c4countdown

Craig Beevers wrote:Well with Scrabble I wouldn't unlearn them exactly, just learn the ones that are a little more obscure but are okay in Countdown. Then when you get on just not risk declare stuff unless it's common, you know specifically that it's okay or your opponent pushes you into taking a risk.

Carlisle's pretty quiet for Scrabble tourneys, but it's worth trying one sometime just to see if you like it.

Brianlee72 wrote:Im new to the forum -- I used to dip in and out of countdown v1 with carol and co, but now since the new series I am totally addicted and I sky plus it every day and watch it when I get home from work!!

Paul Hawkins wrote:Hi, I've just discovered this site. I was a quarter-finalist on series 44 (the last 30-minute series) having won six times previously. I lost interest a bit once Des L & then Des O'C took over from Richard, but have started watching again as the new Jeff/Rachel pairing definitely has potential.

Mattie Hall wrote:Hi everyone,

I'm Matt. I'm 26 and have been a big countdown fan for the past 6 years or so. I played in one or two online tournaments a few years back as well as COLIN 2005 or 2006 - can't remember which . Have just rediscovered this forum after a long absence.

Thought I recognised your name from somewhere. Welcome back, and welcome for the first time to our other new members.

Charlie Reams wrote:Welcome back, and welcome for the first time to our other new members.

Chris Corby wrote:Charlie can't be arsed to monitor this site 24 hours a day so........... welcome mate.

Tim wrote:I've just realised that I haven't introduced myself yet, although I was on the old Yahoo site, and even summarised the occasional game in the past. I am Tim Fuller, from Chelmsford (hi Debbi!), I've watched Countdown since day 1, only missing a few games while I was at Uni in the early 90's, and downloading them wasn't an option then. I have never been on the show, though I had an audition in 1999 which I thought went well, though Mark Nyman obviously thought otherwise. I may well have another go one day.
I took part in CoLIN 2 years ago, and managed to win all sorts of categories which seemed to have been set up with me in mind unfortunately I haven't been able to attend any since then for one reason or another. I hope to make up for this, as it was an excellent experience and I got to meet a great bunch of former, future, and non contestants.
Hello to all other new members, and hopefully I'll get back into the routine of regular posting again.

Tim.

Tim wrote:I've just realised that I haven't introduced myself yet, although I was on the old Yahoo site, and even summarised the occasional game in the past. I am Tim Fuller, from Chelmsford (hi Debbi!), I've watched Countdown since day 1, only missing a few games while I was at Uni in the early 90's, and downloading them wasn't an option then. I have never been on the show, though I had an audition in 1999 which I thought went well, though Mark Nyman obviously thought otherwise. I may well have another go one day.
I took part in CoLIN 2 years ago, and managed to win all sorts of categories which seemed to have been set up with me in mind unfortunately I haven't been able to attend any since then for one reason or another. I hope to make up for this, as it was an excellent experience and I got to meet a great bunch of former, future, and non contestants.
Hello to all other new members, and hopefully I'll get back into the routine of regular posting again.

Tim.

"I've just realised that I haven't introduced myself yet, although I was on the old Yahoo site, and even summarised the occasional game in the past. I am Tim Fuller, from Chelmsford (hi Debbi!), I've watched Countdown since day 1, only missing a few games while I was at Uni in the early 90's, and downloading them wasn't an option then. I have never been on the show, though I had an audition in 1999 which I thought went well, though Mark Nyman obviously thought otherwise. I may well have another go one day.
I took part in CoLIN 2 years ago, and managed to win all sorts of categories which seemed to have been set up with me in mind unfortunately I haven't been able to attend any since then for one reason or another. I hope to make up for this, as it was an excellent experience and I got to meet a great bunch of former, future, and non contestants.
Hello to all other new members, and hopefully I'll get back into the routine of regular posting again.

Tim."

nicholasm79 wrote:Hello, I'm Nick Mooneyhan from the US. I'm practically new to the show having only started watching recently through UKNova. I love the show and it's quite a challenge!

I just graduated college in December '08 with a BA in Broadcasting, and having a tough go at the job market (what else is new?)

Been a lifelong fan of lots of US game shows, but admire UK game shows and other shows as well over there, for being more intelligent that anything we have on this continent.

Looking forward to series 60!

stanthewiseman wrote:I am an old fart! can i use that word.

stanthewiseman wrote: I did enjoy Countdown, BUT I am uneasy about the current format and not at all comfortable with the new presenters.

Jojo Apollo wrote:7) Any tips on how to do improve your Conundrum game? ( it is my biggest weakness)

8) Will there be a proper high-tech PC game version of Countdown?

Jojo Apollo wrote:6) Is it possible to have a Countdown game where 3 or more contestants simultaneously play?

Jojo Apollo wrote:1) Would it not be better to have four numbers games, ten letters games and the Conundrum rather than the uneven three numbers and eleven letters games plus Conundrum, so every contestant picks the same amount of letters and numbers?

Jojo Apollo wrote:2) Will there be another Supreme Championship?

Jojo Apollo wrote:3) Why were Craig Beevers and fellow finalist Jeffrey(sp?) not on the latest Champion of Champions series?

Jojo Apollo wrote:4) Could they not place the Susie definition slot after the second numbers game (as it is now, it breaks up the rhythm of the game) eg. like the guest slot is after the first number game ( where the rhythm is not broken up)?

Jojo Apollo wrote:5) Could someone please tell Rachel not to say :"there's the "U" whenever there is a "Q" in the selection ( Carol annoying used to do this aswell), it spoils the chances of someone trying to get an advantage/ catch-up if a fellow contestant doesn't spot it, also there is the annoying pointing out of the "I.N.G" which Carol used to do, don't think Rachel has done that yet. Also could someone tell Rachel to not wear such high heels she looks so awkward when putting up the letters and could fall A over T.

Jojo Apollo wrote:6) Is it possible to have a Countdown game where 3 or more contestants simultaneously play?

Jojo Apollo wrote:7) Any tips on how to do improve your Conundrum game? ( it is my biggest weakness)

Jojo Apollo wrote:8) Will there be a proper high-tech PC game version of Countdown, the interactive DVD is quite poor as it doesn't simultaneously show letters/numbers with the timer going, and the handheld version is only with the old nine rounds and the screen is quite dull?

Jojo Apollo wrote:9) Shouldn't the word MOTELIERS be now allowed?

Jojo Apollo wrote:10) Is there any chance any of the real old shows in the 80's could be shown again (many of us missed them), on eg. a youtube channel?

Jojo Apollo wrote:Anyway that's it for now, apologises if I have offended/bored anyone (with criticisms or Rachel etc), I have not meant to, just want to see the show be the best that it can be for the viewing public such as myself. Cheers!

Jon O'Neill wrote:

Jojo Apollo wrote:1) Would it not be better to have four numbers games, ten letters games and the Conundrum rather than the uneven three numbers and eleven letters games plus Conundrum, so every contestant picks the same amount of letters and numbers?

I think four numbers rounds and ten letters rounds would bias the game unfairly towards numbers experts. I like the way the champion has fewer numbers picks because it means they have to work harder to retain their seat.

Jon O'Neill wrote:Sure, I just like the balance as it is. Horses for courses.

Also you have the best name on the forum. Congratulations.

Gavin Chipper wrote:

Jon O'Neill wrote:

Jojo Apollo wrote:1) Would it not be better to have four numbers games, ten letters games and the Conundrum rather than the uneven three numbers and eleven letters games plus Conundrum, so every contestant picks the same amount of letters and numbers?

I think four numbers rounds and ten letters rounds would bias the game unfairly towards numbers experts. I like the way the champion has fewer numbers picks because it means they have to work harder to retain their seat.

I'm with Jojo on this one (as I'm sure you know). Good first post by the way - I enjoyed reading it. But anyway, I think having 10-4-1 would even it up nicely, and I don't see any reason why a contestant (champion or challenger) should be given an advantage (I know it's debatable whether it is an advantage but I consider it to be so). Also I don't see it as biasing it unfairly towards numbers experts any more than it is biased unfairly to letters experts now.

Let's not forget that with each letters round, almost every round is a proper round in that each contestant has to make some effort to get the best word. Quite a few of the numbers are ridiculously easy which means 3 numbers games can quite easily become 2, 1 or even 0 proper rounds. If you are a numbers expert you have the opportunity to reduce the chances of this happening when you pick, but just once a game is not enough. It's likely to mean just one worthwhile numbers round in the whole game, Yes you sometimes get three one-large games that are all hard but it's quite rare.

At the moment there's quite a lot of random chance as to whether your numbers skills will be called upon in a game. Having the extra game will reduce this "volatility", as well as giving people the chance to make a difference twice which I think would nicely bring the numbers game back as a consistently relevant part of the show, rather than a bit that just tacked on as an afterthought.

stanthewiseman wrote:Hi
My name is Stan Jacobs and i have been watching Countdown for twenty odd years so I am an old fart! can i use that word.
I did enjoy Countdown, BUT I am uneasy about the current format and not at all comfortable with the new presenters.

Kai Laddiman wrote:I reckon they should try the interesting format LLLLNLLLNLLNLNC. That's cool.

AnnieHall wrote:Every day I record Countdown, then start it about 3.45, cutting out all the talking (Although, if it's an interesting guest, I listen to what they say before the break) and it still ends in time for deal or no Deal- just goes to show how much time is wasted with the talking!

Ian Fitzpatrick wrote:Or better still cut out the chat in Deal or No Deal and you've saved another 45 minutes.

Gavin Chipper wrote:My way would probably be LLLLN LLLLN LNLNC

Ian Fitzpatrick wrote:It would be interesting to know how many people have joined the forum since Charlie has been plugging it.

From my point of view it has added another dimension just reading what the champs have been up to over the years. It is just a pity that we won't see their like again.

Jennifer McElroy wrote:I am probably a bit out of place here amongst all you young and very young ones, but I am a Countdown lover

Jennifer McElroy wrote:Hello Countdowners..
I am probably a bit out of place here amongst all you young and very young ones, but I am a Countdown lover.
I have watched the show from its conception, and all the changes. Some good some not so good.
Thoughts on the new format:
Don't like the fact that they don't show the words anymore. Some of the contestants mutter their selections and it is not possible to understand the words all of the time. I do feel that it is important for children especially to see how the word is spelt.
Where is the audience these days? We hear a kind of raucus "canned" laughter but don't see them any more. Maybe there isn't one?
The presenters..apart from the lovely Susie, need to relax more.
Keep off the football!!! I know that is his day job, but leave it there.

Jennifer McElroy wrote:Where is the audience these days? We hear a kind of raucus "canned" laughter but don't see them any more. Maybe there isn't one?

Charlie Reams wrote:

Jennifer McElroy wrote:Where is the audience these days? We hear a kind of raucus "canned" laughter but don't see them any more. Maybe there isn't one?

There is no canned laughter, although the recognisable guffaw of Dudley the warm-up guy may sound like it.

Kai Laddiman wrote:

Gavin Chipper wrote:My way would probably be LLLLN LLLLN LNLNC

That would mean someone picks 2 numbers games more.