Fill your board with high-scoring words and have a great time––that’s what Literacy Volunteers’ SCRABBLE tournament is all about.
Set for March 22 at Radez School in Richmondville, the tournament is the major fundraiser for Literacy New York––Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties, but it’s also fun for SCRABBLE players.
“This is our 14th year, and some teams have played nearly every March,” said Lisa Cardilli, Literacy’s executive director.
“Having teams return year after year shows how much fun they have.”
Team registration opens January 6. To register a team––two to four players––email Ms. Cardilli at lnyfms1@gmail.com or call 518-234-2576.
The tournament has three SCRABBLE games, all with different rules. Normal SCRABBLE rules don’t apply; teams try to fill their boards with the highest scores they can reach.
“Since normal rules don’t apply, you don’t need to be experts,” said Jim Poole, Literacy board president.
“Maybe plan some words in advance, work fast and work together.”
The total score of all three games determines the winners.
The top team wins $200, the next three get $100 each, and a team is a drawn at random from the rest and wins $100.
“It’s competitive, but in a friendly way,” said Ms. Cardilli.
Teams can help their scores by buying extra letters or paying for a peek in a dictionary.
There will also be a giant raffle, and in between games, there will be trivia contests with prizes.
Emcee Brian Dineen returns again to keep the mood light.
“Brian’s great at this,” said Mr. Poole. “He jokes with the players and keeps all of us on our toes.”
And that’s not all. Rooster on the Run will provide a buffet with a variety of breakfast offerings.
The tournament begins at 9am, and the awards presentation is right before noon.
The cost is $15 per player.
“Three SCRABBLE games, good food and a lot of fun,” Ms. Cardilli said. “It’s a pretty good deal.”

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The tournament raises funds for Literacy Volunteers, which teaches reading, writing and math skills to adults.
Literacy NY has trained volunteer tutors who work one-on-one with students, and the service is free.
Many students aim to earn their high school diploma, land a job and get a better job.
Although the services are free to students, Literacy Volunteers has expenses, including offices in Cobleskill and Gloversville, a small staff and materials for students.