Information for Players

This page will be updated frequently as the 2011 World SCRABBLE^® Championship draws nearer. Participants are requested to check it for last-minute announcements before travelling to the event.

Registration

If you have qualified to represent your country at the 2011 WSC, please read and follow the registration instructions carefully. In particular, be sure to fill out the online registration form as soon as possible, and be sure that you arrive on time for event registration on the evening of Tuesday, 11 October at the Hilton Hotel. All players must register with Mattel in person at the Hilton Hotel during the designated registration period in order to play in the WSC. No exceptions will be made.

What to Bring

All equipment, including game timers, tiles, tile bags, boards and racks will be provided. The game timer to be used will be the new FlipTimer from SamTimer; contestants should familiarise themselves with its use. Scoresheets however will not be provided.

Prizewinners will be paid by credit transfer after the contest so please ensure you have details with you of a bank acccount that your prize can be paid into.

Rules

WSC 2011 will be played under WESPA Game Rules. The dictionary of reference will be Collins Scrabble Tournament & Club Word List, and as in past years, unsuccessful challenges attract a 5-point penalty for each word challenged that is found to be in the dictionary. Wilma Vialle (Australia) will be Tournament Director.

There will be a 34-round modified Swiss tournament, starting most days at 8:30 A.M. The top two players will contest a five-game final on Sunday, 16 October beginning at 9:15 A.M., with closed circuit coverage to an audience.

In the first round, no two players representing the same country will be paired with each other. The freely available tsh program will be used and the pairing system that will be used is described in its online documentation.

Venue

Please see the venue page for information about the Hilton Hotel, or the map for information about its environs..

Meals

Lunch and refreshments will be provided for contestants 12–16 October. There will be a welcoming party immediately after registration on 11 October.

Other Accommodation

We have negotiated rates at the following hotels, all part of the GE Prestige group. All hotels are within walking distance (see map). To obtain these rates, please complete and email the hotel form (PDF or Word) as instructed. You may still be able to find better rates online.

As of 2011-03-23, 1 PLN = 0.35 USD = 0.25 EUR.
As of 2011-04-24, 1 PLN = 0.37 USD = 0.25 EUR.

Publicity

We would be grateful if you would co-operate with requests for interviews etc. from now on and including the event.

Visas

Visa requirements for entry to Poland can be found at the following websites:

• Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Contacting Other Players

You can discuss accommodation and other aspects of the event at upcomingwsc@yahoogroups.com discussion group.