…with Gary Moss

For some, a Mozart concerto is the ultimate. For others it’s the L.A. Lakers. While I enjoy both Mozart and Kobi, there is nothing that lures me more than another game of scrabble. Every game is the same and yet, every game is different. Since ‘qi’ and ‘za’ were added to the OWL2 Dictionary in March 2005, the game has changed dramatically. Few players get stuck with the ‘q’ any longer.
I never imagined, when I first began playing competitive scrabble at clubs, that I would find the pleasure that I do from scrabble. At first I was the fresh meat on the plates of every opponent. But with time and perseverance I expanded my word power and my personal wins grew too.
With as many scrabble players as there are, I still find it amazing that relatively few players know about the local clubs that exist in many communities. When people first find my clubs they are often apprehensive to play, for fear of looking bad. But you’ll find that clubs do not judge newbies harshly. In fact, we applaud first timers for coming out and taking the challenge.
Most people only become good at golf, or bridge, or scrabble after doing it a while. Seasoned players still have their good days and bad days. Did you know that the ‘LUCK FACTOR’ in scrabble is guest-a-mated to be as high as 30%. With that said, ‘The More You Know, The Luckier You Will Become.’
Most major cities and a whole lot of smaller communities are blessed by having scrabble clubs meeting in book stores, at cafes, and community centers. Directors, like myself, facilitate the event and do the pairings and officiating. You’ll find novices to experts playing in most clubs. My advice to you, if you want to improve, is to play against the toughest play in the room, and make mental notes while playing. The sting of losing the game will go away, but the knowledge that you will gain will be priceless.
If you are moved my scrabble. . . PLAY ON THROUGH.