NSC Aug 11-15, 2012

[lotting]

Here is a report on my experience of 2012 Nationals, playing in Division 2. I've posted a lot of this on Facebook for those of you who are my friends there, but have added some additional material below.

Record: 15-16, +6
Average score: 393
Rating went from 1586 to 1534
Power tiles: 137/310 = 44% (not crying, just reporting)

X: 10/31 = 32%
J: 11/31 = 35%

Comments

[scrabblek8]

if the tourney has a decent exercise space, or the weather isn't awful, i often try to get a quick cardio workout in. it helps me sleep better. the psychology of tournaments for me is harder than the strategy, though possibly easier than the remembering words. it'll get better with more experience at unfamiliar places, and possibly with not having to room with new people every time. i am so glad to have the same roommates at most events - it's just more comfortable.

[lotting]

Exercise, yes! Thanks for the comment. I did bring my workout stuff but I didn't realize travel back and forth from the condo to the venue would be such a time-consuming endeavor. So I skipped the exercise and now wish I had figured out a way to do it.

As soon as I got home, I bought a book called, "I Can Make You Sleep" by Paul McKenna. It comes with a hypnosis CD. There is a warning: "Do not listen to this CD while driving." Good advice.

[scrabblek8]

haha - jesse got himself a similar audiobook while at nationals.

i lull myself to sleep with flashcards on my iPhone. sometimes it works too well and i don't get any studying done because i'm asleep before i'm through very many.