93 1465 Doreen Clayton93 0030 Ruby Flood93 Kriss Foster93 1052 Barbara Haggett93 1480 Doreen Jarvie93 Joan Johns93 Jean Masterson93 0935 Ian Whyte93 1523 Kath Williams92 0517 Peter Basham92 Prue Buckingham92 1008 Yvonne Goodridge92 Marjorie Hislop92 1496 Margaret Keeper92 1648 Irene Lawes92 Monica Marden92 Colin StHill92 1454 Janet Watson91 1630 Ted Anscomb91 0985 Carmen Borg91 0526 Keith Churcher91 Dorothy Clark91 1453 Anne Corpe91 Josephine Croasdale91 1176 Gordon Lamb91 1392 Chris Leathem91 Michelle Minnaar91 Esme Norris90 Joyce Hoffbrand90 Paul Roberts90 0564 Jean Stevens90 Rena Waddell90 Joyce Watson89 1524 Malcolm Davis89 Marcia Hall89 Dorothy Henry89 0799 Cindy Hollyer89 John Macdonald89 1267 Margot Montgomery89 0119 Mary Ralfs89 1397 Christine Silvester88 1544 Anne Atherton88 1471 Scott Bowman88 0410 Myra Copleston88 0828 Moira Metcalf88 Jill Russell88 1174 Peter Trembath87 Doreen Searles

87 0900 Amabel Winter86 0683 Mavis Ernest86 0998 Jean Hendrick86 Olive Matthew86 Beryl Trace85 1148 Renee Gilbert85 1703 Christine Harding85 1781 Carol Joahill85 Pat MacLellan85 Judith Puttick85 1390 Maria Raffaelli85 1232 Brett Scaife84 0684 Mary Keevy84 Grace Peel83 1553 Brenda Keast83 0132 Lorna Llewellyn83 Alison Peters82 Pauline Cilia82 1039 Dorothy Edwards82 1616 Iris Grover82 Lionel Howard82 Ovidiu Tamas82 Trevor Warwick82 0871 Fergus Williams81 0359 Vera Allen81 0563 Fred Burford81 Sheila Johnston81 Mona Nobil81 1588 Angela Rigley81 1527 Brian Rowell81 John Wilman80 Jane Craig80 Yvonne Delia80 Eileen Hunter79 Hazel Boddy79 Juliet Collins79 Ed Evans79 Frank Goodier79 1709 Linda Hopley79 Michael Murray79 1698 Olga Robinson79 Margaret Scamell79 1699 Nick Stone78 1733 Kate Carney78 Dorothy Jackson78 1541 Marjorie Lunn78 1727 Anne Lynas78 John McCart78 1405 Elizabeth McNab78 1135 Sylvia Oates77 1143 Letty Burrell77 Marie Cross

77 Ann Gregson77 Keith Woodruff76 Pat Carr76 1759 Margaret{Edbgh} McGhee76 1629 Maggie Shutt75 0908 Ted Anderson75 Hilda Bristow75 1586 Sheila Cresswell75 Teresa Haycock75 1290 Mary Kennedy75 1399 Carol Russell75 Helen Thompson74 1719 Eileen Johnson73 Jil Stein73 1086 Margaret Webb72 1485 Winnie Haston71 Mary Harris71 Millie Ward70 1545 Helen Nelson70 Jane Thomas69 Margaret Cooke69 1712 Felicity Suddick69 Steve Wilkinson68 1779 Joseph Knapper68 Muriel Mortimer68 Barbara Reynolds68 Shirley Stokley67 Joan Murphy67 Michael Slow66 Ann Duncan65 1316 Veronica Baker65 Shelagh Howes65 Peggy Lavender65 1745 Douglas Morris65 Helen Tegg63 0949 Barbara Horlock63 1599 Margaret{Fife} McGhee62 1247 Edna Lindeck61 1581 Mollie Allam61 0541 Pamela Brown59 1741 Bill Croft59 Margaret Hallin58 Marion Loewenstein56 1474 Carol Mouncey56 1748 Connie Walton54 1740 Zandra Begg54 Sonia Russell51 Jody Petrie50 1614 Simon Rosenstone50 Beryl Thacker

Ratings contd.

31 TLW 127

ACROSS THE BOARDCollated by Ben Wilson

31 WTLLW 127WW

This issue’s planned ‘Masters Special’ has been usurped somewhat by the excitement of theBMSC... and I’m not referring to the AGM. The championship-deciding game betweenGrand Masters and former BMSC champions Mark Nyman and Harshan Lamabadusuriyahas been described by many- myself included- as an absolute classic. I had the honour ofsitting next to Mark as he made the plays that clinched his twenty-first major Britishchampionship win, and can testify to just how tense the atmosphere was.

This month’s guest annotator is Phil Appleby.

Going into the final round of the 2009 BMSC, these were the positions:

1. Mark Nyman 16-3 +1711

2. Harshan Lamabadusuriya 15-4 +1614

3. Ed Martin 15-4 +1058

In Round 19 Harshan had beaten Mark by 110 points, setting up an exciting finale; he nowneeded to beat Mark again, this time by 49 points or more, to win the BMSC.

Harshan 1: AAAIRTZ

Not a great opening rack. Ideally Harshan would like to play a 5-letter word containing theZ, but there aren’t any, so he settles for RIZA at g8a. Quackle likes ZA at h8a slightly better.

RIZA g8a 26 26

Best: ZA at h8a – Equity loss: 3

Mark 1: EMMQUYY (-26)

I suspect everyone in the tournament would play the same move with this rather odd-looking rack. QUAY is the only sensible move.

QUAY j6d 36 36 [Best]

Harshan 2: AAT INV? (-10)

A great pick-up for Harshan, and he spots the optimal bonus play.

VANITAs d10a 77 103 [Best]

Mark 2: EMMY IOL (-67)

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32TLW 127

There are really two possibilities here – TIMELY at h10d for 42, or YOMIM at k3d for 39.YOMIM keeps the board a little tighter, and despite Harshan’s early bonus that might havebeen on Mark’s mind; as it happens, YOMIM appears to be the best move regardless of thescore.

YOMIMk3d 39 75 [Best]

Harshan 3: EEJKRUW (+28)

In terms of which tiles to play off, ideally you’d be looking at JUKE, but there’s nowheresensible to play it. The hot-spot on the board is the top right, with plenty of options parallelto YOMIM. JEW at l2d for 41 is an obvious choice, splitting up the awkward UWcombination. However JURE at l2d for 35 simulates better, because of the high-scoringpossibilities it offers next move, involving YUK and ORE. But Harshan finds a better playthan either, involving a 5-letter word that I suspect few players in the room would haveknown.

KREWE l1d 53 156 [Best]

Mark 3: EL EHOTU (-81)

After Harshan’s flying start, Mark must have been starting to have some doubts at this stage.And he confessed afterwards that his move here was influenced by possible events on table2, where Ed Martin was playing Calum Davidson. If Harshan played a high-scoring 9-timer,for example WRECKING for 212, and Ed had a huge win against Calum, Mark could haveended up losing his WSC place. So he chose to block the 9-timer, rather than take the extrapoints available for HELO or HELOT at m3d. As it happens, simulation suggests that thereis very little to choose between the three moves.

KUEH l1a 33 108

Best: HELOT at m3d – Equity loss: 2

Harshan 4: JU HLLLS (+48)

A good pick-up to accompany JU and Harshan would have been in a very strong positionin terms of winning the tournament. Still, at least he can play off two L’s and keep his scoreticking over. LULL at m4d for 16 simulates just 1 point worse, because of its additionaldefensive qualities.

HULL j1d 21 177 [Best]

Mark 4: ELOT AIS (-69)

No choice here – there is just one spot for Mark’s bonus. I wonder if, given his rationale onmove 3, Mark considered just playing off an O, with ZOA at i8d for 19? Given the bonuspotential of the AEILST leave, ZOA simulates just 7 points worse than playing ISOLATE.

ISOLATE a7a 62 170 [Best]

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33 TLW 127

Harshan 5: JLS EIOO (+ 7)

Harshan has three things to thinkabout here: score, potentialcomeback plays from Mark, andrack balance. The highest-scoringplay is JOSH at g1a for 42, but itleaves a vowel-heavy EILO on hisrack. The main danger spots are onthe left side of the board; the I andS are useful floaters for 8-letterwords, and there is potential forhigh-scoring plays on the TWSsuch as FOP at a8a for 45. SIJO ata7d for 33 would remove thedanger, but again the leave is EILO.Harshan sacrifices points in favourof rack balance, with JIAO at e5dfor 22. I would have expectedJOSH to simulate best, but after5,000 iterations SIJO comes outslightly ahead, with JIAO a further3 points back. An interesting

observation about this position is that the S has practically no extra value at this stage ofthe game: there are virtually no S hooks available.

JIAO e5d 22 199

Best: SIJO at a6d – Equity loss: 5

Mark 5: ADFINOP (-29)

Did I mention FOP earlier? Nothing to think about for Mark – maximum points, and apromising ADIN leave.

FOP a8a 45 215 [Best]

Harshan 6: ELOS ERT (-16)

Harshan will feel that he’s been rewarded for his previous, rack-balancing move.

HOSTELER o1d 86 285 [Best]

Mark 6: ADIN ERW (-70)

A very interesting choice... With a 70-point deficit, and needing to avoid defeat by 49points, it must be very tempting for Mark to boost his score with a move such as WANEDat e11a for 37, or TAWIER at h10d for 39. Alternatives that score well, and retain bonuspotential, are WADT at f4d for 28, or WAD at e11a for 29. However Mark opts for an “allor nothing” approach. RAINED is a very powerful leave, and after AW, it combines with 35

Mark Harshan 1 goes here1

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a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o

H K U E HU RL Y EL O WM E

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of the 42 unseen tiles to form a playable bonus, either hooking onto AW, or down the ncolumn. It’s something of a gamble – the single most likely tile for him to pick up is E,which will leave him with nothing. In short, Mark’s next pick-up could determine theoutcome of the whole tournament.

AW e10d 10 225

Best: WADT at f4d – Equity loss: 2

Harshan 7: ABENTVX (+60)

Harshan has an ideal move to block the AW opening, score well, and balance his rack. IfMark doesn’t have a bonus, Harshan is pretty much home and dry.

VEXT d12a 34 319 [Best]

Mark 7: ADEINR I (-94)

But Mark does have a bonus, and plays it for the maximum score.

DENARII n5d 73 298 [Best]

Harshan 8: ABN ANPR (+27)

Choices are very limited for Harshan. The best moves involve plays down the f column,involving JA. Harshan plays BRANT for 22 to maximise turnover, and it looks like a finemove to me. However, for some reason the move that simulates best, by some distance, isBANT in the same spot for 1 point less. Why? I can only assume that PARN goes very wellwith the vowels, but the simulation results do seem odd to me. Note that it’s important toretain the P rather than the B, for the UM-P hook.

BRANT f3d 22 341

Best: BANT at f4d – Equity loss: 5

Mark 8: ACEGOST (-43)

Lots of choices, all over the board. The highest-scoring play is SOCAGE at o10d for 40, butthere are a lot of nice tiles left in the bag and maybe Mark doesn’t want to be opening upat this stage, given that his primary objective is to avoid losing by 49 points or more. If therewere better bonus openings, playing off GO with EGO at n1d for 16 might be a good play;CASTE is a lovely leave. Then there are the moves that score reasonably well and retainbonus potential: Mark’s choice of GOTH at g1a for 24, COTH in the same spot for 27, orCAGOT at m6d for 28. I rather like CAGOT. It reduces the deficit to 21, and might forceHarshan into creating an opening that Mark will benefit from.

GOTH g1a 24 322

Best: SOCAGE at o10d – Equity loss: 4

Harshan 9: ANP DEN? (+25)

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35 TLW 127

Harshan couldn’t have PLANNED it better! The only other playable bonus is PENDANt inthe same spot for 77, but rightly Harshan doesn’t want to provide an S hook for Mark.

PlANNED l7d 75 416 [Best]

Mark 9: ACES GST (-94)

Mark is in big trouble, but finds a highly imaginative play. Mark must give Harshansomething to think about, and with both S’s on his rack, SCAG does just that. Knowing thathe’ll win the tournament if he loses by less than 49, Mark sets up a juicy S hook, hopingthat Harshan won’t be able to block it.

It’s interesting that SCAG wasn’t in Quackle’s list of plays, even with its most advanced“Championship player” setting; yet when the move is simulated, it gives the best winningchance. A tribute to the quality of Mark’s analysis and choice of move.

SCAG o11d 12 334 [Best]

Harshan 10: BCDEIOU(+82)

There are now 5 tiles leftin the bag. If Harshan’sonly concern was winningthe game, ODIC at k11dfor 24 would fit the billperfectly. It takes him 106points clear, and kills offthe chance of a hugecomeback bonus for Mark.But when Harshan’sobjective is to win by 49points or more, things area little different. AfterODIC, Mark could playsomething like FIGS atl15a for 60, and then it’sall down to the endgame –and with the B and C onhis rack Harshan might be

struggling to play out in two, which would make Mark the big favourite to take the BMSCtitle.

At this stage, I’m going to stop including Quackle’s analysis, which rates moves by theirwinning percentage. ODIC wins every time, but would COG win a higher percentage ofgames by the required 49 point margin?

COG m14a 12 428

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Mark 10: EST ADOR (-94)

Mark’s dreams of TROADES or DOATERS for 101 have been dashed, but all hope is not yetgone. The unseen tiles are BDEEFGIINU. Mark needs to keep the pressure on Harshan, andhas the perfect move to do so. DOC at m12d for 21 might well force Harshan to play alow-scoring blocking move, giving Mark the possibility of a two-move play-out that reduceshis losing margin to a figure below the critical 49 points.

DOC m12d 21 355

Harshan 11: BDEIU FN (+82)

The unseen tiles are AEEGIRST. From Harshan’s perspective, what can Mark do? Let’sconsider the possibilities, depending on which tile is in the bag:

• A: No bonus plays

• E: AIGRETS/GAITERS/TRIAGES/TIRAGES at g15a, or GRATIFIES at a3d

• G: No bonus plays

• I: ERGATES at g15a

• R: No bonus plays

• S: No bonus plays

• T: No bonus plays

So if the last tile is an E (a 25% chance), there is nothing Harshan can do. Whatever heplays, Mark will have a bonus that will reduce the winning margin to less than 49. If thelast tile is an I, Harshan must block DOC-S. But will blocking alone, with OF at n14d,guarantee the win? Let’s find out…

OF n14d 5 433

Mark 11: AERST EI (-78)

Brilliant play by Mark. He finds the only tournament-winning play.

SERE m3d 40 395

Harshan 12: BDEINU G (+38)

Harshan plays the optimal move, but it’s not quite going to be good enough.

GIBBED c3a 26 459

Mark 12: AIT (-64)

With 2 1-point tiles on Harshan’s rack, Mark needs to score 12 points to win the BMSC,and duly does.

ITA k11d 18 413

Final score: Harshan 457 Mark 415

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37 TLW 127

Stewart Holden Peter Thomas

Could Harshan have done anything to prevent Mark reducing the margin to below 49points? Well yes, as it happens he could. Instead of OF on move 11, ENUF at k11d wouldhave done the trick. But would you have known that ENUF doesn’t take an S? ENOUGHdoes. And if ENUF did take an S, Mark would gleefully have played AERIEST/ENUFS for amuch more relaxed tournament win.

All in all, a fantastically exciting and well-played game, and a fitting climax to the ABSP’sflagship event.

Moves to be proud of

Kathy Suddick

Could Harshan have done anything to prevent Mark reducing the margin to below 49points? Well yes, as it happens he could. Instead of OF on move 11, ENUF at k11d wouldhave done the trick. But would you have known that ENUF doesn’t take an S? ENOUGHdoes. And if ENUF did take an S, Mark would gleefully have played AERIEST/ENUFS for amuch more relaxed tournament win.

All in all, a fantastically exciting and well-played game, and a fitting climax to the ABSP’sflagship event.

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38TLW 127

Cock o’ the North (Coventry) (22 games)Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th OctoberContact Len Moir

0151 606 1112

Bournemouth (7 games)Sunday 4th October Contact Ruth Marsden

01202 707148Emergency number on day only

07720 949 825Venue Rooper Hall, 5 Victoria Park Road,

Moordown, BournemouthRegistration 09:30 First game 10:10 Departure 17.30Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.00 for ABSP member £15.00 for Non-ABSP member Cheques payable to Bournemouth Scrabble Tournament and sent to Ruth Marsden, 27 Spencer Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, BH13 7ET

Four Nations (invitation only)Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th OctoberContact Wayne Kelly

Edinburgh Open (6 games)Saturday 10th OctoberContact Margaret Harkness

0131 440 3649Emergency number on day only

07804 889468Venue Carlton Bridge Club, 36b Warriston Gdns

Edinburgh EH3 5NERegistration 09:45 First game 10:45 Departure 18.00Light lunch included. Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £16.50 for ABSP member £18.50 for Non-ABSP member Deduct 50p if you are able to bring a clockCheques payable to Margaret Harkness – Edinburgh Open and sent to Margaret Harkness, 2 Fowler Crescent, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9RX

Salisbury (7 games)Sunday 11th October Contact Bob Lynn

01722 325623Emergency number on the day

07718 189630 Venue Winterbourne Glebe Hall, Vicarage Lane,

Winterbourne Earls, Salisbury SP4 6HADivisions/prizes 9 8-player round robins + recreational division (max 10)Registration 9.00First game 10.00 Departure 17.30Tea/coffee and biscuits available throughout the dayEntry costs: £14.00 For ABSP members £16.00 for all othersDeduct 50p if you are able to bring and lend a timerCheques payable to Robert Lynn Scrabble a/c and sent to Bob Lynn, 4 George Street, Salisbury, SP2 7BA

Ramsgate Round Robin (15 games)Tuesday 13th – Thursday 15th OctoberContact Len Moir

0151 606 1112

Lothersdale Hotel, H-B MorecambeFriday 16th– Monday 19th October Contact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Israeli Open (20 games)Friday 16th – Sunday 18th OctoberContact Evan CohenEmail evan@post.tau.ac.il

Cheadle (15 games)Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th OctoberContact Amy Byrne

0131-661-3869

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Compiled by Steve Perry

39 TLW 127

Three Counties Hotel , Hereford (14 games)Friday 30th October– Monday 2nd NovemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661-854336

Elgin (6 games)Saturday 31st OctoberContact Lorraine Gordon

01466 794332Emergency number

07949 460237Venue Elgin Community Centre, Trinity Road, ElginRegistration 09:45 First game 10:30 Departure 17.452 Divisional tournamentTea/Coffee available on arrival and after the final game. 2 course lunch providedEntry costs: £16.00 for ABSP member £18.00 for Non-ABSP member Cheques payable to Elgin Scrabble Club and sent to Lorraine Gordon, Glenview, Corvichen, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 6JD

Peterborough New Player Event (6 Games)Sunday 1st NovemberContact Ben Wilson

01522 687077Emergency number on the day

07857 519807Venue Millfield Community Centre 439 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2PEA one division, swiss-paired tournament of 6 games. Entry will only be permitted to players who have played fewer than 15 ABSP-rated games and have either no rating or are rated under 130. All games will be played to five-point penalty challenge rulesRegistration 9.00First game 10.15 Departure 18.00Tea/ coffee and biscuits available before the start and in between games.Entry Costs: £5.00Cheques payable to Mr B J Wilson and sent toBen Wilson, 7 Penney Crescent, North HykehamLincoln, LN6 9RJ

Luton (7 games)Saturday 7th NovemberContact Adrian Noller

01582 656234Emergency number on day only

07753 143262Venue Whitefield Junior School, Stockholm

Way, Luton LU3 3SSRegistration 09:20 First game 10:10 Time of departure 18.00Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.00 for ABSP member £15.00 for Non-ABSP member Cheques payable to A. P. Noller and sent to Adrian Noller, 1 Wendover Way, Luton LU2 7LS

Glasgow (6 games)Saturday 7 November 2009Contact Tom Wilson

01324 832257Emergency number on the day

07789 442051Venue Crosshill Church Hall, Airbles Street,

Motherwell ML1 1XEDivisions/prizes 2/3 according to entriesRegistration 9.45First game 10.30 Departure 17.45Morning/afternoon tea/coffeeEntry costs: £9.50 For ABSP members £11.50 for non-membersCheques payable to Glasgow Scrabble Club Tournament a/c, and sent to Mrs Mary Jones, 40 Riverside Park, Netherlee, Glasgow G44 3PG

Stoke (22 games)Friday 13th – Sunday 15th NovemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420

Vectis (5 games)Isle of Wight (11games)Friday 13th – Sunday 15th NovemberContact Noel Turner

01983 614426

40TLW 127

Cairn Hotel, Harrogate (14 games)Friday 20th – Monday 23 NovemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Winter Matchplay, Milton Keynes (14/15 games)Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd NovemberContact Mike Willis

07976 256554

Nailsea (7 games)Saturday 28th November 2009Contact Jason Goddard

01275 390758Emergency number on the day

07881 956520 Venue Cleeve Village Hall, Main Road,

Cleeve, BS49 4PHDivisions/prizes according to entriesRegistration 9.15First game 10.00 Departure 18.30Tea/coffee and biscuits available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.00 For ABSP members and

Nailsea club members £15.00 for all othersDeduct 50p if you are able to bring and lend a timerCheques payable to Jason Goddard and sent to 40 Pennant Place, Portishead, Somerset, BS20 7AA

East Yorkshire (7 games)Saturday 5 December Contact Andrew Goodwin

01482 872405Emergency number on the day

07912 539560Venue Beverley War Memorial Hall. Lairgate.

Beverley. HU17 8HNDivisions/prizes according to entriesRegistration 9.00First game 9.30 Departure 18.00Tea/coffee and biscuits available at intervals during the dayEntry costs: £10.00 For ABSP members and

organising/Hull club members £12.00 for all othersDeduct £1 if you are able to bring and lend a timerCheques payable to Andrew Goodwin, and sent to 105 Mintfields Rd Beverley, E Yorks. HU17 0QZ

Cheltenham (15 games)Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th DecemberContact Amy Byrne

0131 6613869

Twixmas, Crewe (15 games)Tuesday 29th – Wednesday 30th DecemberContact Amy Byrne

0131 6613869

UK Open (Coventry) (38 games)Monday 4th – Friday 8th January 2010Contact Len Moir

0151 606 1112

Isle of Wight Charity (16 games)Friday 8th – Sunday 10th January 2010Contact Noel Turner

01983 614426

West Berks (7 games)Saturday 16th January 2010Contact Ian Burn

0118-984-5045Venue The Barn, Beech Road, Purley-onThames,

Berks, Registration 9.30 First game 10:00 Departure 18.30Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.00 for ABSP member £15.00 for Non-ABSP member Deduct 50p if bringing a clockCheques payable to West Berks Scrabble Club Tournament A/c and sent to Ian BurnValley View, 92 Purley Rise, Purley-on-Thames, Berks, RG8 8DH

Pitlochry Sunday 17th – Wednesday 20th January (14 games)Wednesday 20th – Friday 22nd January (9 games)Contact Wilma Warwick

0131 6697316

Northern Ireland Championship (13 games)Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th January 2010Contact Sarah-Jane Jamieson

02890 868042

41 TLW 127

Chester (17 games)Friday 29th – Sunday 31st January 2010Contact Kathy Rush

01928 733565

West Sussex (6 games)Sunday 31 January 2010Contact Peter Hall

01903 775396Emergency number on day only

07724 545641Venue The Woodland Centre, Woodlands Ave,

Rustington, West Sussex, BN16 3HX Registration 10:00 First game 10:20 Departure 17.45Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.00 for ABSP member £15.00 for Non-ABSP member

Deduct 50p if you bring and are prepared to lend a clock

Cheques payable to Rustington Scrabble Club and sent to RSC, c/o Peter Hall, 34 Lawrence Ave, Rustington, West Sussex, BN16 3HX

Nottingham Nomads (16 games)Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th FebruaryContact Clive Spate

0115 9200208

Darlington (15 games)Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st FebruaryContact Amy Byrne

0131 6613869

Grand Hampshire Open, Andover (6 games)Sunday 21st February Contact Alan Bailey

02392-384360Emergency number on day only

07763-894738Venue Sports Hall, John Hanson School, Floral

Way, Andover, SP10 3PBRegistration 09:15First game 10:15 Departure 17:15Tea/Coffee available throughout the day. Entry costs: £13.50 for ABSP member £15.50 for non-ABSP memberCheques payable to Andover & District Scrabble Club and sent to Alan Bailey, 84 East Lodge Park, Portsmouth, PO6 1AQ

Eastbourne (20 games)Friday 26th – Sunday 28nd FebruaryContact Amy Byrne

0131 6613869

Leicester (6 games)Saturday 27th February 2010Contact Alison Sadler

01509-550797Emergency number on day only

07773-629118Venue St. Peter’s Church hall, Church Road,

Glenfield, Leicester. LE3 8DPRegistration 09:15First game 10:00 Departure 17:45Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £11.50 for ABSP member £13.50 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing clock which you are prepared to lend. Cheques payable to Leicester Scrabble Club and sent to Alison Sadler, 31 Kenilworth Avenue, Loughborough, LE11 4SL

Blackpool (14 games)Friday March 5th – Monday March 8thContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

New Malden (7 games)Saturday 6th March 2010Contact Maggie Fleming

020 8337 8111Emergency number on day only

07995 090101Venue Christ Church Centre, Coombe Road, New Malden, KT3 4RERegistration 09:15 – 09:45First game 10:00 Departure 17:454/5 divisional tournament Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £14.00 for ABSP member £16.00 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing clock which you are prepared to lend. Cheques payable to Elizabeth Terry Tournament a/c and sent to Maggie Fleming, 10 Manor Way, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7PH

42TLW 127

Harrogate 160+ 5pp (15 games)Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th MarchContact Amy Byrne

0131 6613869East Sussex (6 games) Saturday 13th March Contact Ed Breed

01424- 19334Venue Hailsham Community Hall, Vicarage

Lane, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 7AE

Registration 09:00First game 10:00 Departure 17:452/3 divisional tournament Tea/Coffee available on arrival and throughout the day.Entry costs: £13.00 for ABSP member £15.00 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing clock which you are prepared to lendCheques payable to East Sussex Scrabble Tournament, and sent to Ed Breed, 19 Magdelen Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, TN40 1SB

Swindon (7 games)Sunday 14th March Contact Steve Perry

01367-244757Venue St Joseph’s Catholic College, Ocotal Way,

Swindon, SN3 3LRRegistration 09:00First game 10:00 Departure 18.154/5 division tournament Tea/Coffee available on arrival and throughout the day.Entry costs: £13.50 for ABSP member £15.50 for non-ABSP memberCheques payable to Steve Perry and sent to29 Elm Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7EJ orPaypal to sperry123@talktalk.net (please send confirmatory email with standard information and pay credit/debit card charges)

Southsea (14 games)Friday 19th – Monday 22nd MarchContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Glevum/ Easter Matchplay Friday 2nd – Monday 5th April 2010Contact Ronnie Reid

01256 895690

Aylesbury (7 games) Saturday 17th April 2010Contact Janet Bonham

01296-483717Venue Stoke Mandeville Village Community

Centre, Eskdale Park, Eskdale Road, Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UJ

Registration 09:15First game 10:00 Departure 17:453/4 divisional tournament Tea/Coffee available 9.30 onwardsEntry costs: £13.00 for ABSP member £15.00 for non-ABSP memberCheques payable to Aylesbury Scrabble Club Tournament Account, and sent to Janet Bonham, 14 Earlswood Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7PG

Newcastle (7 games)Saturday 17th AprilContact Rona Falconer

0191 273 8473Venue West Denton Community Association,

Hillhead Road, Newcastle-upon-TyneRegistration 09.00First game 10:00 Departure 17.45Refreshments available most of the day, food facility not expected to be open at the venueEntry costs: £13.50 for ABSP member £15.50 for non-ABSP memberCheques payable to ‘Newcastle Scrabble Club’, and sent to Rona Falconer, 18 Nuns Moor Crescent, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 9BE

Havering Evergreens – Over 50’s (6 games) Saturday 24th April Contact Cindy Hollyer

01277 822050Venue St John’s Church Hall, Church Road,

Mountnessing, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0RH

Registration 09:30 First game 10:00 Departure 18:00Tea/Coffee available at points during the day but lunch is not provided.Entry costs: £12.50 for ABSP member £14.50 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing clock you are prepared to lendCheques payable to Havering Scrabble Club and sent to Cindy Hollyer, 78 Peartree Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0RH

43 TLW 127

Bourne (7 games) Sunday 25th April Contact Betty Benton

01778 425234Venue Bourne Corn Exchange, 3 Abbey Road,

Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9EFRegistration 09:15First game 10:00 3 divisional tournament Entry costs: £13.50 for ABSP member £15.50 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing clock which you are prepared to lendCheques payable to Bourne & District Scrabble Club and sent to Betty Benton, Walnut Farm,Twenty, Bourne, Lincs PE10 0BH

Bournemouth Spring (7 games)Sunday 9th May Contact Ruth Marsden

01202 707148Emergency number on day only

07720 949 825Venue Rooper Hall, 5 Victoria Park Road,

Moordown, BournemouthRegistration 09:20 First game 10:00 Departure 17.30Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.50 for ABSP member £15.50 for Non-ABSP member Cheques payable to Bournemouth Scrabble Tournament and sent to Ruth Marsden, 27 Spencer Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, BH13 7ET

Malta (20 games) 5 point penaltyFriday 14th – Sunday 16th MayContact Theresa Brousson

0035699496970email tesscam@maltanet.net

Morecambe (14 games)Friday 14th – Monday 17th MayContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Anglesey (14 games)Friday 11th – Monday 14th JuneContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Bournemouth (14 games)Monday 25th – Monday 28th JuneContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Harrogate (14 games)Friday 2nd – Monday 5th JulyContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Southport (14 games)Friday 23rd – Monday 26th JulyContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

New Malden (7 games)Saturday 24th July Contact Maggie Fleming

020-8337-8111Emergency number on day only

07995-090101

Venue Christ Church Centre, Coombe Road, New Malden, KT3 4RE

Registration 09:15 – 09:45First game 10:00 Departure 17:454/5 divisional tournament Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £14.00 for ABSP member £16.00 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing clock which you are prepared to lendCheques payable to Elizabeth Terry Tournament a/c and sent to Maggie Fleming, 10 Manor Way, Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7PH

44TLW 127

Nottingham Nomads (16 games)Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th AugustContact Clive Spate

0115 9200208

Wetherby (7 games) Sunday 15th August Contact Anne Hidden

01937-573053Venue Collingham Memorial Hall, Main Street,

Collingham, Wetherby, LS22 5ASRegistration 09:30First game 10:00 Departure 18.153 divisional tournament Entry costs: £14.50 for ABSP member £16.50 for non-ABSP memberDeduct 50p if bringing a clock which you are prepared to lendCheques payable to Anne Hidden and sent toAnne Hidden, 245A Woodfield Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 4JE

Scarborough (14 games)Friday 10rd – Monday 13th SeptemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Southsea (14 games)Friday 17rd – Monday 20th SeptemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Bournemouth Autumn (6 games)Sunday 3rd October 2010Contact Ruth Marsden

01202 707148Emergency number on day only

07720 949 825Venue Rooper Hall, 5 Victoria Park Road,

Moordown, BournemouthRegistration 09:20 First game 10:00 Time of departure 17.30Tea/Coffee available throughout the dayEntry costs: £13.50 for ABSP member £15.50 for Non-ABSP member Cheques payable to Bournemouth Scrabble Tournament and sent to Ruth Marsden, 27 Spencer Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, BH13 7ET

Israeli Open (20 games)Friday 8th – Sunday 10th OctoberContact Evan CohenEmail evan@post.tau.ac.il

Oxford (14 games) Friday 15th – Monday 18th OctoberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Hereford (14 games)Friday 29th November – Monday 1st DecemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

Harrogate (14 games)Friday 26th – Monday 29th NovemberContact Viv Beckmann

0191 274 2420or John Harrison

01661 854336

TLW 127

SOLUTIONS

Moves to be proud of -

Peter played IDIOCIES as a 4-timer and Stewart  played DIMINUTIVE  through  3 disconnected letters.

Membership fees for 2010 should reach me before Christmas if possible as the year end for banking purposes is 31st December. Renewal slips are in this issue of TLW. The easiest way is via the ABSP website:

http://www.absp.org.ukUsing the Paypal function on the site is very easy and completely safe. More traditionally you can join or renew by sending your details and a cheque for £15 to Anne Ramsay, membership secretary, made payable to ABSP to:

ABSP, 8 Glen Clova Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY2 6UL If you wish to write to Anne her email address is anne.ramsay@blueyonder.co.uk

or telephone: 01592 640130