Previewing Austin Tile X-Words - and the solar eclipse
I've been waiting for this weekend for seven years. Back in 2017, I and a group of Scrabblers were watching the sky from Nashville, Tennessee, rapt with attention as the moon moved in front of the sun. Despite a rogue cloud that rolled in just as the eclipse approached totality, the experience was amazing. The hot temperature suddenly dropped, the world went dark, and the dogs and birds went crazy.
Since then, I've researched weather forecasts and locations from Mazatlan to Montreal, hunting for the perfect place to watch the next total solar eclipse. I just happened to find the ideal spot in one of America's coolest cities, and one that happens to be a CoCo hotbed: Austin, Texas.
This coming weekend, a wide-ranging field of two dozen players will descend on the Lone Star State for the third annual Austin Tile X-Words tournament. Players will enjoy 14 competitive games on Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday, they'll have the option to stay in town to observe a once-in-a-generation eclipse.
Once again, the tournament will take place in the fabulous AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, located in the heart of downtown Austin. Walkability is a feature we look for in ideal tournament venues, and the Austin venue is superb on this piece. It is a short walk from tons of authentic and tasty Texan food options, as well as Coco's Cafe.
This year, we are really excited to welcome three first-time tournament players. Thanks to donations from players like you, we're able to cover entry fees for brand new players through our Newcomer Discounts program, which makes it easier for first-time players to give the wonderful world of tournament Scrabble a try.
On the other end of the entrants list, we have the usual stacked field that we've come to expect at CoCo tournaments. We have former national champions, world championship runner-ups, and a ton of other strong players eager to make the trip for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The prize pool for this event promises to be fabulous. With 24 players, the directors have a healthy budget to work with. What makes the prize pool even sweeter is that director James Curley is donating the cost of renting the venue back to the tournament. We're super grateful for James' generosity, and we're delighted to present the field with the chance to take home big prizes - including a sweet trophy!
It's hard to say whether I'm more excited for the Scrabble or the eclipse. I'm really looking forward to playing several people who don't live near me and who I rarely get to play. Every game promises to be a treat. And after hours, the fun will continue with libations, cornhole, and baby goats. Barbecue and Jester King? Yes, please.
This tournament has (not surprisingly) sold out, but if you're inspired to join in the fun, contact the directors and see if they can make your dreams come true!