Even though my idea for a Scrabble-sponsored Tweetup fell on deaf ears (really EA? Come on guys), I still play the word game often. Like daily.
I did buy the “official” Scrabble for iPad (its gorgeous, and I love using it) and Sheila and I play that together in “real time”, I also play (and bought) Words with Friends:
Words with Friends HD
The folks behind Ngmoco’s We Rule also created a Scrabble-style multiplayer crossword game called Words with Friends HD. All the features you’d expect are here – double word and triple letter scores, the ability to play against friends and complete strangers, a pass and play mode that lets you use a single iPad between two players, and simple drag-and-drop mechanics. For $3, it’s a fraction of what the “official” Scrabble game costs, and just as fun.
Sheila and I play Words with Friends as well to have more or less continuous games going. I also play with several friends, just to keep things interesting. Now contrary to what you might think, I am not a world class Scrabble player. I think I’m pretty good, but not great. In all honestly, I wish I were a better player and I play for one really good reason:
It helps me with my learning disability.
Yes, you read that correctly, I have a learning disability. I have a fine motor deficit as well as problems with spatial awareness. You know those “what 3D shape will this unfolded paper turn into…” questions in standardized test? Yeah those made my head explode. One of the things I have problems with (in addition to folding towels correctly or the same way twice), is language. I don’t read or perceive words like “normal” people. I’m told I look at things more like a person with dyslexia does.
It has taken me a long time to enjoy playing Scrabble. For the longest time I didn’t like playing it because I felt that I should be able to win all the time. Well, I can’t. So I play now to help me a) learn new words and b) it helps me work on seeing new patterns and how to construct words.
So if you’d like to help practice with me (and I don’t pull punches, I will play to win) … my Words With Friends ID is trishussey. I’m always up for a game.
