If you’re a superfan and you think you know everything about Scrabble, think again. This popular word nerd game has a rich history with surprising facts to delight superfans across the globe. Read on for some fun facts you might not have ever heard of.
The original name was different
It’s original name was “Lexico”, but later on it was called “Criss Cross Words”. Eventually James Burnot was the one to give Scrabble it’s popular moniker. Burnot and inventor Butts were friends who enjoyed playing the games together. Burnot and his wife became partners after coining the name Scrabble. The manufacturing process started in 1948.
Winning is easier with words like xu
According to Merriam-Webster, you can win the game with exceptional words such as bingo, zlotty, xu, retinas, qi, gyoza, hook, phoney, amigo and za. Besides this, consider learning all about other rare words, so you have the chance to maintain a higher score than ever.
An unemployed architect invented it
Although he didn’t have a word-related career, Alfred Mosher Butts came from Poughkeepsie, New York, was an unemployed architect and invented Scrabble. Alfred created a scoring word game by deriving elements from crossword puzzles and anagrams. Upon analyzing the New York Times’ front page, he came up with the letter distribution.
Macy’s ordered the game first
While the president of Macy’s was on vacation, he/she played Scrabble and decided to try placing it in Macy’s. Within the year, sales skyrocketed. People loved the game, which led to it being sold in stores across the country.
You can’t win against the robot
Since playing with people can get old, the advanced Scrabble player might want to meet a new challenger. Face the robot that has a camera and AI, and you’ll never win again. The good news is a consolation prize might await you for playing.
A television game show existed
Check Woolery hosted the Scrabble television game show (1984-1990). In the beginning, contestants who created a pot with a correct letter and won the round received $25. Early on, there were new rules that said whoever won a round received $500.
Play in Braille or bold print for low vision
The tactile markings in Deluxe Scrabble Game in Braille allow the visually impaired to play by touch. Those with low vision can play Deluxe Scrabble, which was created in bold print that’s easy to read.
One of the biggest perks of being a Scrabble superfan is you always have the chance to gain new knowledge. Word game lovers know the value that comes with this unique challenge. In fact, never stop learning, because you deserve to gain the vast knowledge that Scrabble presents.
