The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous changes to our living. There is no exception for Scrabble players, especially when playing Scrabble will involve close contact with other players. Still, games may continue via different means, especially in this day and age.

Scrabble events in the upcoming few months

To keep Scrabble playing in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Scrabble Players Association will organise an online introductory Scrabble workshop for all players interested in playing Scrabble. Apart from the basics of Scrabble, word skills and games rules, the workshop this year will also introduce the way of playing Scrabble online. Details of the workshop will be announced in due course.

The Association is also considering organising an online tournament in the first quarter of 2021 for Hong Kong players to play Scrabble online and other tournaments later this school year. Depending on the development of the pandemic, the major tournaments this school year may take place online or physically. Details of the above events will be released in due course. Unfortunately, following the announcement we made on 31 May 2020, we regret to announce that the Hong Kong National Scrabble Championship 2020 will be cancelled.

The previous COVID-19 prevention policies announced on 21 July 2020 will remain in force for all face-to-face Scrabble tournaments and events.

International tournaments

Several international tournaments will take place online. It is a fun experience to play with players from other countries or territories. While information of these tournaments may appear on our Facebook group “Hong Kong Scrabble”, players interested are advised to contact the organisers directly for more information and enrollment.

Arrangements relating to ratings

Regarding HKSPA ratings, the Association has the following arrangements under the pandemic:

• The current policies require a player to have played in the last two years to receive a ranking will be temporarily lifted to three years until further notice.
• Tournaments played via electronic means are generally not rated. However, if proper supervision is in place (e.g. Remote monitoring) to prevent cheating, the Association may consider rating the tournament. Tournaments not rated may still be recognised by the Association on a case-by-case basis.

We continue to advise all players to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus by keeping personal hygiene at all times. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during these difficult times. Last but not least, we wish everyone Merry Christmas and a happy new year!