February 2010 - The Last Word Newsletter

P L A Y T H E G A M EGood play, but GULFED or FUGLED E7 20 would also be wise decisions. While the S is oftenthought to be worth about 8 pts, in the beginning of the game it’s usually more valuable becausethat’s when bingos get played more easily, and where the huge scoring lead from an early bingocan give a big advantage.3 JS: AEEOOST TABOO J7 18 T: 35OOH 10I 18 is best. The AEEST leave is much more conducive for bingos than EES.3 JM: ABDEGNU BANGED 10B 22 T: 99He may not have been certain of the superior BUNGED in the same spot, to get rid of the U.4 JS: DEEEGS? TEG 7J 4 T: 39He’s down and should be playing aggressively. FEED 13K 16 is well worth the risk, since hisopponent, even with an S (not likely!), won’t score more than 9 additional points with that hotspotthan without it. And without the S, Sherman has a chance to catch up quickly.4 JM: AAGIIUU EXCH. ALL 0 T: 99Nothing better.5 JS: DEEHJS? HaDJEES M1 92 T: 131Great bingo!5 JM: AIKNORR KORAI 2J 36 T: 135Overlooking IRONBARK through the B. 2 nd best would be KHAN 1L 48.6 JS: GINPRRY PARRING C9 26 T: 157Using six tiles, he clearly wants to draw some power tiles. However, just PARRY C9 26 keepsthe ever-valuable ING, which, in this case, is worth saving for its synergy.6 JM: AEIINRV VINIFERA 13G 88 T: 223Another great find! 39