Gauteng Masters 6 - Solomon

Before we started, Solomon jokingly wished me all the O’s and I’s. I turned over my first 2 tiles – both O’s. Then 2 E’s and then 2 T’s. Lastly a blank. I played TOETOEs before Solomon had even taken his first 7 tiles. I bonused again on move 4 to take a 100 point lead. I was pleased with UBIQUE for 46 and WAAC for 11. There were 3 S’s left – I had 2 of them. So I played ZEBRAS/SUN hoping to capitalise on the end hook of ZEBRAS. Solomon then played LUTEINS/ZEBRASS and hit his clock without even declaring the score, so doubtful was he of the word. His face beamed with excitement when I did not challenge. I replied with ODORISE for 87 and won the game. Dylan 540 vs Solomon 318. 3-3

Gauteng Masters 5 - Diana

Even though I had both blanks Diana beat me fair and square in this game. I thought I was going to win after getting 100 for FOREMAST on move 11, but Di kept on scoring well. It came down to the wire. Her last rack was ABCILST and mine was AEEEOR. The scores were Dylan 377 vs Di 360. I had an out in 2 but it was Di to play. She took me by surprise by playing CABS onto BLAND making BLANDS. I held for a long time, trying to work out a win but could not find one so I decided to challenge. BLANDS was good. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday! I had lost my 3^rd game and was pretty much out of the running. Post mortem revealed several opportunities which I will post as a quiz later on. Final score Dylan 396 vs Di 406. 2-3

Gauteng Master 4 - Debbe

This game really went well for me and poor Debbe did not really get a chance. I was 200 ahead after 8 moves. My best play of the tourney was on rack 4 holding ACEINPS. See puzzle below. Final score Dylan 507 vs Debbe 352. 2-2

Gauteng Masters 3 - Howard

Howard played a good strong game, opening with AGAROSE (73). He also scored 46 for QI and 47 for JAK. By the time I managed to bonus with PELORIES (pl of PELORY, unexpected regularity in a flower), I was still 75 behind. On move 13 I made a cheeky opening by playing AX to the edge of the board, holding 1 of 2 Es and hoping for a miracle. As it happens, said miracle arrived in the form of a sea turtle. I had RIDLEYS on my rack but did not see it! I played YO for 4 instead. The bonus would have scored 96 and given me the game. Final score: Dylan 379 vs Howard 425. 1-2

Gauteng Masters 2 - Steve

Steve played TSETSEBE, a type of flying antelope (cross between a tsetse and a tsessebe) but luckily for me, such a word does not exist. I quickly saw an opportunity to play CORNEAE and took the lead. Steve was not fazed. He came back strong with scores like: 70, 70, 36, 51, 44. Meanwhile, I was getting 20s,battling with too many vowels. Here are some of my racks: DIIIOOY, FIIILTU, DGIOUUV, DEIIOPU. There was nothing I could do. Final score: Steven 445 vs Dylan 341. This put Steve in poll position as he had just beaten Trevor in the previous game.

Gauteng Masters 1 - Fern

Fern made a poignant point when she took an early lead with JaV(E)LINS (68). I’m used to chasing her so I settled down for a tough game. I got my first bonus on move 7 – TRIZONE (91) to draw level. Fern riposted with CANTIES(T) (68). After 10 moves we were equal but I had the last blank. I managed to play GUAnINES (77+5) and win the game. Final score: Dylan 460 vs Fern 369.