International Scrabble Club
One of the most popular internet clubs around (especially with Aussies &
Kiwis). To get started, it is strongly recommend downloading
wordbiz software, a windows
interface client. The interface is very good, the download is quick.
Once started, you get performance-based online ratings. The site
offers SOWPODS or TWL dictionary options; chat, kibitz, examination, etc.
Also available with French and Romanian. A list of Australian players who use the ISC
can be found here.
MarlDOoM
The most popular Scrabble DOoM. One of the original online hangouts.
Instructions for playing DOoMs by John Chew is a must read. The
standard interface is a little awkward. But it only requires Telnet
to run (which is standard on all Windows systems). It works far easier and
displays much better (in colour, too) if you download and install better
client software. Some of the world's best players drop in here.
And the Scrabble-playing Bots are Master class. [Note added in April 2008 - this seems to be of historical interest only]
NetwordZ
A shareware Windows program for online or off-line play. Snappy
interface. You will also need to download a suitable dictionary
(preferably based on SOWPODS). If you want to meet and interact with
other players online you will also need to download mIRC (or
similar). Scrabbleon is
a good place to download all of the necessary software and meet players
online.
CD-ROMs
Both Mattel (UK) and Hasbro
(North America) distribute CD-ROMs which facilitate online play.
Both cost around A$55-65. In Australia, the Mattel rights are sub-licensed
to Ubi Soft - they distribute Scrabble 2003 edition on CD-ROM.
Note that only the Ubi Soft product has a full SOWPODS dictionary
installed. The Hasbro product can be configured to play with an imported
SOWPODS dictionary (facilitated by the "customised dictionary" feature).
The Hasbro CD-ROM product can be
ordered online. The UBISoft CD-ROM product is available at major retails
outlets in Australia, e.g. Harvey Norman. It
needs a high-end graphics card to run. via Email
Rules & procedures. Playable with software enhancements. |
I1