Quillette Podcast What Does It Take to Develop a ‘Scrabble-Shaped Brain’?
Aug 16, 2025
John Chew, a Toronto-based mathematician, linguist, and Scrabble tournament organizer, dives into the intriguing world of ultra-elite Scrabble. He discusses the unique culture of the game and the significance of attire in tournaments. Chew highlights the strategic nuances of tile values and the emotional rollercoaster players experience during competitions. The podcast also touches on the diverse backgrounds of players and how Scrabble serves as a reflection of societal themes, making it not just a game, but a fascinating study of language and community.
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Dress Code And On-Floor Policing
- John Chew enforces a formal dress code and zebra-striped referee shirts for officials to prevent confusion at tournaments.
- He has even intervened over revealing clothing and wardrobe failures during events.
Physical Play Demands Heavy Rules
- Tournament Scrabble requires detailed procedural rules because players physically move tiles and record scores themselves.
- The 40-page rulebook exists largely to handle the many ways physical play can go wrong.
Tile-Draw Rituals To Prevent Cheating
- Players must draw tiles from a visible bag with rules about eye level and empty hands to prevent cheating.
- John describes safe handling: put drawn tiles face-down then transfer to the rack to avoid overdraw issues.
