Respect The Rules
The first versions of the game of scrabble came with a cardboard, fold-up board and wooden tiles in a box, with a few rules of how to play the game, printed on the inside cover of the box in which it was packed. Later on as many people began to play the game more competitively, each household made up their own home rules and picked their own dictionary as a word judge. Most family and friends abided by those standards when they played at your house; some argued that the rules were different at their home and some battles occurred (the most famous battle being between Funk & Wagnalls). Still later on, when the NSA (National Scrabble Association) came on the scene, a more complete set of rules was developed to standardize play. As clubs formed across the land they all used the same rules and word source (OSPD). When a club player traveled, he/she could attend clubs in other cities and know that the rules and dictionary would be the same as at their local club.
Over the years the number of official rules has grown from just a few into a 30 page document. How could that be? Simple. Each time some issue came up in club or tournament play, rather than leaving it to different interpretations by different directors, the NSA Rules Committee wrote a new rule. Today, even the most basic questions about scrabble play are covered in the ‘Official Rules’. Some rules explain: How do you decide who goes first? What are the steps in completing your turn? How much time do you have to make your play? Are you permitted to track tiles? When is the game officially over?
People who only play occasionally may not care a hoot about the rules. Some home players allow you to reuse the blank, by capturing it by replacing it with a tile for which it was designated. Some home players, who like to play long words, play the game with 9 tiles on their racks. And the variations go on.
But if you play at an NASPA CLUB, you can be certain that the official rules and word lists will be the standard. CLICK HERE for a copy of The Official Rules For Scrabble.
Knowing the RULES, adhering to them and holding your opponent accountable to following the rules can earn you a few extra wins along the way.
Did you know that after the first play is on the board, if there are 6 consecutive turns with ‘zero points’ (passing, exchanging tiles, a word challenged off the board) then the game is over?
Did you know that when drawing tiles out of the tile bag, the bag should be held above eye level (to insure that there is no peeking while drawing tiles)?
Respect the rules.