…with Gary Moss

Most often the problem in finding solutions doesn’t lie in the toughness of the question. Getting to the answer usually lies within the motives and openness of the guy/gal seeking the solution.

I’ve been ‘tweeting’ on TWITTER for a few weeks now. I’m most interested in other people’s tweets about scrabble. As a result, I have formed a mental picture of the people who struggle with the game, and then give it up in frustration, claiming to be ‘just poor spellers’.

Most people think that scrabble is simply a game about words and being a good speller. Surprise, that is not the truth. Often, what seems to be obvious can be deceiving. Actually, the game uses words and spelling, but is won with math, probability strategies, and memory.

Most people are enticed by instant gratification. They receive a new scrabble game for Christmas, tear off the wrapping, set up the board, and begin trying to play. They may have never stopped to read the rules of the game, because it is seems obvious how to play. You simply build words in crossword fashion, Right?

Over the last 20 years, I have taught and coached dozens of motivated scrabble wannabes who went on to move up in the ranks among competitive scrabble players. With your hard work and the proper guidance, you too can soar.

There is no magic pill. There is no silver bullet.

Some people catch on quickly. Others take longer to achieve the vision of the board.

For most, it is harder to break a bad habit than to establish a new one. Scrabble players who come to club for the first time, usually have a lot of bad scrabble habits. If and when they choose to see things differently, they thrive.

Do you know those people who are always telling you how they do it, or how they used to do it? Generally, they resist change. They rarely adapt to anything different from their past. (Never marry or hire one of those people.)