2023 NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas

NASPA will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the game of Scrabble with two weeks of top-level competition in Las Vegas in July 2023 - the NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas - at the Westgate Las Vegas Resorts & Casino at 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.

• The 2023 Scrabble Players Championship (SPC) - The 32nd in a series of North American championships dating back to 1978
• The 2023 WESPA Championship (WESPAC) - The first time since 2001 that the world championship will be contested in North America.

Register Book Hotel 2023 SPC Details 2023 WESPAC Details

The two championships will offer players the opportunity to play over 80 rated games of Scrabble and the flexibility to choose the events that best meet their schedule.

This webpage is subject to change and will be updated regularly as the plans are finalized.

Important Dates

• February 28, 2023 - End of free T-shirt with registration
• May 31, 2023 - End of regular registration (base entry fee increases $50)
• June 30, 2023 - Room block closes
• June 30, 2023 - Close of registration (no refunds granted after this date)

Cutoffs effective 11:59pm EDT

Registration

Online registration is open now.

Lists of SPC and WESPAC registrants are available on this website and on cross-tables.com.

The rest of this section describes the general terms and conditions of registration for both championships.

Entry Fees

The base entry fees for the championships are:

• $250 - SPC
• $300 - WESPAC

One- and two-day events, such as Early Birds, have a separate entry fee.

Youths, defined as those whose 18th birthday is after July 15, 2023, pay 1/2 of the base entry fee for each championship.

The above fees will be increased by $50 after May 31, 2023. For example, a non-youth player signing up for the SPC on June 1, 2023, would pay $300, while a youth would pay $175.

Players accepted after the close of registration on June 30, 2023 must pay a $75 late penalty. For example, a non-youth player signing up for the SPC on July 5, 2023, would pay $375, while a youth would pay $250. Acceptance of registrants after June, 2023 is not guaranteed and will generally only be permitted if it does not cause a division to be uneven.

Fees payable are computed based on when (Eastern Time) funds are received in full. If you are not paying right away online at the moment when you register, please be sure to allow enough time for your mailed payment to reach us.

Commuter Fee

Players not booked IN THE ROOM BLOCK at the host hotel for the duration of the SPC and/or WESPAC must also pay a commuter/facility fee of $20 per day ($100 maximum per championship).

• Players booked at the host hotel but outside of the room block will be subject to the commuter fee.
• The commuter fee does not apply to those local to the Las Vegas (metropolitan statistical) area.

Verification of status as a hotel guest will be performed at registration/check-in and throughout the event. Players staying at the host hotel for only part of a championship must pay the full commuter fee and may then apply for a refund of $20 per day stayed at the host hotel after the conclusion of the championship, by providing the Championship Committee with hotel confirmation number and dates of stay.

Registration Changes

Registration changes are subject to the following conditions:

• After registration closes on June 30, 2023, if your request would increase the number of players who may have byes (i.e., if you would make two divisions odd or would make a smaller division odd), you will be wait listed until this is not the case.
• If your rating rises above the limit for the SPC division in which you registered, you will automatically be moved to the lowest division for which you qualify.
• If you register for the WESPA Championship but do not qualify, you will automatically be moved to the CSW division of the events being held in parallel with the WESPA Championship.

To modify your registration after you have registered, please email the organizing committee at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.

Refunds

If you paid your tournament fees by credit card, any credit owing to you will be issued to your card; otherwise, we will mail a check to you.

All refunds are subject to a cancellation fee of $25.

If you decide you need to cancel your registration, we will refund your entry fee (and commuter fee, if applicable), if you so request by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 30, 2023. No refunds will be issued after this date.

Conditions

Rules, Code and Terms/Conditions

By registering for the SPC, you agree to abide by the NASPA Tournament Rules and Code of Conduct, and agree to comply with the 2022 Scrabble Players Championship Terms and Conditions.

In particular, some games at this tournament, probably the highest Division 1 board without a Gibsonized player, will be annotated live. If you refuse to play a designated game with annotation, you will forfeit it and may at the director’s discretion be assigned a spread penalty of −200 points.

Minor Release

A signed Minor Release and Consent Form will be required for all players under age 18 as of July 23, 2022, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.

Equipment Required

Participants in the 2022 Scrabble Players Championship are responsible for bringing all equipment necessary to play in the tournament. If neither player in a game has equipment available for their game, a double forfeit may be imposed.

COVID-19 Precautions

In accordance with current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations, the following precautions against COVID-19 will be in effect at the Scrabble Players Championship:

• All participants must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC – that is, they have completed a government-authorized course of vaccination against COVID-19 and waited the recommended duration for it to take full effect. We recommend, but do not require, that participants are up-to-date with vaccinations – that is, have received all recommended boosters. Participants will need to provide proof of vaccination at registration.

• Masks will be required in the playing room and common areas during play and at the prize ceremony and finals viewing.

• Masks will be optional at social events, such as the Welcome Dinner, Trivia Contest, and the Evening Musicale. We encourage participants to assess their own personal level of risk and wear a mask if desired.

• Masks should cover both the nose and mouth. Acceptable masks include disposable surgical and KN95 masks. Unacceptable masks include gaiters, bandanas, and face shields.

• Any participants showing symptoms may be asked to leave.

We will continue to evaluate the situation and may adjust the policy as conditions warrant.

Changes

The Championship Committee reserves the right to modify the above to account for unforeseen special circumstances.

Hotel/Travel Information

Hotel Registration

The official event hotel is the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards (110 S Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201).

Tournament entrants are eligible for our group rate of $139 per night (plus applicable taxes) for King or Double accommodations.

The room block closed June 30, 2022.

Hotel Block Full

Our hotel room block at the Marriott Inner Harbor is full - as is the hotel for most nights of the event.

We are working with the hotel to find rooms for participants who need them. Here's how you can help:

• If you have a hotel reservation that you do not plan to use, please contact the Championship Committee rather than cancel it yourself. Otherwise, the room will be returned to general inventory, and we will not be able to assign it to one of our players.
• If you are planning to stay fewer nights, please contact the Championship Committee rather than request the change yourself. Otherwise, the room nights will be returned to general inventory, and we will not be able to assign them to one of our players.
• If you have a reserved room that you are willing to share, fill out the SPC Roommate Request Form below.
• If you do not have a room reserved, check out who is offering to share a room below. Fill out the SPC Roommate Request Form to let people know that you are looking for a room.
• If you cannot find a room to share, contact the Championship Committee with the dates you need and your requirements. We will put you on a waiting list and let you know if a room becomes available.

Hotel and Event Parking

Self parking onsite is $25 per day for attendees staying at the hotel.

Attendees who drive to the venue but intend to explore the city by foot may opt to park at BWI for $8/day and utilize Light Rail to reach the hotel.

Sightseeing

Baltimore has much to offer those visiting the area, including the Inner Harbor, Power Plant Live!, Oriole Park at Camden Yards (home of the Baltimore Orioles) and the historic Mt. Vernon area. The Visit Baltimore website showcases the varied options in the area.

• Must-Do Baltimore Experiences for First-Time Visitors
• Baltimore Orioles Tickets
• Baltimore Restaurant Week
• BoP Pass - Discover Baltimore’s Black museums, restaurants, shops and other cultural and historical attractions throughout the city.

Roommate Wanted

If you need a roommate and would like a listing here, please complete the SPC Roommate Request Form.

Clay Herron is seeking a male roommate (nonsmoking) to share a room at the Marriott Inner Harbor from 7/22 to 7/27. You can reach Clay by phone (215-730-3616).

IMPORTANT: When you get your roommate, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

Ride Wanted

If you need a ride/rider to or from the tournament, and would like a listing here, please complete the SPC Ride Request Form.

Mohammad Sulaiman is seeking a ride from the BWI airport to the hotel on Friday, July 22. His flight arrives at 7:15 PM. You can reach Mohammad by phone (318-465-7671).

Mohammad Sulaiman is seeking a ride to the Reagan airport (DCA) from the hotel on Thursday, July 28. His flight departs at 9:40 AM. You can reach Mohammad by phone (318-465-7671).

Matthew Zeleznik is seeking a ride to the tournament from the Boston area on Friday, July 22. You can reach Matthew by phone (401-466-4449) or email (Littlezzzman@gmail.com).

IMPORTANT: When you get your ride/rider, please contact the committee so we can remove your request.

Airport Transport Information

Baltimore, MD is served by the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). For complete airport information, please visit bwiairport.com.

Airport Transfer

Light Rail service from BWI to the event hotel is available for $2.00 per person. Rail tickets can be purchased near the exit of baggage claim. Take the rail north to the Camden Station stop - about a 30 minute ride. Exit the rail and head north on S. Eutaw Street to the hotel - about a 7 minute walk on mostly flat terrain.

Uber average is $25.

Check-In

To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 12:00 noon. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the SPC registration desk in the Foyer located outside of the Stadium Ballroom on the 2nd floor.

You may ask a friend to check in for you by proxy if you cannot check in in person.

• If possible, please email us at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org to notify us in advance of proxy arrangements.
• If you check in by proxy, but do not show up to play, then neither you nor your proxy will be permitted to check in by proxy at future events.

If you do not check in before the desk closes at 7:00 P.M., you may join the championship in progress as soon as it is convenient for the pairings staff to add you back in; this may not take place before Sunday morning.

No refund will be issued to latecomers.

When you check in, you will be given an announcement sheet. This is to reduce the number of announcements that have to be made on Saturday morning, so that the event can get underway quickly. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the announcements and tournament schedule.

Schedule

This schedule for the 2022 Scrabble Players Championship may be modified to add new events or possibly to change room locations. Also, until about a month before the event, it should be considered an early draft, with only the times for registration and the main event to be set in stone. Once the event begins, please check the schedule for changes at the beginning of each day.

Friday, July 22, 2022

10:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Harbor 1-2)

12:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.

Registration (Foyer)

12:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.

Early bird tournament (University Ballroom)

4:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M.

Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Promenade)

7:00 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Welcome Dinner, presentation of annual achievement awards (Stadium Ballroom) and guest speaker Peter Sokolowski

Saturday, July 23, 2022

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photos - School Scrabble/Youth Players (Grand & University Ballroom)

8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 1–4 (Grand & University Ballroom)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Canadian Committee meeting (Chesapeake)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 5–7 (Grand & University Ballroom)

9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Harbor 1-2)

8:00 P.M.–11:00 P.M.

Trivia Contest hosted by Frank Tangredi (Promenade)

8:00 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Hannah Lieberman performs standup comedy at Saturday Night Showcase: A Comedy Variety Show: tickets and info

Sunday, July 24, 2022

SWAG SUNDAY! Wear your Scrabble Championship or Scrabble-related swag!

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photos - Past Champions/Division Winners (Grand Ballroom)

8:55 A.M.–9:05 A.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

9:05 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 8–11 (Grand & University Ballroom)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Directors meeting hosted by Ted Gest (Harbor 1-2)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

2:55 P.M.–3:00 P.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

3:00 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 12–14 (Grand & University Ballroom)

7:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Harbor 1-2)

8:30 P.M.–11:30 P.M.

Evening Musicale hosted by Josh Sokol (Promenade)

Monday, July 25, 2022

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photo - NASC Staff (Grand Ballroom)

8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.

Group Photo - Maryland/D.C. residents and natives (Grand Ballroom)

9:00 A.M.–9:10 A.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 15–18 (Grand & University Ballroom)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

International Committee meeting (Chesapeake)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 19–21 (Grand & University Ballroom)

7:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Harbor 1-2) - Board Games Night

8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Town Hall meeting (Promenade)

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photo - International Players (Grand & University Ballroom)

Group Photo - Family Members together at SPC (Grand Ballroom)

8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

9:00 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 22–25 (Grand & University Ballroom)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Zyzzyva Committee meeting (Chesapeake)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 26–28 (Grand & University Ballroom)

6:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Advisory Board Dinner Meeting (TBD)

7:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Harbor 1-2)

8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Word Master: Alfred Butts and the Story of Scrabble screening followed by Q&A with director Jerry Murphy (Promenade)

10:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.

Word Master: Alfred Butts and the Story of Scrabble screening followed by Q&A with director Jerry Murphy (Promenade)

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

8:30 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Set up for play (Grand & University Ballroom)

8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.

Announcements (Grand & University Ballroom)

9:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M.

Rounds 29–31 - Non-Finalists (Grand & University Ballroom)

10:15 A.M.

Finals - Game 1

11:15 A.M.

Finals - Game 2

1:15 P.M.

Prize Ceremony - NWL Divisions 2,3,4 & CSW Division 2 (University Ballroom)

2:15 P.M.

Finals - Game 3 (Streamed in University Ballroom)

3:15 P.M.

Finals - Game 4 (if needed)

4:15 P.M.

Finals - Game 5 (if needed)

Immediately following

Prize Ceremony NWL Division 1 & CSW Division 1

3:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.

Tear Down (Grand & University Ballroom)

Thursday, July 28, 2022

9:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M.

Late bird tournament (University Ballroom)

9:30 A.M.–2:00 P.M.

Tear Down (Grand & University Ballroom)

The Rose Award

Bob and Andi Schoenman, creators of Protiles, honor Rose Kreiswirth's memory. Rose was an expert Scrabble® player for over 30 years and cherished the game for its educational values. An accomplished player, Rose was as well known for her sense of fairness and her congeniality as she was for her competitiveness. The Rose Award will be awarded each year at the Scrabble Players Championship to a female player who, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplifies the fierce competitiveness and compassion that we remember Rose for. Thank you, Bob and Andi Schoenman!

Donors

If you are interested in donating prizes to events at the championship or otherwise supporting the championship, please email us at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.

Thanks to Betty Cornelison and Rachel Gillette for donations.

Sirius Awards for Under 18 Players

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we will be offering the Sirius awards to the brightest and youngest (under 18) stars of the Scrabble Players Championship this summer.

Two prizes will be awarded to the players with the best records across divisions:

• 1st - $125
• 2nd - $ 75

To eligible for a Sirius award, you must turn 18 after the beginning of the tournament - July 23, 2022.

Arcturus Awards for 80+ Players

Thanks to the generosity of San Diego (CA) player Joe Payne, we will be offering the Arcturus awards to the brightest and oldest (80+) stars of the Scrabble Players Championship this summer.

Six prizes will be awarded to the players with the best records across divisions:

• 1st - $300
• 2nd - $200
• 3rd - $150
• 4th - $150
• 5th - $100
• 6th - $100

To eligible for an Arcturus award, you must have turned 80 on or before the beginning of the tournament - July 23, 2022. In the event of identical records, the older player wins.

Why Arcturus? It is the brightest star that can been from North America.

As a reminder, if you are over 80, you can become a NASPA Life member if your membership is up-to-date.

Not yet 80? We will still be awarding a Senior Trophy to the player over 60 with the best record in each division.

Sponsors

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the championship, please contact John Chew.

Vendors

If you have a product to sell to Scrabble players, this is the place to do it. Hundreds of the most avid fans of the game will be in one place with money ready to spend at your table. To become an SPC vendor, print out, date and sign two (2) copies of the SPC 2022 Vendor Agreement and send both executed copies to Art Moore, P.O. Box 1217, Ocoee, FL 34761, along with the required payment for extra tables, if you wish to exhibit on more than one table.

If you have questions about becoming an SPC vendor, please contact the Championship Committee at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.

Staff

Director

Art Moore

Assistant to the Director

Diane Moore

Master of Ceremonies

Alan Stern

Division Leaders

Division 1: Kieran O'Connor

Division 2: Jason Idalski

Division 3: Sue Tremblay

Division 4: John Merlau

Collins: Kieran O'Connor

Division Assistants

Liam Chew

Heidi Robertson

Webmaster

John Chew

Data Entry

Jason Broersma

Jamie Chew

Shelley Stevens

Annotators

Jeffrey Nelson

Lisa Kessler

Kristen Chew

Bill Cole

Media and Coverage

Media Director: Josh Greenway

Social Media Reporter: Sarah Rosenbaum

Photographer: Roger Cullman

Stream Director: Christian Kay

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, registration and tear down. Volunteers receive a free event T-shirt. Sign up here.

Setup

Thursday, July 21

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.

Friday, July 22

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.

Registration Desk

Volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in.

Friday, July 22

11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.

1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.

3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.

5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.

Clean and Pack

We need about 15 Clean and Pack volunteers to help collect and box NASPA tournament supplies to be shipped back to the storage facility after the awards ceremony.

Further Information

This page will be updated as the event draws nearer. If you have urgent questions about the event, please email us at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.