Competitive scrabble in Ireland
Playing on the internet is all well and good, but nothing can beat sitting down face to face
and seeing if you have what it takes!
People are playing in increasing numbers in clubs, one-day events and
two-day events held regularly in various parts of the country.
Competitive scrabble is just that. Competitive! So you can beat your mother, sister
and your clever pals ... see how good you really are and stretch your limits!
Where ?
Look at the club section, scan the internet, there's somewhere near you !
Dublin, Cork, Wexford, Belfast ...
OR ... set up your own club and affiliate to RISPA ! Help is available!
Help !
Everything you need to know is available either within these pages or a few clicks
or a phone call away.
Dictionaries, rules, word lists, computer programs to help you practice and learn.
Information too about equipment and clocks is readily and easily available.
Events
There are now 6 rated scrabble tournaments held each year in Ireland.
Typically these events are held over two days where each player will get to play 12 games
each lasting for at most about 1 hour.
There are regular one day events too, so watch out for these ..
Exciting and fun and your opponents won't get all the blanks and esses!
Format
Currently events are organised in one of two formats.
In Grouped events, players are placed in groups with players of similar ability.
This is determined in advance by ratings, if available, or other evidence of playing ability such as
having played in other jurisdictions. There would normally be 10-14 players in each group.
Open events are, as you might imagine, open to everyone, from seasoned internationals to
to the new competitor. These provide the opportunity to pit your wits and words against
the very best !
Who?
The people who play competitive scrabble in Ireland come from all over the country (and beyond)
and from all walks of life. There are World Championship campaigners, Irish Champions and fellow
scrabblers from the UK and the US!
They are a welcoming and friendly group, although naturally everyone wants to win !
Ratings
Events are officially rated, and the rankings and ratings list is published soon afterwards on
the internet and distributed to Association members.
To get a rating and be included on this list, all you need to do is enter a tournament and PLAY !
Now...
So you know the rules, you know the words, now just go ahead and do it for real !