17th Annual Albany New Year’s Scrabble Tournament

Main Event: NWL & CSW

23 games | Dec 30-Jan 2

$130 USD ($180 CDN)

CSW also WESPA rated

Early Bird 1: NWL & CSW

7 games | Dec 29

$25 USD ($40 CDN)

Early Bird 2: NWL & CSW

5 games | Dec 30

$25 USD ($40 CDN)

Scroll to bottom of page for schedule

Click here to Register

Scrabble Tournament

  • 23 Game Main Event

  • 7 Game Early Bird 1

  • 5 Game Early Bird 2

NYE After Hours Gameplay

  • Join us for Scrabble variants like blitz and team play!

  • Fun prizes!

Team Trivia

  • Hosted by Josh & Kieran

  • Free to play!

  • Cash prizes!

Door Prizes

  • Door prizes every day

  • Last year: hotel night, board, clock, racks, tiles & more!

Albany Marriott

189 Wolf Rd, Albany NY 12205 USA

Hotel Information

  • Deadline to book was Dec 19, 2022. After that date, book the room at whatever rate is available and contact Kieran with confirmation number to get rate adjusted to Scrabble rate.

  • Room rate $89/night + taxes USD

  • Book by phone: 800-443-8952

  • Commuter fee per person (if not staying at the tournament hotel and within the room block) for main event: $25 US ($40 CDN)

Hotel Amenities

  • Parking is no cost for players

  • Free WiFi in guest rooms, lobby and playing room

  • All rooms have mini-fridge, coffee maker. Lobby microwaves.

  • In-hotel restaurant/bar

  • You may cancel your room booking, with no penalty, up until 4PM, two days before the first night of your reservation.

  • EV charging (free) 2 minute walk from hotel. Link

COVID-19 Information

  • NEW: Masks are now optional for players in the playing room, common areas, and social events

  • Anyone at this tournament must be fully vaccinated and provide proof in advance to complete registration

  • Due to the nature of in person Scrabble play, 6 feet of distancing is not possible. Players sit 4 to a table.

  • Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, players should plan for last minute changes, including cancellation

Tournament Information

  • Commuter fee per person (if not staying at the tournament hotel and within the room block) for main event: $25 US ($40 CDN)

  • Swiss/Performance pairings. Division size TBD, smaller divisions may be merged

  • In addition to place prizes, performance-based prizes will be given in all divisions

  • Prizes paid in $USD. Prize payouts $100 USD and over will be paid electronically or by check

  • Directors may alter tournament structure in best interest of the event, including spread Gibsonization

Tournament Schedule


Thursday Dec 29

11:30 AM - 3:15 PM Early Bird 1 Rounds 1-4, then 30 minute snack break

3:45 PM - 6:45 PM Early Bird 1 Rounds 5-7

9:00 PM - 10:00 PM Let's Play Scrabble 2022 Awards Show. Come and watch!


Friday Dec 30

11:30 AM - 4:30 PM Early Bird 2 Rounds 1-5. Five games, no break.

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Main Event Rounds 1-3


Saturday Dec 31

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 4-7

2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 8-11

9:00 PM - 12:00 AM After hours hosted game play in game room. Join us for Scrabble variants like blitz, doubles/team play, and more. Fun prizes provided.


Sunday Jan 1

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 12-15

2:45 PM - 6:45 PM Main Event Rounds 16-19

9:00 PM - 10:30 PM Team Trivia in game room. Participation is free. Prizes to top 2 winning teams (up to 5 players/team)


Monday Jan 2

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Main Event Rounds 20-23 (no lunch break)

1:30 PM - 12:00 AM Game room available for after hours play

Click here to Register