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Welcome to Indian Scrabble
Whether you are a beginner or a serious Scrabble player, this is the starting point for all you need to know about Scrabble in India. The Scrabble Association of India unites Scrabble players across the country and conducts regular events and tournaments in different cities.
At present, we have our members concentrated in centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Goa, Vadodara and Kolkata. However, we are always looking at spreading across different cities in India through promotion and events.
If you are a Scrabble enthusiast, we invite you to join the Scrabble Association of India. be part of the Association.
Newsflash
Kolkata will be hosting their leg of the Nationals from 28th – 30th August 2026.
7th All India Open Scrabble Tournament
Congrats Akshay, Madhav and Suyash the top 3, and all the other prize winners! Results:
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The Causeway Challenge: a view from screens far, far away![]()
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This was the first time that three top tables in an international tournament were simultaneously being streamed live. The commentators were a team rotation of expert players and seasoned broadcasters, which included Matt Canik, Chloe Fatsis, Jesse Matthews, Robin Pollock Daniel, Josh Sokol, and our very own Nitya (Nits) Chagti. The tournament was conceptualized and organized by Michael Tang, while the online coverage was masterminded by Josh Greenway - two people to whom we are all very grateful!![]()
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The picture epitomises the way we spent watching the matches: This is a picture of Dr. Hingorani watching all 3 games at a time - each on a different gadget: the perfect way to watch it!![]()
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Many of us in the Scrabble community who were not playing the Causeway Challenge were glued to our screens (and there were three simultaneous live-streams, so we needed multiple screens) watching the best Scrabble minds at play. ![]()
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If I had to describe the emotion of watching this level of play in one word, I would say ‘INTIMIDATING’. To play with both speed and accuracy in terms of puzzle-solving (anagramming), attention to detail (tracking), calculation/ math (assessing alternatives) and strategy (choosing the best play) and to make it seem effortless, can only be done by Grand Masters. ![]()
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The games also highlighted that even with exceptional skills, luck still matters. Take the example of the GOAT (Nigel Richards) who played at the lower tables for the first three days before finally finishing 5th.![]()
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Titles used by SAI* offer a glimpse of what is required to be in each of these categories. Players can aspire to either reach a specific level (e.g. NE) or aspire to being top-dog (GM) or just play to have fun, and if a title comes along, then roll with that! As I’m definitely in the latter category, the play and commentary were a delight, as it was a masterclass in the thought processes behind the games of GMs.![]()
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Of the many Scrabblers who watched the live stream(s), eight (other than me) offered to share their experiences: Varisht Hingorani (National GrandMaster), Carolann Pais (National Master) Hriday Samtani (National Master), Shubha Manchali (National Expert), Sumeet Sachdev (National Expert) and other avid Scrabblers such as Shalini Sahdev, Rekha Sanzgiri, and Akshay Hiremath.![]()
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While everyone enjoyed the commentary and the thrill of watching words magically spread across boards, the common element was the delight in watching 15-year old Madhav Kamath (the youngest Grand Master in the world). Every viewer was invested in Madhav’s matches, swelling with pride when he did well and cursing when he didn’t. Madhav, on the other hand, dealt with the pressure coolly and with a maturity that belied his years. All of us could take a tile out of this youngster’s bag!![]()
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Varisht Hingorani: (NGM)![]()
(as told to Ela)![]()
Sitting with the three screens open and flitting from board to board was exciting but difficult to follow any one game fully. Huge kudos to the commentators who sat in the same place for about 10 hours each day - super tiring. In fact, maybe in the next edition, there could be a pool of commentators that could be rotated so that all commentators get a few hours break.![]()
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Of course, Madhav’s matches were the ones followed with the greatest attention and zest, as this is where the ‘heart and soul’ reside! All the other matches were watched dispassionately.![]()
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The most interesting elements were the speed of the anagramming (finds were superfast!), the ability to judge the steps taken and the assumptions made while playing (assumptions that the competitor won’t know the word can be diastrous - as happened with David Eldar. He was 114 points ahead when he opened a triple with a B, only to have Madhav carefully place BRODKINS on the triple and win by six points!)![]()
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Key takeaways that served to emphasise lessons already known:![]()
1-Strategy (especially at this level) is perhaps the more critical element of a win, rather than word knowledge. ![]()
2-Slowing down to look again: After finding the first word, sometimes the words found after are the better ones. It is worth spending the extra time for a second look!![]()
3-The element of luck works everywhere: Nigel (and even Hubert Wee) should have done much better, but then luck is notoriously fickle!![]()
4-Consistently making the right choices. ![]()
5-Calculating the scores of every option: this is meant for the super-fast calculators (like Madhav) but speaking for himself, Doc falls back on instinct and gut, as the math can get quite exhausting!![]()
6-Defensive vs offensive play: Players with super word knowledge and good math skills can afford to play defensively, as they can work out potential moves on a closed board. Other players can benefit from offensive play - opening the board and taking more chances.![]()
7-Everyone makes mistakes; but the one who comes out on top is likely to have made consistently better plays and fewer mistakes.![]()
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Carolann Pais: (NM)![]()
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The Causeway Challenge 2026 in Bangkok must have been such a thrilling experience for all the participants! I couldn’t help but reminisce nostalgically about my experience in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) in 2011. Everything was so meticulously organised, single-handedly by Michael Tang. Lag draws was a splendid idea that hastened the start of each game, enabling one to cover 10 games easily throughout the day.![]()
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I was watching Madhav play and saw him making some very bold moves. Not the kind that I would make - I’m not a risk taker. I’m a rather conservative player, and at this age it’s not easy to change your style of play!![]()
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Hriday Samtani: (NM)![]()
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Madhav gives the games a HastyBot feel. Having seen him evolve from a child prodigy to a global ambassador for India makes me super proud. Go MGK!![]()
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His composure during live streaming was remarkable. There may have been instances where he felt the pressure of being unsure of a bingo, but he didn’t let it show, and overall he was great!![]()
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Shubha Shivashankar: (NE)![]()
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I was lucky to be at Pankaj’s house for a couple of games and discovered the joy of playing a game, watching another, all while having steaming samosas and coffee! We happily commented on the moves, the players, and shouted out when we spotted our Indian Scrabblers roaming about after finishing their games (of course, all the while my mind was consciously trying to find Suyash among them!😉)![]()
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I chose to watch only the games of Indian players, and when they were not playing, I tuned into two commentators: Matt Canik and Josh Sokol.![]()
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The first three days went by with me watching only the second half of the day’s games, as I had committed myself to a Scrabble summer camp in the morning. Fortunately, I got the last day to myself! I lay right in front of the TV with my pillows, surrounded by stuff to eat, water, a power bank, and mobile. It defined my perfect day!![]()
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A thought that crossed my mind was that I must have reached a fairly good level in Scrabble, as I could comprehend their moves and the various aspects of the game that was being played in front of us.![]()
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The most exciting part was when the commentators would go mute and let us hear the conversation between the players! My ears would be the sharpest then! But the moment that pushed me to the edge of the seat was when Dave Wiegand’s setup of COD to place an E (which he had on his rack) in the front on the triple lane was taken away by his opponent by making RIVALS attaching S to COD making SCOD, which went unchallenged. Note to self: Do not kick yourself when making such mistakes in the future!![]()
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Sumeet Sachdev: (NE)![]()
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I diligently followed the Causeway games. It was awesome. The commentary was great, the games were great quality. I, along with all of us, was rooting for Madhav & watched pretty much all his games!![]()
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I think the fantastic commentary is what I loved. The way they would effortlessly give the options the players have and the pros & cons of all options. I cannot exactly recollect what I picked up during this but i when I am playing a tournament, I’m sure I will be able to recollect then. It just happens!![]()
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Having said that, the online games we had during Covid with commentary from Irfan, Varisht & other masters, my game really improved after I listened to them.![]()
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Shalini Sahdev:![]()
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The live telecast was an absolute Scrabble masterclass! Watching the players think through their moves was fascinating, and the commentators were outstanding! They constantly spotted words, suggested alternatives, and kept us engaged and thinking throughout. Full credit to the commentary teams for making the experience both educational and exciting.![]()
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At one stage, we were playing our own game while following three live matches on three different devices, two muted and one with commentary. It was Scrabble heaven!![]()
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Those who went to play surely had their share of fun, but thanks to the superb coverage, the rest of us had a memorable time too. It was the next best thing to being there.![]()
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What did I learn: New words, but also:![]()
- If you don’t know for sure,you don’t play. ![]()
- If you take your time, you will find a new word. ![]()
- You must play every move to get the highest score AND the best leave. ![]()
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Rekha Sanzgiri:![]()
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I am not a tech-savvy person, and the thought of doing anything with online operations scares me. But with some help from my Causeway Challenge watching friends, I could watch the action at the different tables and also![]()
navigate to the standings page.![]()
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It was thrilling to watch the games. The commentators were humorous and informative. I studied how the players worked out the words on their racks, how they gave ample time for their moves, and the calmness with which they played. ![]()
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The top-table players’ expressions were worth noticing. Every player was cordial after the game was over- smiling, shaking hands, and discussing their moves. The last part at the end of each game, where the commentators switched on the players’ overhead microphones, was great - it was interesting to hear the players analysing their game to see if there could have been better moves. ![]()
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It was heartbreaking to see the draws in Madhav’s last few games. His tiles didn’t allow for him to do much. I was feeling so disappointed, sitting so far away and watching, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for him. My heart went out to him. ![]()
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I definitely see Madhav topping the World Scrabble World charts perhaps at the next Causeway Challenge in Kuala Lampur. ![]()
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While I was particularly thrilled to watch Madhav’s games and wish him all the very best for his future Scrabble journey, I was happy to see several Indians in the top 10, particularly Krishnan (who won Div A), and Ritu Chhadda (who came 4th in Div D).![]()
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Akshay Hiremath:![]()
(Teaches Chess)![]()
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The game coverage and the commentary have been done very professionally. One almost feels like one is playing the games oneself! Who says Scrabble is not a "spectator sport"? With this kind of coverage, it certainly is! The caliber of the players is, of course, at a stratospheric level!!![]()
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There is a striking similarity with Chess, as both games require strategy, in-depth knowledge, and thorough preparation. The difference, of course, is the surprise element in Scrabble because one doesn't know what tiles one is going to get next. The incredible thing, though, is that true champions - like some of the players we saw in the Causeway Challenge - find a way to draw on their amazing knowledge base and make great words irrespective of the tiles they've picked up! With high-level coverage and commentary, both games can be highly engaging for audiences who otherwise would struggle to understand what is going on.![]()
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* Titles used by SAIL NGM: National Grandmaster, NM: National Master and NE: National Expert: read more here: indianscrabble.com/about-the-sai-title-system/
*Gateway Cup in Mumbai sees third successive title for Akshay*![]()
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The Gateway Cup, Mumbai's premier Scrabble tournament, was held at the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana (WCG) from 8th to 10th May. Organised by the Mumbai Scrabble Club (MSC), it attracted 75 players across three divisions.![]()
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One of the world's top ten players, 2017 world champion Akshay Bhandarkar, produced another remarkable performance to secure the gruelling 24-round Premier Division title with as many as four rounds to spare. ![]()
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The International Grandmaster won 18 out of 20 games with a spread of 2012 to win his third successive tournament in three months, and is now the frontrunner in the All-India National Champion race.![]()
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In second and third place respectively were Akshay's fellow International GMs Sherwin Rodrigues and reigning world youth champion Madhav Gopal Kamath. The Open Division was won by Abid Hussain, with Swagat Nukala and 16-year-old Ahana Goyal finishing second and third respectively. The Beginner Division, aimed at encouraging upcoming Scrabble talents, was won by WCG's own Valentine De Souza. ![]()
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Besides trophies and cash prizes for the top finishers, various rating category prizes and spot prizes were awarded as well. The prize ceremony was graced by Arjuna Awardees and Indian hockey Olympians Joaquim Carvalho and Mervyn Fernandis.![]()
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Thanks to MSC for organising the tournament, WCG for being the venue partner, and ICICI Prudential and Aditya Birla Group for their valuable support; and congrats to all the winners!![]()
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The final results and standings from all divisions can be seen here: woogles.io/tournament/MumbaiNationals
*Inaugural Tirthan Scrabbcation sees Siddharth prevail in style*![]()
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The inaugural edition of the Tirthan Scrabbcation, a unique WESPA-rated tournament organised by Archana Aggarwal, was highlighted by a comprehensive win by Siddharth Nithyanand, who cruised to a tally of 18 wins in 20 rounds to be Gibsonised with three rounds to spare.![]()
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Played from 30th April to 3rd May, the tournament featured 14 players and was played amid splendid locales in the Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh. From customised score books to games by the riverside to local hospitality, it made for an experience to cherish for the participants. ![]()
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Joining Siddharth on the podium were Sujana Somasekar and Mohan Chunkath, each of whom finished with 15 wins. Rounding off the top five were Sunny Bhatia and Nidhi Singhvi, with 14 wins each. The final results and standings can be seen here: woogles.io/tournament/Tirthan![]()
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Kudos to all the winners, and to Archana for an assiduously-organised tourney!
*Akshay wins the 20th Goa Open*![]()
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The 20th edition of the Goa All-India Open from 17th to 19th April saw Akshay Bhandarkar secure top honours with a round to spare, as he finished with 19 wins from 24 rounds to make it back-to-back titles following his win in Pune last month. ![]()
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Young guns Madhav Gopal Kamath and Suyash Manchali followed on the podium, with 17 and 15 wins respectively. Sujana Somasekar and Sanjoy Gupta, also with 15 wins each, rounded off the top five.![]()
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Besides the prizes for the top ten finishers, there were various rating bands prizes and spot prizes on offer. A total of 42 players were in action during the three-day tournament, which was organised by the Scrabble Association of Goa and held at the Oak Resort. ![]()
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The final results and standings can be seen here: woogles.io/tournament/Goa2026![]()
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Congrats to all the winners!
*Chennai calling!*![]()
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In a landmark moment for Indian Scrabble, for the first time, a government body - the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu - has extended support towards a national-level Scrabble tournament, sponsoring INR 5 lakhs for the Chennai Open 2026!![]()
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The Chennai Open 2026, to be held from 26th to 28th June 2026, will have many other firsts:![]()
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• A three-day multi-division format, with dedicated Beginners, School, and College divisions, conducted across separate days, alongside the main Open Division!![]()
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• India’s only three-day WESPA Silver Tier tournament, with a top prize of USD 1000!![]()
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• The first-ever live streaming of a school-level Scrabble tournament on YouTube, enabling students, parents, and schools to follow the competition in real time![]()
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• Lowest registration fee across India - Rs. 4000/- (USD 40) for Open Division, Rs. 1000/- for Beginners, Rs. 400/- for School and College divisions![]()
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• First national level tournament jointly organised by two clubs: MSF and KSSA![]()
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The support from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu is not just about one tournament - it represents an important milestone in the broader effort to position Scrabble as a mind sport in India.![]()
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We look forward to welcoming seasoned players, beginners and students to Chennai for what promises to be a truly special event.![]()
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Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeU_F2OoT_vtpnyFAVmNyrlbdnINyt3bV_cPJj4aTV2eZ78zQ/viewform?pli=1![]()
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For details, contact Siddharth N at +919990475138.