Pasadena Preview

Six days to Pasadena.

I've been studying using the Cardbox mode on Zyzzyva and it's a great learning tool. First, I quiz myself on a word list, say 4-5 letter X words. Then, I save the words I missed to the cardbox and it takes it from there. The more often I get a word correct, the longer it is until I am quizzed on it again. So, if I get XENIA correct today I won't be quizzed on it again for 2-4 days. If I get it correct again in 2-4 days, then it'll be even longer before I'm quizzed on it. If I miss it, I get quizzed on it the next day.

Just make sure you don't load up the cardbox with too many words or you will never be able to get through a day's quizzing.

So, here's my pre-tourney assessment:

WORD KNOWLEDGE: C+. As I get back into studying, I'm amazed at how many Bingos I remember, but my recollection of other words is spotty. My 3s and 4s are weak (C-); my JQXZs are good (B+); my vowel dumps are fair (C+).

STRATEGY: C-. I just don't have my board vision back yet.

GAME READINESS: C+. Just like there is no substitute for word knowledge, there is no substitue for real-world game experience. In the last year I've mostly played against Quackle. That helps with strategy, analysis, and word recall, but it hurts time management and tracking. When I played at Club 357 in Carlsbad on January 6th my tracking was solid, but I wasn't able to record my racks. Also, I did feel some time pressure even though I never went over on time.

So, I've set some realistic goals for this tournament:

1. Track tiles
2. Record all racks/plays
3. Play each rack
4. Win 4 games
5. Have fun

I'm in the 3rd division out of 4 with a ratings spread from 1100 - 1399. I am rated 1111 so I will mostly be playing higher-rated players, which is my preference. Given where I'm at, it will be difficult to win 4 games, but I think it's possible.

Stay tuned for my tournament report.