Co:Lon 2010 - Recaps

[Matt Bayfield]

Here's your chance to show off those fabulous words y'all got... or not, as the case may be. I'll start with my 5th game, against James Robinson. James was not the kind of opponent I was expecting to face way down on table 7... but he had been narrowly beaten on Crucial Conundrums in previous games.


Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 7.5.1

C1: Matt Bayfield (2 wins out of 4).
C2: James Robinson (2 wins out of 4).
DC: CF Warran
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: D U G I Z A R E P
R02: S N R I E A Y U X
R03: T E S E N U J A A
R04: 8, 9, 5, 7, 1, 5. Target: 726.
R05: L R H E A I S I F
R06: T E F A S I T O A
R07: C V N E R O R I R
R08: 75, 10, 1, 4, 2, 8. Target: 545.
R09: R A C I S T S A C (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: D U G I Z A R E P

C1: UPGRADE (7)
C2: PUDGIER (7)
OT: GAUDIER (7) GAUZIER (7)
Score: 7–7 (max 7)

Round 2: S N R I E A Y U X

C1: YEARNS (6)
C2: YEARNS (6)
DC: SYRINX (6)
OT: ARISEN (6) ARSINE (6) SARNIE (6) INSURE (6) INURES (6) NURSIE (6) URSINE (6) IXNAYS (6) NIXERS (6) NURSEY (6) SENARY (6) SUNRAY (6) UNEASY (6) UNISEX (6) UNSEXY (6)
Score: 13–13 (max 13)

Dictionary corner's offering of SYRINX is a cyst in the spinal cord. Proof that medical training can occasionally be useful...

Round 3: T E S E N U J A A

C1: NAUSEATE (8)
C2: JAUNTS (6)
Score: 21–13 (max 21)

Round 4: 8, 9, 5, 7, 1, 5. Target: 726.

C1: 726. 9 * 8 * (5 + 5) + 7 - 1 (10)
C2: 726. 9 * 8 * (5 + 5) + 7 - 1 (10)
Score: 31–23 (max 31)

Round 5: L R H E A I S I F

C1: FLASHIER (8)
C2: FLASHIER (8)
Score: 39–31 (max 39)

Round 6: T E F A S I T O A

C1: TOASTIE (7)
C2: FATTIES (7)
OT: OATIEST (7) SATIATE (7)
Score: 46–38 (max 46)

Round 7: C V N E R O R I R

C1: CORNIER (7)
C2: CORNIER (7)
OT: CORVINE (7)
Score: 53–45 (max 53)

Round 8: 75, 10, 1, 4, 2, 8. Target: 545.

C1: 545. 75 * (8 - 1) + (2 * 10) (10)
C2: 545. 75 * (8 - 1) + (2 * 10) (10)
Score: 63–55 (max 63)

Thus leaving a crucial conundrum. And just to add tension, the first two conundrums had to be rejected after they were both solved simultaneously on 1 second by both C1 and C2. (DC was unable to separate us on our “buzzers” on either occasion.) Having requested a more difficult conundrum(!), resolution was finally reached at the third attempt with the following round 9:

Round 9: R A C I S T S A C

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say RASCISTIC which is incorrect.
C2 buzzes on 2 seconds to say SARCASTIC which is correct.
Score: 63–65 (max 73)

My fault for buzzing in with the first old rubbish that popped into my head, but I knew I‘d have to be lightning fast to beat James! Little did I realise, until afterwards, that I was actually on for a max game until that conundrum. So grr at James for spoiling my max game, but also very well played to him - it took 8 maxes from him too to pip me at the post.

And just to show the margins on which Co: event places hang, had James buzzed fractionally later on either of those first two conundrums, I would have gained one more win, and leapt up the final table from 12th to a quite frankly stratospheric 6th place.


Over to y’all…

[James Robinson]

Time for some CO:LON Robinson Recaps. Matt has kindly done my 5th game already, but I can still do my other 5 games, and the 3 I hosted.

So, here goes.

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 1.

C1: Challenger Phil Makepeace.
C2: Challenger James Robinson.
DC: Chris Corby.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: L S S A E O N D E
R02: O A A W C M P U T
R03: F K R E A O Y E D
R04: 1, 1, 10, 10, 9, 8. Target: 946.
R05: T T F O I A E T D
R06: S R L O U A D E D
R07: O A A I C M P D R
R08: 50, 25, 75, 100, 8, 7. Target: 447.
R09: E G B O S S I N G (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: L S S A E O N D E

C1: LOANEES (7)
C2: SEASONED (8)
OT: LESSONED (8)
Score: 0–8 (max 8)

A brilliant start to my first CO-event. A max start, and luckily if I didn't have SEASONED, LESSONED would've been good too.

Round 2: O A A W C M P U T

C1: CAMP (4)
C2: campout
OT: COWPAT (6)
Score: 4–8 (max 14)

My dubious 7 is just that, so Phil gets back in immediately, but the darrenic 6 is missed by all.

Round 3: F K R E A O Y E D

C1: FREAKED (7)
C2: FREAKED (7)
OT: FEODARY (7) FORAYED (7)
Score: 11–15 (max 21)

Round 4: 1, 1, 10, 10, 9, 8. Target: 946.

C1: 940. ((9 x 10) + (8 / (1 + 1))) x 10 (5)
C2: 954.
OT: 944. (((10 + 1) x 10) + 9 - 1) x 8 (7)
Score: 16–15 (max 28)

My 6 small gamble fails to make dividends as Phil takes a slender lead with his 6 away.

Round 5: T T F O I A E T D

C1: FOETID (6)
C2: FOETID (6)
OT: FATTED (6) FITTED (6) IODATE (6) TATTED (6) TATTIE (6) TOTTED (6)
Score: 22–21 (max 34)

Round 6: S R L O U A D E D

C1: ROULADES (8)
C2: ROULADES (8)
Score: 30–29 (max 42)

A flat round followed by a darren for us both, means this game remains on a knife edge.

Round 7: O A A I C M P D R

C1: PARODIC (7)
C2: CRAMP (5)
OT: ACAROID (7) DIORAMA (7) PICADOR (7)
Score: 37–29 (max 49)

But, suddenly Phil extends his lead with that 7.

Round 8: 50, 25, 75, 100, 8, 7. Target: 447.

C1: 447. (7 x 50) + 100 - (75 / 25) (10)
C2: 447. (7 x 50) + 100 - (75 / 25) (10)
Score: 47–39 (max 59)

A relatively easy 4 large means that this one has gone down to a crucial conundrum.

Round 9: E G B O S S I N G

C1 buzzes on 6 seconds to say BOGGINESS which is correct.
Score: 57–39 (max 69)

And it's Mr Makepeace who buzzes in to take the game. A very tight game, but a worthy winner.

Statistics Corner

Phil:
Total score - 57
Raw score - 64
Total % of max - 83
Raw % of max - 93
Total average score per round - 6.3
Raw average score per round - 7.1
Number of maxes - 6

James:
Total score - 39
Raw score - 49
Total % of max - 57
Raw % of max - 71
Total average score per round - 4.3
Raw average score per round - 5.4
Number of maxes - 5

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 2.

C1: Challenger James Robinson.
C2: Challenger Chris Corby.
DC: Phil Makepeace.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: U A A V S J L I L
R02: R B P O E A E S N
R03: N Q I U E A R X E
R04: 50, 7, 8, 7, 6, 6. Target: 205.
R05: P T N N O E E E F
R06: D L A O U S S A N
R07: S O T R O U I Z G
R08: 25, 50, 10, 8, 10, 9. Target: 540.
R09: P G X L O I N E D (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: U A A V S J L I L

C1: VISUAL (6)
C2: VILLAS (6)
OT: AVAILS (6) SALIVA (6) SALVIA (6) JULIAS (6) VILLUS (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

A nice flat start to game 2.

Round 2: R B P O E A E S N

C1: PERSONAE (8)
C2: PERSONA (7)
OT: SEABORNE (8)
Score: 14–6 (max 14)

Ouch. Chris will be kicking himself on that one.

Round 3: N Q I U E A R X E

C1: EQUINE (6)
C2: querie
OT: ENQUIRE (7)
Score: 20–6 (max 21)

And my lead goes into double figures after Chris's dubious offering.

Round 4: 50, 7, 8, 7, 6, 6. Target: 205.

C1: 203. (50 x 6) - ((8 + 7) x 6) - 7 (7)
C2: -
OT: 205. ((50 - 7) x 7) - ((6 + 6) x 8) (10)
Score: 27–6 (max 31)

Clearly the small numbers still hadn't been shuffled properly, but I still get 7 points, as Chris gets completely lost on that 1.

Round 5: P T N N O E E E F

C1: POTEEN (6)
C2: OPEN (4)
Score: 33–6 (max 37)

A nice darren by me there.

Round 6: D L A O U S S A N

C1: SANDALS (7)
C2: SOUNDS (6)
OT: LANDAUS (7) UNLOADS (7)
Score: 40–6 (max 44)

Another 7 by me, and poor Chris looked like he wanted to go.

Round 7: S O T R O U I Z G

C1: RIOTOUS (7)
C2: riotous (not written down)
OT: GOITROUS (8)
Score: 47–6 (max 52)

Even though me and Phil were willing to show leniency for not writing down his 7, Chris was having none of it.

Round 8: 25, 50, 10, 8, 10, 9. Target: 540.

C1: 542.
C2: 540. (8 - (50 / 25)) x 9 x 10 (10)
Score: 47–16 (max 62)

But, he more than makes up for his error with a nice numbers masterclass.

Round 9: P G X L O I N E D

C1 buzzes on 0.5 seconds to say EXPLODING which is correct.
Score: 57–16 (max 72)

And as soon as that conundrum is show, i come EXPLODING in with the answer, giving me my first CO-event win.


Statistics Corner

James:
Total score - 57
Raw score - 64
Total % of max - 79
Raw % of max - 89
Total average score per round - 6.3
Raw average score per round - 7.1
Number of maxes - 5

Chris:
Total score - 16
Raw score - 33
Total % of max - 22
Raw % of max - 46
Total average score per round - 1.8
Raw average score per round - 3.7
Number of maxes - 1

Next up is my first attempt at hosting an episode.

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 3.

C1: Challenger Chris Corby.
C2: Challenger Phil Makepeace.
DC: James Robinson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: C D O I U D M E S
R02: R V N I E I B O T
R03: N H B E I E E L D
R04: 50, 75, 100, 25, 4, 3. Target: 165.
R05: D Y K A O E F E D
R06: P R G A A O I R H
R07: R M P E U U T S A
R08: 75, 1, 1, 9, 8, 10. Target: 315.
R09: F A I R E R N O B (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: C D O I U D M E S

C1: MOUSE (5)
C2: SODIUM (6)
DC: MEDICOS (7)
OT: MEDUSOID (8)
Score: 0–6 (max 8)

Round 2: R V N I E I B O T

C1: BOVINE (6)
C2: BOVINE (6)
DC: INVERT (6) OBVERT (6) INVITER (7 - which Phil wondered about)
OT: BORNITE (7) VITRINE (7) IVORINE (7)
Score: 6–12 (max 15)

Round 3: N H B E I E E L D

C1: BEHIND (6)
C2: inbleed
OT: BEELINE (7)
Score: 12–12 (max 22)

Phil's dubious 7 is just that, meaning that the scores are level-pegging.

Round 4: 50, 75, 100, 25, 4, 3. Target: 165.

C1: 165. 100 + 75 - 4 - ((50 / 25) x 3) (10)
C2: 165. 100 + 75 - 4 - ((50 / 25) x 3) (10)
Score: 22–22 (max 32)

Phil must be hoping for a harder 4 large sooner or later.

Round 5: D Y K A O E F E D

C1: FAKED (5)
C2: KEYED (5)
DC: OKAYED (6)
OT: KAYOED (6)
Score: 27–27 (max 38)

Round 6: P R G A A O I R H

C1: GRAPH (5)
C2: PARIAH (6)
OT: APORIA (6)
Score: 27–33 (max 44)

Phil regains the lead with that nice 6.

Round 7: R M P E U U T S A

C1: UPRATES (7)
C2: STAMPER (7)
DC: UPSTREAM (8 - again a late one by Phil there)
Score: 34–40 (max 52)

Round 8: 75, 1, 1, 9, 8, 10. Target: 315.

C1: 319. (75 x (8 / (1 + 1))) + 10 + 9 (7)
C2: 319. (75 x (8 / (1 + 1))) + 10 + 9 (7)
OT: 315. (75 - ((8 / (1 + 1)) x 10)) x 9 (10)
Score: 41–47 (max 62)

Yet again more rubbish shuffling in terms of the small numbers, meaning that there's another crucial conundrum on Table 7.

Round 9: F A I R E R N O B

C2 buzzes on 11 seconds to say FOREBRAIN which is correct.
Score: 41–57 (max 72)

A very tricky conundrum there, but it's expertly solved by Phil giving him 2 out of 2 on Table 7 at early doors.

Statistics Corner

Chris:
Total score - 41
Raw score - 51
Total % of max - 57
Raw % of max - 71
Total average score per round - 4.6
Raw average score per round - 5.7
Number of maxes - 1

Phil:
Total score - 57
Raw score - 57
Total % of max - 79
Raw % of max - 79
Total average score per round - 6.3
Raw average score per round - 6.3
Number of maxes - 3

[James Robinson]

So, onto the 2nd phase.

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 4.

C1: Challenger Jeff Clayton.
C2: Challenger Martin Bishop.
DC: James Robinson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: G V B O A R E N T
R02: P N W O E U R M E
R03: O D T I R E D K F
R04: 100, 50, 6, 3, 2, 2. Target: 359.
R05: V L L E I A J B N
R06: R T D M A A E D O
R07: C S N U O I Z T A
R08: 10, 9, 7, 6, 8, 1. Target: 773.
R09: S I E Z E L I A R (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: G V B O A R E N T

C1: ORANGE (6)
C2: BARONET (7)
DC: NEGATOR (7)
OT: BEVATRON (8)
Score: 0–7 (max 8)

Jeff must kicking himself for missing the almost spelt out 7.

Round 2: P N W O E U R M E

C1: OPENER (6)
C2: EMPOWER (7)
Score: 0–14 (max 15)

A brilliant darren by Martin gives an early double-figure lead.

Round 3: O D T I R E D K F

C1: DRIFTED (7)
C2: DRIFTED (7)
OT: FOREDID (7)
Score: 7–21 (max 22)

Round 4: 100, 50, 6, 3, 2, 2. Target: 359.

C1: 359. ((100 + (2 / 2)) x 3) + 50 + 6 (10)
C2: 359. ((100 + 2) x 3) + 50 + (6 / 2) (10)
Score: 17–31 (max 32)

Round 5: V L L E I A J B N

C1: VIABLE (6)
C2: VILLA (5)
DC: LIABLE (6)
OT: JAVELIN (7)
Score: 23–31 (max 39)

Jeff gets back in with the game with a nice 6.

Round 6: R T D M A A E D O

C1: MATADOR (7)
C2: MATADOR (7)
Score: 30–38 (max 46)

Round 7: C S N U O I Z T A

C1: AUCTIONS (8)
C2: SUCTION (7)
DC: CAUTIONS (8)
Score: 38–38 (max 54)

And Jeff completes a mid-game recovery meaning that the scores are level as we head into the last numbers.

Round 8: 10, 9, 7, 6, 8, 1. Target: 773.

C1: 773. Mistake in working.
C2: 773. (((8 x 10) + 6) x 9) - 1 (10)
Score: 38–48 (max 64)

Unfortunately, Jeff messes up on the numbers, but we still have the possibility of multiple conundrums with the gap at 10 points.

Round 9: S I E Z E L I A R

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say REALIZES which is incorrect.
C2 does not buzz.
The answer was SERIALIZE.
Score: 38–48 (max 74)

But, Jeff buzzes in early and fluffs it, meaning that Martin takes the game.

Statistics Corner

Jeff:
Total score - 38
Raw score - 50
Total % of max - 51
Raw % of max - 69
Total average score per round - 4.2
Raw average score per round - 5.6
Number of maxes - 4

Martin:
Total score - 48
Raw score - 60
Total % of max - 65
Raw % of max - 81
Total average score per round - 5.3
Raw average score per round - 6.7
Number of maxes - 5

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 5.

C1: Challenger James Robinson.
C2: Challenger Jeff Clayton.
DC: Martin Bishop.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: E I A N Z T M O D
R02: D N R I E A F T L
R03: J B L H E E E A P
R04: 5, 3, 4, 9, 10, 2. Target: 723.
R05: S T Y U A U M G G
R06: E A I O P X R S N
R07: D K A R U T S E C
R08: 50, 75, 1, 10, 9, 5. Target: 450.
R09: A M A S H D U N E (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: E I A N Z T M O D

C1: ATOMIZED (8)
C2: DOMINATE (8)
OT: MONAZITE (8)
Score: 8–8 (max 8)

A nice 8 from each of the contestants to start the game.

Round 2: D N R I E A F T L

C1: INFLATED (8)
C2: FAINTED (7)
OT: INFLATER (8)
Score: 16–8 (max 16)

And I maintain my max start with a nice 8 there.

Round 3: J B L H E E E A P

C1: BLEEP (5)
C2: BLEEP (5)
OT: EPHEBE (6)
Score: 21–13 (max 22)

Round 4: 5, 3, 4, 9, 10, 2. Target: 723.

C1: 723. (9 x 4 x 2 x 10) + 3 (10)
C2: 723. (9 x 4 x 2 x 10) + 3 (10)
Score: 31–23 (max 32)

Round 5: S T Y U A U M G G

C1: MUGGY (5)
C2: MUSTY (5)
DC: AUGUST (6) GAMUTS (6 - one that I didn't want to risk, but could've)
Score: 36–28 (max 38)

Round 6: E A I O P X R S N

C1: PARISON (7)
C2: paronies
DC: SOAPIER (7) PERSONA (7)
OT: ORPINES (7) PROXIES (7)
Score: 43–28 (max 45)

There looked like there was more than a 7 there, but Jeff's dodgy 8 just extends by lead further.

Round 7: D K A R U T S E C

C1: TRADUCES (8)
C2: detracks
Score: 51–28 (max 53)

And that darren combined with Jeff's incorrect 8 seals the game for me.

Round 8: 50, 75, 1, 10, 9, 5. Target: 450.

C1: 450. 9 x 50 (10)
C2: 450. 9 x 50 (10)
Score: 61–38 (max 63)

Round 9: A M A S H D U N E

C2 buzzes on 9 seconds to say UNASHAMED which is correct.
Score: 61–48 (max 73)

Some nice consolation for Jeff there, to stop me getting a max -2 game, but I register my 2nd win of the tournament.

Statistics Corner

James:
Total score - 61
Raw score - 61
Total % of max - 84
Raw % of max - 84
Total average score per round - 6.8
Raw average score per round - 6.8
Number of maxes - 6

Jeff:
Total score - 48
Raw score - 55
Total % of max - 66
Raw % of max - 75
Total average score per round - 5.3
Raw average score per round - 6.1
Number of maxes - 4

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 6.

C1: Challenger Martin Bishop.
C2: Challenger James Robinson.
DC: Jeff Clayton.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: N R D A O U T M O
R02: B T R P I O E W O
R03: N D W I A E L G L
R04: 75, 50, 5, 10, 9, 7. Target: 743.
R05: U A U M S T R A K
R06: D S T E E E S P O
R07: E I E E C S Q N O
R08: 5, 7, 1, 5, 9, 8. Target: 761.
R09: H Y L E T A N U R (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: N R D A O U T M O

C1: DORMANT (7)
C2: OROTUND (7)
OT: DONATOR (7) ODORANT (7) TANDOOR (7) TORNADO (7) DOORMAN (7) MADRONO (7) DOORMAT (7) MORDANT (7) MOONRAT (7) ROTUNDA (7)
Score: 7–7 (max 7)

Was so happy with that 7, that I entered it as my Magnificent 7. Sadly, I didn't win it.

Round 2: B T R P I O E W O

C1: TRIPE (5)
C2: PROBIT (6)
OT: BIOTOPE (7) TROOPIE (7)
Score: 7–13 (max 14)

I take the early lead with that 6.

Round 3: N D W I A E L G L

C1: DEALING (7)
C2: DWELLING (8)
OT: WINDGALL (8)
Score: 7–21 (max 22)

While Martin was wonder how many L's there were in ALIGNED, I extend my lead further with my 8.

Round 4: 75, 50, 5, 10, 9, 7. Target: 743.

C1: 743. (75 x 10) - 7 (10)
C2: 743. (75 x 10) - 7 (10)
Score: 17–31 (max 32)

Round 5: U A U M S T R A K

C1: MUSKRAT (7)
C2: STRUM (5)
DC: TRAUMAS (7)
OT: AMTRAKS (7) KATSURA (7) MAKUTUS (7)
Score: 24–31 (max 39)

A brilliant spot by Martin there puts him right back in again.....

Round 6: D S T E E E S P O

C1: seedpots
C2: DESPOTS (7)
OT: DEEPEST (7) STEEPED (7) DEPOSES (7) SPEEDOS (7) POETESS (7)
Score: 24–38 (max 46)

....if only for one round, as his dodgy 8 is just that. Although, in fairness, I was wondering about it too.

Round 7: E I E E C S Q N O

C1: CONIES (6)
C2: NIECES (6)
OT: SENECIO (7)
Score: 30–44 (max 53)

I'm one foot away from my 3rd win, but does Martin have other ideas

Round 8: 5, 7, 1, 5, 9, 8. Target: 761.

C1: 765. (((8 + 7 + 1) x 5) + 5) x 9 (7)
C2: 769.
OT: 761. (9 x 7 x (8 + 5 - 1)) + 5 (10)
Score: 37–44 (max 63)

Indeed he does, as that tricky 6 small, puts me 8 away, while his 4 away gets him 7 crucial points, and means that there's another crucial on Table 7.

Round 9: H Y L E T A N U R

C1 buzzes on 3 seconds to say UNEARTHLY which is correct.
Score: 47–44 (max 73)

And Martin achieves a sleepsuit and takes all the glory in a brilliant match.

Statistics Corner

Martin:
Total score - 47
Raw score - 59
Total % of max - 64
Raw % of max - 81
Total average score per round - 5.2
Raw average score per round - 6.6
Number of maxes - 4

James:
Total score - 44
Raw score - 54
Total % of max - 60
Raw % of max - 74
Total average score per round - 4.9
Raw average score per round - 6.0
Number of maxes - 4

[James Robinson]

Matt's already done the 1st part of the 3rd phase, so here are the other two.

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 8.

C1: Challenger James Robinson.
C2: Challenger CF Warran.
DC: Matt Bayfield.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: V C N R R A E O R
R02: O I I E E T T F S
R03: I A E R L H F O S
R04: 100, 9, 10, 1, 5, 2. Target: 806.
R05: U I O E E S N J T
R06: S N R X Y E E U P
R07: A A I E A G Z R D
R08: 50, 75, 6, 3, 6, 7. Target: 929.
R09: M A N D I B A L O (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: V C N R R A E O R

C1: CORNER (6)
C2: rancor
OT: OVERRAN (7)
Score: 6–0 (max 7)

Round 2: O I I E E T T F S

C1: FOIST (5)
C2: TITS (4)
OT: OTITIS (6) SOFTIE (6)
Score: 11–0 (max 13)

Round 3: I A E R L H F O S

C1: FLASHIER (8)
C2: oralise
OT: FORESAIL (8)
Score: 19–0 (max 21)

Round 4: 100, 9, 10, 1, 5, 2. Target: 806.

C1: 806. ((10 - 2) x 100) + 5 + 1 (10)
C2: -
Score: 29–0 (max 31)

Round 5: U I O E E S N J T

C1: JOINTS (6)
C2: JOINTS (6)
OT: OUTJIES (7)
Score: 35–6 (max 38)

Round 6: S N R X Y E E U P

C1: PRUNES (6)
C2: PREENS (6)
OT: ENSURE (6) ENURES (6) NEPERS (6) NURSEY (6) PENURY (6) PERUSE (6) PUREES (6) RUPEES (6) PREXES (6) PYRENE (6) UNSEXY (6)
Score: 41–12 (max 44)

Round 7: A A I E A G Z R D

C1: GRAZED (6)
C2: GRAZED (6)
Score: 47–18 (max 50)

Round 8: 50, 75, 6, 3, 6, 7. Target: 929.

C1: 929. ((6 + 6) x 75) + 50 - (7 x 3) (10)
C2: -
Score: 57–18 (max 60)

Round 9: M A N D I B A L O

C1 buzzes on 2 seconds to say ABDOMINAL which is correct.
Score: 67–18 (max 70)

Statistics Corner

James:
Total score - 67
Raw score - 67
Total % of max - 96
Raw % of max - 96
Total average score per round - 7.4
Raw average score per round - 7.4
Number of maxes - 6

CF:
Total score - 18
Raw score - 22
Total % of max - 26
Raw % of max - 31
Total average score per round - 2.0
Raw average score per round - 2.4
Number of maxes - 2

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 7, Game 9.

C1: Challenger CF Warran.
C2: Challenger Matt Bayfield.
DC: James Robinson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: E E E E I D B M N
R02: L I D O T O S V E
R03: A I I E A C H C N
R04: 25, 3, 4, 4, 2, 9. Target: 435.
R05: P E T O F E L M O
R06: E A E E O G G P S
R07: T I M U S U R I U
R08: 50, 4, 4, 9, 2, 3. Target: 687.
R09: S E L F S H E L S (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: E E E E I D B M N

C1: EMBED (5)
C2: DEMINE (6)
Score: 0–6 (max 6)

A nice darrenic start by Matt. Maybe he wants to get a max game, after I scuppered his max game in the last game.

Round 2: L I D O T O S V E

C1: TOILED (6)
C2: VIOLETS (7)
DC: STOOLED (7) STOOLIE (7 - actually suggested by CF, after I mentioned STOOLED)
OT: OSTEOID (7) OSTIOLE (7) VOIDEST (7)
Score: 0–13 (max 13)

Well, so far so good for Matt.

Round 3: A I I E A C H C N

C1: CHANCE (6)
C2: CHANCE (6)
DC: CHICANE (7)
Score: 6–19 (max 20)

Agh, Matt misses out as I do my "French chicken" joke.

Round 4: 25, 3, 4, 4, 2, 9. Target: 435.

C1: -
C2: 434. (9 x 2 x 25) - (4 x 4) (7)
RR: 435. (((25 x 9) - 4) x 2) - 4 - 3 (10 - solved by Matt straight afterwards)
Score: 6–26 (max 30)

Round 5: P E T O F E L M O

C1: TEMP (4)
C2: FLEET (5)
DC: TEMPLE (6)
OT: FOOTLE (6) METOPE (6) PELMET (6) POMELO (6) POOTLE (6)
Score: 6–31 (max 36)

A quarter-century lead now for Matt, as CF could've added the LE to TEMP for TEMPLE.

Round 6: E A E E O G G P S

C1: APOGEES (7)
C2: PAGES (5)
DC: SEEPAGE (7)
Score: 13–31 (max 43)

But, what's this A fantastic 7 there by CF, and all of a sudden he's back in this 1.

Round 7: T I M U S U R I U

C1: STRUM (5)
C2: TRIMS (5)
OT: SMRITI (6) SURIMI (6) TRUISM (6)
Score: 18–36 (max 49)

A very tricky letters here. An A would've gt a nice TIRAMISU, but there you go. It just wasn't to be.

Round 8: 50, 4, 4, 9, 2, 3. Target: 687.

C1: -
C2: 687. ((50 + 3) x (9 + 4)) - 2 (10)
JR: 687. ((4 + 3) x 2 x 50) - 9 - 4 (10)
Score: 18–46 (max 59)

Matt solves the numbers in a much more complex way, than I did, but 10 points is 10 points.

Round 9: S E L F S H E L S

C2 buzzes on 5 seconds to say FLESHLESS which is correct.
Score: 18–56 (max 69)

Despite pondering the existence of the word, Matt buzzes in and takes the game at ease in the end, thus ending the day's play on Table 7.

Statistics Corner

CF:
Total score - 18
Raw score - 33
Total % of max - 26
Raw % of max - 48
Total average score per round - 2.0
Raw average score per round - 3.7
Number of maxes - 1

Matt:
Total score - 56
Raw score - 61
Total % of max - 81
Raw % of max - 88
Total average score per round - 6.2
Raw average score per round - 6.8
Number of maxes - 4

That's my recapping done for this tournament. Hopefully we'll see all the others pretty soon.

[Kai Laddiman]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 9, Game 9.1.1

C1: Challenger Matt Morrison.
C2: Challenger Kai Laddiman.
DC: Supee Juachan.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: G D T O A I A C U
R02: Q I M I L E S U P
R03: F T O A A S T K T
R04: 7, 1, 6, 8, 7, 2. Target: 424.
R05: O L M E I F W H O
R06: N U A O R D S B O
R07: Z T A E S A M T A
R08: 25, 7, 2, 8, 7, 1. Target: 203.
R09: C O R T E G E U T (conundrum)

And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: G D T O A I A C U

C1: ADAGIO (6)
C2: GUAIAC (6) ("I'll ask Kirk if it's valid, and if it is I'll put it in the recap instead of ADAGIO")
OT: AGOUTI (6) DACOIT (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

Some awesome words to start the day off.

Round 2: Q I M I L E S U P

C1: SIMILE (6)
C2: MILIEUS (7)
OT: IMPLIES (7) IMPULSE (7) SILIQUE (7)
Score: 6-13 (max 13)

This was the round I used my Magnificent Seven 'card' on (my first 7!), and it miraculously won the prize of a Kountdown Keyring and a copy of The Magnificent Seven DVD. (Sorry Lloyd, your AQUAVIT deserved it, my word sucked )

Round 3: F T O A A S T K T

C1: TOAST (5)
C2: KOFTAS (6)
Score: 6-19 (max 19)

Nom nom Indian food nom.

Round 4: 7, 1, 6, 8, 7, 2. Target: 424.

C1: 423.
C2: 424. (8 x 7 - 6 / 2) x (7 + 1) (10)
Score: 6-29 (max 29)

A slightly lucky numbers solve meant I was still on a max game going into the 'break'.

Round 5: O L M E I F W H O

C1: FOLIO (5)
C2: WHOLE (5)
OT: WHILOM (6)
Score: 11-34 (max 35)

lol wat

Round 6: N U A O R D S B O

C1: ABOUNDS (7)
C2: ONBOARD (7)
OT: BOURDONS (8) BRADOONS (8)
Score: 18-41 (max 43)

Grrr, I didn't risk BOURDONS. At least I wasn't on for a max game.

Round 7: Z T A E S A M T A

C1: MATTES (6)
C2: AMAZES (6)
Score: 24-47 (max 49)

Matt declaring MATTES made me laugh. Internally.

Round 8: 25, 7, 2, 8, 7, 1. Target: 203.

C1: 203. 25 x 8 + 2 + 1 (10)
C2: 203. 25 x 8 + 2 + 1 (10)
Score: 34-57 (max 59)

A numbers game so easy I couldn't be bothered to go a long way.

Round 9: C O R T E G E U T

C2 buzzes on 2 seconds to say COURGETTE which is correct.
Score: 34-67 (max 69)

Matt was an awesome guy, and a pleasure to play against.

Statistics Corner

Matt:
Total score - 34
Raw score - 52
Total % of max - 49
Raw % of max - 75
Total average score per round - 3.8
Raw average score per round - 5.8
Number of maxes - 3

Kai:
Total score - 67
Raw score - 67
Total % of max - 97
Raw % of max - 97
Total average score per round - 7.4
Raw average score per round - 7.4
Number of maxes - 7

[NOTE: Anyone using my Statistics Corner program will probably have noticed it that average score per round doesn't work for 9-rounders, so it needs altering manually.]

[Kai Laddiman]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 9, Game 9.1.2

C1: Challenger Kai Laddiman (1 win, 67 points.)
C2: Challenger Supee Juachan.
DC: Matt Morrison.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: T O R O I S L D O
R02: R C G I E O E T F
R03: I T O L U H F W A
R04: 25, 7, 7, 1, 2, 6. Target: 243.
R05: M B N A A I S R D
R06: M Z A T S A E V T
R07: E A I T S G S E R
R08: 8, 2, 9, 3, 9, 10. Target: 754.
R09: U N I N B G K E D (conundrum)

And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: T O R O I S L D O

C1: TOROIDS (7)
C2: STOOL (5)
OT: ROSOLIO (7)
Score: 7–0 (max 7)

Unfortunately for her, Supee didn't spot the word almost spelt out in the selection.

Round 2: R C G I E O E T F

C1: CORTEGE (7)
C2: egoist
OT: COTERIE (7)
Score: 14–0 (max 14)

Fortunately for me, CORTEGE was the first part of the scramble for the previous game

Round 3: I T O L U H F W A

C1: FLOAT (5)
C2: wait (declared as 5)
OT: HALFWIT (7)
Score: 19–0 (max 21)

Supee makes a counting error, which means she is still yet to get off the mark.

Round 4: 25, 7, 7, 1, 2, 6. Target: 243.

C1: 243. (25 + 7 + 1 - 6) x (7 + 2) (10)
C2: 243. (7 + 1 + 2) x 25 - 7 (10)
Score: 29–10 (max 31)

I didn't see the simple solution there

Round 5: M B N A A I S R D

C1: BARMAIDS (8)
C2: BRANDS (6)
OT: ARMBANDS (8)
Score: 37–10 (max 39)

Round 6: M Z A T S A E V T

C1: AMAZES (6)
C2: AMAZE (5)
OT: MATTES (6) SAVATE (6)
Score: 43–10 (max 45)

Ouch! Supee didn't notice the S in a very familiar selection.

Round 7: E A I T S G S E R

C1: AGISTERS (8)
C2: regist
DC: GREASIEST (18)
Score: 51–10 (max 63)



Round 8: 8, 2, 9, 3, 9, 10. Target: 754.

C1: 753. (10 x 9 + 3) x 8 + 9 (7)
C2: -
OT: 754. (9 x 9 + 10 + 3) x 8 + 2 (10)
Score: 58–10 (max 73)

A tricky numbers game in which I only just managed to reach one away.

Round 9: U N I N B G K E D

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say DEBUNKING which is correct.
Score: 68–10 (max 83)

Supee was also a very nice person, and I felt kind of bad after she had made a few unfortunate mistakes.

Statistics Corner

Kai:
Total score - 68
Raw score - 68
Total % of max - 82
Raw % of max - 82
Total average score per round - 7.6
Raw average score per round - 7.6
Number of maxes - 6

Supee:
Total score - 10
Raw score - 26
Total % of max - 12
Raw % of max - 31
Total average score per round - 1.1
Raw average score per round - 2.9
Number of maxes - 1

[Kai Laddiman]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 9, Game 9.1.3

C1: Challenger Supee Juachan.
C2: Challenger Matt Morrison.
DC:Kai Laddiman.
OT: Other words or solutions.

Now for the first ever Co:Lon game hosted by someone with the surname Laddiman.

R01: O E A T G W T F O
R02: Q E E E E P B R J
R03: E E A R S D C E L
R04: 100, 3, 8, 4, 3, 2. Target: 571.
R05: P H H L O U A I B
R06: U I E N S R R O T
R07: K E U M Z G R E O
R08: 100, 2, 3, 7, 8, 1. Target: 426.
R09: S T R I G I L S E (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: O E A T G W T F O

C1: GOOF (4)
C2: GOAT (4)
DC: AFOOT (5)
OT: FOOTAGE (7)
Score: 4–4 (max 7)

A horrible selection gives the contestants 4s but yields a hard-to-spot 7.

Round 2: Q E E E E P B R J

C1: breep
C2: BEEPER (6)
Score: 4–10 (max 13)

Aargh! It's board game fever! But MWM manages to pick out the darren.

Round 3: E E A R S D C E L

C1: DECLARES (8)
C2: RESEALED (8)
OT: DESCALER (8) DECREASE (8) RELEASED (8) SCREELED (8)
Score: 12–18 (max 21)

Good 8s for both contestants.

Round 4: 100, 3, 8, 4, 3, 2. Target: 571.

C1: -
C2: 571. (100 - 4) x 3 x 2 - (8 - 3) (10)
Score: 12–28 (max 31)

Matt pulls further ahead with a good numbers solution.

Round 5: P H H L O U A I B

C1: BAIL (4)
C2: BAIL (4)
DC: PHOBIA (6)
Score: 16–32 (max 37)

Another nasty selection gives just 4s again.

Round 6: U I E N S R R O T

C1: OUTERS (6)
C2: ruiners
DC: ROUTINES (8)
OT: INTRORSE (8)
Score: 22–32 (max 45)

Matt's risky 7 is just that, meaning Supee closes the gap to just 10 points.

Round 7: K E U M Z G R E O

C1: MORE (4)
C2: MERGE (5)
OT: MORGUE (6)
Score: 22–37 (max 51)

However, Matt pulls further ahead again.

Round 8: 100, 2, 3, 7, 8, 1. Target: 426.

C1: 426. (100 + 7) x (3 + 1) - 2 (10)
C2: 426. (100 + 7) x (3 + 1) - 2 (10)
Score: 32–47 (max 61)

Round 9: S T R I G I L S E

C1 buzzes on 20 seconds to say STRIDGIEST which is incorrect.
C2 does not buzz.
The answer was GRISLIEST.
Score: 32–47 (max 71)

A good game of Countdown - not the highest scoring or the closest, but fun and exciting.

Statistics Corner

Supee:
Total score - 32
Raw score - 36
Total % of max - 45
Raw % of max - 51
Total average score per round - 3.6
Raw average score per round - 4.0
Number of maxes - 1

Matt:
Total score - 47
Raw score - 47
Total % of max - 66
Raw % of max - 66
Total average score per round - 5.2
Raw average score per round - 5.2
Number of maxes - 4

[Jeff Clayton]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 4, Game 4.1.1

C1: Challenger Mike Brown
C2: Challenger Oliver Garner
Host/DC: Jeff Clayton.

R01: L L P A O I Q N I
R02: F N M G I I O L O
R03: D T R O E E T D M
R04: 4 10 10 6 8 3. Target: 564.
R05: D C N S U O U U E
R06: S M R E E E R C E
R07: W B L R A E E V A
R08: 75 8 2 5 4 6. Target: 152.
R09: B O D E L U D E R (conundrum)


And now, some pages from Ceefax:

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And we say hello and welcome to our viewers from S4C.

Round 1: L L P A O I Q N I

C1: PILLION (7)
C2: POLLAN (6)
DC: C'est parfait.
Score: 7–0

Straight in and taking no passengers, er, prisoners, Mike takes an early lead.

Round 2: F N M G I I O L O

C1: FILMING (7)
C2: FILMING (7)
DC: FOOLING, LOOMING (7)
Score: 14–7

Oli had hoped for a last A to tickle his feathers pink...

Round 3: D T R O E E T D M

C1: DEMOTED (7)
C2: TETRODE (7)
Score: 21–14

Good 7s for both contestants.

Round 4: 4 10 10 6 8 3. Target: 564.

C1: 10-3=7; 10x8=80; 7x80=560; 560+4=564. (10)
C2: 4+3=7; 7x8=56; 56x10=560; 560+10=570; 570-6=564. (10)
Score: 31–24

Solid results and ten points for both.

Round 5: D C N S U O U U E

C1: SECOND (6)
C2: DUNCES (6)
Score: 37–30

Another nasty selection gives just 6s again.

Round 6: S M R E E E R C E

C1: EMCEES (6)
C2: seemer
DC: MERCERS (7)
Score: 43–30

Oli's risky 6 is just that, meaning Mike extends his lead to 13 points.

Round 7: W B L R A E E V A

C1: WEARABLE (8)
C2: WEARABLE (8)
Score: 51–38

An excellent spot from both and now good scores with 20 points still up for grabs.

Round 8: 75 8 2 5 4 6. Target: 152.

C1: 75x2=150; 8/4=2; 150+2=152. (10)
C2: 5-4=1; 75+1=76; 76x2=152. (10)
Score: 61-48

A textbook round but an early upset now safe for Mike Brown.

Round 9: B O D E L U D E R

C2 buzzes on 3 seconds to say REDOUBLED, which is correct.

Score: 61–58.

[Jeff Clayton]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 8, Game 8.3.3

C1: Challenger Tom Rowell
C2: Challenger Nick Wainwright
Host/DC: Jeff Clayton.

R01: P N R I I O Y U S
R02: J S N L O U O E I
R03: L N T I E E D B I
R04: 50 5 10 7 6 4. Target: 776.
R05: N W F R E E I E X
R06: A O I H D S C B E
R07: R L R T O U O O E
R08: 5 6 9 1 8 3. Target: 585.
R09: C O O K S O B E R (conundrum)


And now, a party political broadcast from UKIP:

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And hello Countdowners... anywhere.

Round 1: P N R I I O Y U S

C1: PRIONS (6)
C2: RUINS (5)
DC: Had to look it up.
Score: 6–0

An early lead for Tom from a difficult set of letters.

Round 2: J S N L O U O E I

C1: LOONIES (7)
C2: LOONIES (7)
DC: JOULES (6)
Score: 13–7

And Nick comes into the game with a solid 7.

Round 3: L N T I E E D B I

C1: BLINI (5)
C2: INEDIBLE (8)
Score: 13–15

A super 8 from Nick is difficult for Tom to stomach.

Round 4: 50 5 10 7 6 4. Target: 776.

C1: 774
C2: 50+5=55; 10+4=14; 55x14=770; 770+6=776. (10)
Score: 13–25

So Nick use split multiplication to ease into a comfortable lead at half-time.

Round 5: N W F R E E I E X

C1: WEENIER (7)
C2: WIENER (6)
Score: 20–25

Risky at best, but Tom puts himself back in the game.

Round 6: A O I H D S C B E

C1: BEACH (5)
C2: ABIDES (6)
DC: ABODES, BASHED, CASHED (6)
Score: 20–31

A see-saw game going on now and Nick restores that crucial advantage.

Round 7: R L R T O U O O E

C1: ROUTER (6)
C2: ROOTLE (6)
Score: 26–37

Good 6s from another hard selection. But it's now Tom's numbers...

Round 8: 5 6 9 1 8 3. Target: 585.

C1: 8+6=14; 14-1=13; 13x9=117; 117x5=585. (10)
C2: 8+3=11; 11x6=66; 66-1=65; 65x9=585. (10)
Score: 36-47

Excellent displays from both, 10 well earned points as we head into the home straight.

Round 9: C O O K S O B E R

C1 buzzes on 3 seconds, slightly unsure and offers SCOREBOOK, which is correct.

So Tom finishes with a flourish but Nick is home and dry.
Score: 46-47.

[Jeff Clayton]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon grand final.

C1: Challenger Oliver Garner
C2: Challenger Innis Carson
Host: Kirk Bevins
RR: Kai Laddiman
DC: Charlie Reams

Before gameplay commenced, Kirk asked Innis to call the toss - he guessed correctly and opted to go second.

R01: G M D A O I L T A
R02: R K L A E O C N F
R03: I A I N S W E G N
R04: R S R E I A R H C
R05: 100 6 2 3 5 4. Target: 802.
Teaser: ETVAGINA, "find your way to go home".
R06: L P T O I O P T U
R07: M P S R U E A L O
R08: T S P W E U E R S
R09: D S E U E C R N E
R10: 50 5 9 8 3 1. Target: 550.
Teaser: OLDOCEAN, "a taste of the orient in Sacramento?".
R11: Y S T A E U N V Z
R12: D B S A E I J N S
R13: A I E F R D R I X
R14: 25 4 6 5 3 2. Target: 728.
R15: O R A G A M I N G (conundrum)

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Round 1: G M D A O I L T A

C1: DIATOM (6)
C2: DIATOM (6)
DC: GLIOMATA (8) - plural of glioma, which is a malignant tumour in nervous system tissue.
Score: 6–6

Early points for the finalists and early applause for Susie.


Round 2: R K L A E O C N F

C1: FALCONER (8)
C2: cornflea
Score: 14–6

Oli takes the lead. And no, cornflake isn't in.


Round 3: I A I N S W E G N

C1: sweaning
C2: INSWING (7) - a term from cricket - a ball bowled with a swing from the off to the leg side.
Score: 14–13

Innis hits for 7 as Oli is caught out by his risky 8.


Round 4: R S R E I A R H C

C1: HARRIERS (8)
C2: CARRIERS (8)
Score: 22-21

Two solid 8s from the contenders and DC has nothing better in the locker.


Round 5: 100 6 2 3 5 4. Target: 802.

C1: 5+3=8; 8x100=800; 800+2=802.
C2: idem.
Score: 32-31

A textbook one-from-the-top and Cecil in a good mood bumps the scores up each by ten points.


Teatime teaser: ETVAGINA
"Find your way to go home".
NAVIGATE.


Round 6: L P T O I O P T U

C1: PILOT (5)
C2: PULPIT (6)
Score: 32-37

Innis impresses his parishioners with a good 6 from a tough set, and takes the lead.


Round 7: M P S R U E A L O

C1: MAULERS (7)
C2: SAMPLER (7)
DC: AMPOULES (8) - a small sealed glass capsule containing a liquid, usually for injecting.
Score: 39-44

Steady 7s though both overlook going one better...


Round 8: T S P W E U E R S

C1: REPUTES (7)
C2: PESTERS (7)
DC: SUPERSET (8) - from maths, a set which includes another set or sets.
Score: 46-51

Good words again but yet another chance to move ahead!


Round 9: D S E U E C R N E

C1: CENSURE (7)
C2: CENSURED (8)
Score: 46-59

A heartbreaker for Oli as Innis charges further in front. And Innis now chooses the numbers...


Round 10: 50 5 9 8 3 1 = 550

C1: 8+3=11; 11x50=550.
C2: idem.
Score: 56-69.

Cecil rises to his traditional standards in the final once more and puts ten easy points on the board for both.


Teatime teaser: OLDOCEAN
"A taste of the orient in Sacramento?"
CANOODLE.



Round 11: Y S T A E U N V Z

C1: UNSEAT (6)
C2: suavety
DC: YENTAS (6) - a woman who is a busybody, gossip.
Score: 62-69

Six valuable points for Oli puts him back in the running, as Innis fails to make an impression with the e.


Round 12: D B S A E I J N S

C1: BADNESS (7)
C2: BASENJIS (8) - a smallish hunting dog of a central African breed, which growls and yelps but does not bark.
Score: 62-77

Hungry for the finish, Innis tries a risky 8 and is rewarded with an extended lead.


Round 13: A I E F R D R I X

C1: RARIFIED (8)
C2: RARIFIED (8)
Score: 70-85

It was Innis to declare first, and opting for another risky 8, he matched Oli's effort and now looks much closer to sealing the deal. 15 points ahead, 20 points available, it's Innis' numbers...


Round 14: 25 4 6 5 3 2. Target: 728.

C1: 6x4=24; 24+5=29; 29x25=725; 725+3=728.
C2: idem.
Score: 80-95.

...and both make it through with a rather harder offering on the board.


Round 15: O R A G A M I N G (conundrum)

It defeats them both. Host Kirk looks to the audience, and spots the hand of Richard Priest who offers ANGIOGRAM to a huge round of applause.

Final score: Oliver Garner 80-95 Innis Carson.


And so after having made the long journey south from Edinburgh, young Scotsman Innis Carson is awarded the Co:Lon 2010 Master trophy. He has stormed his tournament debut, amassing six wins and 429 points and came up against a valiant effort from Oliver Garner in this final.

Well done to the presenters for rounding off a busy and interesting afternoon!

[Oliver Garner]

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010 (CO:LON Round 2 Game 1).

C1: Challenger Oliver Garner (1 win).
C2: Challenger Nick Wainwright (1 win).
DC: Paul Howe.
RR: Paul Howe.
OT: Other words or solutions.
Note: The order of the letters in each round may be wrong because of the way I write the letters randomly in two lines.

R01: P M N T E A E M E
R02: N S W B U E U V I
R03: L S S R A I E U O
R04: 8, 10, 10, 3, 4, 7. Target: 171.
R05: D S B R A I A M U
R06: P D K G O A I T O
R07: S T G N I E I G I
R08: 100, 4, 3, 10, 9, 4. Target: 867.
R09: C U R E C R I F I (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: P M N T E A E M E

C1: NEPETA (6)
C2: MEANT (5)
OT: APEMEN (6)
Score: 6–0 (max 6)

Round 2: N S W B U E U V I

C1: UNWISE (6)
C2: VIEWS (5)
Score: 12–0 (max 12)

Round 3: L S S R A I E U O

C1: SOLARISE (8)
C2: SOLARISE (8)
Score: 20–8 (max 20)

Round 4: 8, 10, 10, 3, 4, 7. Target: 171.

C1: 171. (10+7)*10+4-3 (10)
C2: 171. (10+7)*10+4-3 (10)
Score: 30–18 (max 30)

Round 5: D S B R A I A M U

C1: BARMAIDS (8)
C2: DISARM (6)
Score: 38–18 (max 38)

Round 6: P D K G O A I T O

C1: KATIPO (6)
C2: ADOPT (5)
Score: 44–18 (max 44)

Round 7: S T G N I E I G I

C1: IGNITES (7)
C2: IGNITES (7)
Score: 51–25 (max 51)

Round 8: 100, 4, 3, 10, 9, 4. Target: 867.

C1: 867. (100-4)*9+3 (10)
C2: 867. (100-4)*9+3 (10)
Score: 61–35 (max 61)

Round 9: C U R E C R I F I

C2 buzzes on 20 seconds to say CRUCIFIER which is correct.
Score: 61–45 (max 71)

This was by far my best game of the tournament. Interestingly, all but 1 of the rounds was darrenic.

[Kai Laddiman]

Jeff, are you using the recap writer?

[Innis Carson]

Great recap of the final Jeff.
I've only got notes of the selections in the games I hosted, so I'll put them up:



Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. (Round 1, Table 2)

C1: Challenger Jimmy Gough.
C2: Challenger Nick Wainwright.
DC: Innis Carson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: T Z M X U U E A O
R02: D D V T I A I E I
R03: N G P S E A E D E
R04: 100, 3, 7, 6, 9, 8. Target: 152.
R05: P R N N I E A P M
R06: R D C R O U U O L
R07: B S S L I E O R U
R08: 25, 4, 5, 10, 2, 6. Target: 976.
R09: A R M O U R F L Y (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: T Z M X U U E A O

C1: MAZE (4)
C2: ATOM (4)
OT: MATZO (5) MOTZA (5)
Score: 4–4 (max 5)

Rubbish first round, nobody we asked could find better than 4.

Round 2: D D V T I A I E I

C1: ADDITIVE (8)
C2: ADDITIVE (8)
Score: 12–12 (max 13)

A nice darren here makes up for it somewhat.

Round 3: N G P S E A E D E

C1: DEEPENS (7)
C2: DEEPENS (7)
OT: SEEPAGE (7)
Score: 19–19 (max 20)

Round 4: 100, 3, 7, 6, 9, 8. Target: 152.

C1: 152. 100+(6*8)+7-3 (10)
C2: 152. Same method (10)
Score: 29–29 (max 30)

Round 5: P R N N I E A P M

C1: PANNIER (7)
C2: NAPPIER (7)
Score: 36–36 (max 37)

The scores remain even with these symmetrical-ish 7s.

Round 6: R D C R O U U O L

C1: COLOUR (6)
C2: COLOUR (6)
OT: COUROL (6) DOLOUR (6) ROUCOU (6)
Score: 42–42 (max 43)

Round 7: B S S L I E O R U

C1: BLOUSES (7)
C2: BOILERS (7)
OT: SUBSOILER (18)
Score: 49–49 (max 61)

Whoa. We had a feeling there was something better than 7 hidden in there, and there certainly was. It's a farming tool, uninterestingly enough.

Round 8: 25, 4, 5, 10, 2, 6. Target: 976.

C1: -
C2: 976. (25*10-6)*4 (10)
Score: 49–59 (max 71)

Nick finds a surprisingly simple solution to a very intimidating selection and target, breaking the deadlock for the first time in the whole game. Either player can still win though...

Round 9: A R M O U R F L Y

C1 buzzes to say (NOTHING) which is incorrect.
C2 buzzes to say FORMULARY which is correct.
Score: 49–69 (max 81)

Classic Gough style there. Both players played well, but Nick solves the crucial to win the tight game.

Statistics Corner

Jimmy :
Total score - 49
Raw score - 49
Total % of max - 60
Raw % of max - 60
Total average score per round - 5.4
Raw average score per round - 5.4
Number of maxes - 5

Nick:
Total score - 69
Raw score - 69
Total % of max - 85
Raw % of max - 85
Total average score per round - 7.7
Raw average score per round - 7.7
Number of maxes - 7

[Kirk Bevins]

Statistics Corner

Jimmy :
Total score - 49
Raw score - 49
Total % of max - 60
Raw % of max - 60
Total average score per round - 5.4
Raw average score per round - 5.4
Number of maxes - 7

Nick:
Total score - 69
Raw score - 69
Total % of max - 85
Raw % of max - 85
Total average score per round - 7.7
Raw average score per round - 7.7
Number of maxes - 5

7 maxes and he lost? Is this not the wrong way round?

[Innis Carson]

Whoops, yes it is. Cheers.

[Innis Carson]

Hopefully got this one right:

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. (Round 2, Table 1)

C1: Challenger Ben Wilson.
C2: Challenger Phil Makepeace.
DC: Innis Carson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: K S W T A E E R F
R02: R J D P E A E V V
R03: B T G C A E E D C
R04: 100, 75, 50, 25, 7, 2. Target: 629.
R05: F R M H E O I H C
R06: S G R N O E I L O
R07: D D N R A I E T I
R08: 3, 10, 8, 4, 10, 9. Target: 774.
R09: C H A R M Y A L L (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: K S W T A E E R F

C1: WEAKEST (7)
C2: SWEATER (7)
OT: AFREETS (7) FEASTER (7) FRETSAW (7) RETAKES (7)
Score: 7–7 (max 7)

Round 2: R J D P E A E V V

C1: repaved
C2: PERVADE (7)
OT: DEPRAVE (7)
Score: 7–14 (max 14)

A plausible try from Ben, but it's not in, giving Phil the first lead.

Round 3: B T G C A E E D C

C1: DEBATE (6)
C2: ACCEDE (6)
Score: 13–20 (max 20)

Surprisingly that's all there is from that lot,

Round 4: 100, 75, 50, 25, 7, 2. Target: 629.

C1: 629. 75*(7+2)-50+(100/25) (10)
C2: 629. Same method (10)
Score: 23–30 (max 30)

Both players succeed, and Phil is on a max score after the first half.

Round 5: F R M H E O I H C

C1: HEROIC (6)
C2: HEROIC (6)
OT: COMFIER (7)
Score: 29–36 (max 37)

Round 6: S G R N O E I L O

C1: RESOLING (8)
C2: IGNORES (7)
Score: 37–36 (max 45)

A darrenic 8 from Ben allows him to reverse his deficit and gives him a single-point lead.

Round 7: D D N R A I E T I

C1: TRAINED (7)
C2: TRAINED (7)
OT: DAINTIER (8) NITRIDED (8)
Score: 44–43 (max 53)

Round 8: 3, 10, 8, 4, 10, 9. Target: 774.

C1: 774. (8*10-3)*10+4 (10)
C2: 774. Same method (10)
Score: 54–53 (max 63)

A tactical 6-small choice from Ben there, but both players manage to crack it, setting up a crucial conundrum.

Round 9: C H A R M Y A L L

No one buzzes. The answer was LACHRYMAL.

Score: 54–53 (max 73)

Actually that's not true, they both buzzed in at the end of time to have a guess (forgot to write down what their guesses were, sorry) but neither solves it. I don't blame them, I hadn't even heard of the word LACHRYMAL.

Anyway, it was a really tight match and Ben's one-point lead ends up winning it for him. Unlucky Phil, well played to both.

Statistics Corner

Ben:
Total score - 54
Raw score - 54
Total % of max - 74
Raw % of max - 74
Total average score per round - 6.0
Raw average score per round - 6.0
Number of maxes - 5

Phil:
Total score - 53
Raw score - 60
Total % of max - 73
Raw % of max - 82
Total average score per round - 5.9
Raw average score per round - 6.7
Number of maxes - 5

[Ben Wilson]

Actually that's not true, they both buzzed in at the end of time to have a guess (forgot to write down what their guesses were, sorry) but neither solves it. I don't blame them, I hadn't even heard of the word LACHRYMAL.

Phil- HALLMARCY
Me- MALLYARCH

Both equally bollocks to be fair.

[Innis Carson]

Ah yeah, cheers for that.

Last one:

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. (Round 3, Table 1)

C1: Challenger Kirk Bevins.
C2: Challenger James Rawson.
DC: Innis Carson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: R N N A O O L D V
R02: X F B O U I N Q E
R03: P T R O E O G N S
R04: 7, 2, 10, 2, 6, 4. Target: 967.
R05: B C K I O E R R S
R06: T Y S O E E P N T
R07: G R C E A O H E M
R08: 75, 6, 8, 8, 4, 9. Target: 452.
R09: L O O K S H E E T (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: R N N A O O L D V

C1: LARDOON (7)
C2: LARDOON (7)
Score: 7–7 (max 7)

Solid start.

Round 2: X F B O U I N Q E

C1: QUOIN (5)
C2: QUOIN (5)
DC: BONXIE (6)
OT: EQUINOX (7)
Score: 12–12 (max 14)

This round looked like utter garbage, but it turns out there was a lovely 7 hidden away.

Round 3: P T R O E O G N S

C1: OPERONS (7)
C2: pooters
OT: GENTOOS (7) SNOOPER (7) SPOONER (7) OROGENS (7) POOREST (7) POOTERS (7) POSTERN (7) PROTONS (7) SPONGER (7) TROGONS (7)
Score: 19–12 (max 21)

A reasonable try by James, but Kirk takes the initial lead.


Round 4: 7, 2, 10, 2, 6, 4. Target: 967.

C1: 967. 2*2*4*6*10+7 (10)
C2: -
Score: 29–12 (max 31)

The selection and target look horrific, but a very elegant solution is spotted by Kirk to extend his lead.

Round 5: B C K I O E R R S

C1: CORBIES (7)
C2: brickers
OT: BICKERS (7) BRISKER (7) BROKERS (7) CORKERS (7) ROCKERS (7) CORKIER (7) ROCKIER (7) CORRIES (7) CROSIER (7) SCRIBER (7)
Score: 36–12 (max 38)

Ouch. A very plausible try here by James, but this one doesn't go his way either.

Round 6: T Y S O E E P N T

C1: EYESPOT (7)
C2: POETS (5)
OT: STENOTYPE (18)
Score: 43–12 (max 56)

Think it would have been a rather tall order for anyone to spot this double-darrenic nine.

Round 7: G R C E A O H E M

C1: OCHREAE (7)
C2: CHROME (6)
OT: ECHOGRAM (8)
Score: 50–12 (max 64)

Surprisingly, OCHREAE is the only seven available here. A very nice spot by Kirk, could perhaps have been a potential Magnificent 7. Think he'd already used his entry up by this point though.

Round 8: 75, 6, 8, 8, 4, 9. Target: 452.

C1: 452. (75*6)+(8/4) (10)
C2: 452. Same method (10)
Score: 60–22 (max 74)

Round 9: L O O K S H E E T

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say TOKOLOSHE which is incorrect.
C2 buzzes on 29 seconds to say TOKEHOLES which is incorrect.
The answer was STOKEHOLE.
Score: 60–22 (max 84)

Agony all around here. TOKOLOSHE is indeed a valid word and would have been a phenomenal solve, but the letters just don't quite fit. James was ridiculously close with his last-second stab, he must have been kicking himself.

This was the last game of the day for both players, and I can't help but think James had probably given up somewhat by this point. Plus, he was genuinely unlucky with a few rounds, so his score in this game definitely doesn't reflect his ability. Solid play by Kirk gave him a comfortable victory in the end.

Statistics Corner

Kirk:
Total score - 60
Raw score - 60
Total % of max - 71
Raw % of max - 71
Total average score per round - 6.7
Raw average score per round - 6.7
Number of maxes - 5

James:
Total score - 22
Raw score - 33
Total % of max - 26
Raw % of max - 39
Total average score per round - 2.4
Raw average score per round - 3.7
Number of maxes - 2

[Kai Laddiman]

Round 3: P T R O E O G N S

C1: OPERONS (7)
C2: pooters
OT: GENTOOS (7) SNOOPER (7) SPOONER (7) OROGENS (7) POOREST (7) POOTERS (7) POSTERN (7) PROTONS (7) SPONGER (7) TROGONS (7)

CountMax error (I've just checked and it definitely isn't in).

[Lesley Hines]

Round 3: P T R O E O G N S

C1: OPERONS (7)
C2: pooters
OT: GENTOOS (7) SNOOPER (7) SPOONER (7) OROGENS (7) POOREST (7) POOTERS (7) POSTERN (7) PROTONS (7) SPONGER (7) TROGONS (7)

CountMax error (I've just checked and it definitely isn't in).

Shame - it should be (IMVHO...) They're little bug catchers you use in biology field work for sampling, etc.

[Kai Laddiman]

Now for the second round (if a bit late):

Countdown recap for Saturday 22 May 2010. Co:Lon, Table 2, Game 2.2.1

C1: Kirk Bevins (2 wins, 117 points.)
C2: Kai Laddiman (2 wins, 135 points.)
DC: Lesley Hines.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: P R T A I A T A I
R02: S I N E L A G U B
R03: C T N I E I O M Y
R04: 9, 7, 6, 1, 10, 5. Target: 197.
R05: E S B O L O Q T T
R06: F S S E E E D U R
R07: N M I E T I W I S
R08: 25, 5, 10, 1, 6, 9. Target: 791.
R09: H E N P A R P E D (conundrum)

This promises to be a good game, as it went to a crucial the last time we faced off. We'll see how we do as the game unravels...

And now a brief interlude before our main feature:





Enjoy the show.

Round 1: P R T A I A T A I

C1: PARTITA (7)
C2: PITTA (5)
Score: 7–0 (max 7)

Kirk starts off with a great 7 I had never heard of.

Round 2: S I N E L A G U B

C1: NEBULAS (7)
C2: BANGLES (7)
DC: SIGNABLE (8)
OT: SINGABLE (8)
Score: 14–7 (max 15)

Unfortunately for him Kirk didn't risk SIGNABLE, and it does sound slightly stupid.

Round 3: C T N I E I O M Y

C1: CENTIMO (7)
C2: MEIOTIC (7)
OT: TONEMIC (7)
Score: 21–14 (max 22)

I got MEIOTIC upon Kirk declaring 7. Sorry Jon.

Round 4: 9, 7, 6, 1, 10, 5. Target: 197.

C1: 197. (10+9)x(6+5-1)+7 (10)
C2: 197. (9+6+5+1)x10+7 (10)
Score: 31–24 (max 32)

An easy numbers game means there is still 7 points between us.

Round 5: E S B O L O Q T T

C1: TOOLSET (7)
C2: blottoes
DC: BOTTLES (7)
OT: TOOTLES (7)
Score: 38–24 (max 39)

My thinking BLOTTO is a noun costs me £2.50 and 7 points, meaning Kirk is 14 points ahead now.

Round 6: F S S E E E D U R

C1: REFUSES (7)
C2: REFUSED (7)
OT: DEFUSES (7) FEEDERS (7) RESEEDS (7) SEEDERS (7)
Score: 45–31 (max 46)

"Acute board game syndrome" strikes causing 3 Es in a row to make for a flat round.

Round 7: N M I E T I W I S

C1: TWINES (6)
C2: MINTS (5)
OT: WINIEST (7)
Score: 51–31 (max 53)

I blank out on a relatively simple letters game to miss the obvious TWINES meaning I am effectively dead and buried.

Round 8: 25, 5, 10, 1, 6, 9. Target: 791.

C1: 791. (25 x 6 + 10) x 5 - 9 (10)
C2: 791. (9 x 6 + 25) x 10 + 1 (10)
Score: 61–41 (max 63)

Another rather doable numbers game seals Kirk's win.

Round 9: H E N P A R P E D

C2 buzzes on 2 seconds to say APPREHEND which is correct.
Score: 61–51 (max 73)

Apparently Kirk was looking at the wrong place for the conundrum.

Well played Mr Bevin.

Statistics Corner

Kirk:
Total score - 61
Raw score - 61
Total % of max - 84
Raw % of max - 84
Total average score per round - 6.8
Raw average score per round - 6.8
Number of maxes - 6

Kai:
Total score - 51
Raw score - 56
Total % of max - 70
Raw % of max - 77
Total average score per round - 5.7
Raw average score per round - 6.2
Number of maxes - 5

[Michael Wallace]

Round 9: H E N P A R P E D

Great shuffle, whoever came up with that is a genii.