Recapping a snowy weekend in Providence, RI

Scrabble at its core is really all about adaptability. Every turn presents you with a new challenge, and you've got to take each challenge as it comes. You never know what might come your way when you draw those seven tiles - you might have a thrilling game-winning bingo, or you might have to throw back all seven. Whatever happens, you've got to roll with the punches.

As it turns out, directing a Scrabble tournament works much the same way. You can do all the preparation and planning in the world, but you still never know how your event is going to turn out. Sometimes everything goes smoothly, just like you planned it; other times, a massive snowstorm pummels half the United States and leaves a trail of destruction in its wake.

So, yeah. This Sunday, we had a 1-day CoCo tournament on the docket in Providence, RI, courtesy of director Matthew O'Connor and organizer Niel Gan. Unfortunately, the other thing on the docket for Providence this Sunday was the blizzard of the century. So Matthew and Niel, being the adaptable Scrabble experts that they are, scrambled and found a way to put together a tournament for Saturday, rather than Sunday, at the last minute. They pulled it off. Matthew, Niel, and two others turned out, and 6 games of Scrabble were enjoyed by all.

In the end, Matthew won 5 of his 6, emerging as Providence 1-day champion once again. He took one early loss, falling 511-364 to Justin Morris in round 2, but he ran the table from there, sweeping a pair each from Niel and Matt Zeleznik. Matthew had a record of 5-1 +451 when all the dust settled; Niel finished second at a very respectable 4-2 +102.

Thanks to the dynamic duo of Matthew and Niel for running Saturday's event - and congrats to you both on dominating over the board as well! A combined record of 9-3 is nothing to sneeze at. But honestly, thanks and congrats are due to anyone who's willing to brave the impending snowmageddon and venture out for some Scrabble. So, Justin, Matt, we salute you as well.

Cheers to all on another successful Providence tournament. We wish you good luck at the next one, too! May you have good tiles, good vibes, and maybe even clearer roads next time around.