Do you have an affinity to employ polysyllabic terminology? Well, the Johannesburg Scrabble Club (JSC) might be just the ineffably resplendent locus for you.

The JSC meets twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 12:30 to 17:30 at 38 Oxford Road, Parktown. Featuring about 30 players, ranging from social to intermediate and advanced levels, organisers pair players according to their respective levels. Players choose to play socially, or at times, compete in rated tournaments in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Read more: Passion for letters draws chairperson of Gauteng Association of Scrabble Players to the boardgame

Both young and old quickly grasp the many cognitive benefits of the amazing game: Word acquisition, spelling proficiency, word recall, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking.

One of the highlights of this year was when one of the founding members, retired educator Rajen Pillay, reunited with one of his former learners, Ike Okorie, each winning their respective section at a provincial competition held at the club. Interestingly, both had honed their skills at their former school’s Scrabble club many years ago.

Also read: Local is lekker with Scrabble

Club sessions are laid-back and fun-filled. Light refreshments are served and players are free to attend at the times that suit them. The allure of Scrabble at JSC draws a diverse range of players to the game: Students, professionals, housewives, house-husbands, and retirees. There is a place for everyone.

New players are welcome to join. Beginners will be coached and provided with word lists and links to online learning material.

Interested players may contact the organisers: Rajen Pillay: rajen.v@telkomsa.net, or Dr Ike Obidike: obidikeike@gmail.com.

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