Breaking the Game

The Depths of Scrabble Strategy

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CSW Preendgame #2

Score: 379-397
Pool: EFILNOOWY

Opponent’s options: k11, row 12, column o plays
Candidate plays: ATRIP 12i/o4, TI 12j, TAPIR 12j/k11, PITTA 12h, TRIP 12j, RIP h10
Potential plays on next turn: AIRPORT

Subgoal: Maximize the odds of outscoring your opponent

Resolution: In Puzzle 2, despite only being down 18 points ATRIP is rarely going to win you the game because of your inability to go out next turn, which is your only chance to outscore your opponent. Your opponent will be able to go out in two and block any of your good plays a very high percentage of the time. Instead, you are better off playing TI, giving yourself two spots to hit the word AIRPORT.

reendgame Database

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