Ever wish you could change the rules in Scrabble to include more blank tiles or made-up words? Here's your big chance: Scrabble for Cheaters, "a tournament of verbal smarts and fraudulence," is now accepting entries for two-person teams. For a paltry $50 you can buy your team any vowel; for $250 you can add a Q, X, or Z. All proceeds benefit 826NYC, a nonprofit organization that helps kids ages 6 to 18 become better writers.
The rules:
- Each team must have 2 players.
- Each team must have a team name.
- Each team must dress like a team on the day of the tournament.
- Each team must arrive at least 30 minutes before noon on the day of the tournament.
- Each cheat may only be used once. Cheats will be issued on tournament day.
- If you can't stand the blatant deception, trash talking, and foul play, try Yahtzee.
- Turns are timed. You have 2 minutes to play a word. Games are over after 1 hour.
- Cheating is highly encouraged.
- Winner must gloat.
The contest will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at noon, in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Limited to 32 teams, but you can also participate by sponsoring a team.
I'm not planning to fly across the country to compete, but if 826 Valencia (which is affiliated with 826NYC) ever decides to hold a Bay Area tournament, my cheatin', gloatin' heart will be there.
(Via Jason Kottke.)
(Image, via Adverblog, from a 2006 French ad campaign promoting the national Scrabble tournament. I want a framed poster!)