c4countdown

So, here are my recaps from the hangover. For round 1, I was joined on a table by Michelle Nevitt and Toby Pereira/Gevin Chapwell/Gavin Chipper or whatever his name is.

Round 1, game 1

C1: Michelle Nevitt
C2: Toby Pereira
DC: Jack Worsley
OT: Other words or solutions

R01: G S M E E O F S B
R02: M H R E A I P M O
R03: N R R E I A D G T
R04: 8, 4, 9, 9, 3, 5. Target: 128.
R05: S T T I I E P F A
R06: L R C E U A S A Y
R07: D S L A O I N A H
R08: 50, 1, 2, 5, 9, 4. Target: 511.
R09: B A R B E L K E A (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: G S M E E O F S B

C1: BESOMS (6)
C2: BEEFS (5)
OT: BEFOGS (6) EMBOSS (6)
Score: 6–0 (max 6)

A nice start for Michelle, as she takes the lead with a word which I had never heard of.

Round 2: M H R E A I P M O

C1: HAMMIER (7)
C2: HAMMER (6)
DC: EMPORIA (7)
OT: MORPHIA (7)
Score: 13–0 (max 13)

Round 3: N R R E I A D G T

C1: TREADING (8)
C2: TREADING (8)
DC: retrading RETARDING (18)
Score: 21–8 (max 31)

Round 4: 8, 4, 9, 9, 3, 5. Target: 128.

C1: -
C2: 128. (9 - 5) x 4 x 8 (10)
Score: 21–18 (max 41)

Round 5: S T T I I E P F A

C1: PATTIES (7)
C2: FATTIES (7)
DC: PIETIST (7)
Score: 28–25 (max 48)

Round 6: L R C E U A S A Y

C1: CAESURA (7)
C2: CRUEL (5)
DC: CAESURAL (8)
Score: 35–25 (max 56)

Michelle now has a ten point lead but it could have been eleven had she put an L on her word. She considered it but decided not to, could that prove costly?

Round 7: D S L A O I N A H

C1: DOLINAS (7)
C2: SOLID (5)
DC: LADINOS (7)
OT: ANDISOL (7) DAHLIAS (7)
Score: 42–25 (max 63)

Round 8: 50, 1, 2, 5, 9, 4. Target: 511.

C1: 511. (5 + 4 + 1) x 50 + 9 + 2 (10)
C2: 511. (5 + 4 + 1) x 50 + 9 + 2 (10)
Score: 52–35 (max 73)

Round 9: B A R B E L K E A

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say BREAKABLE which is correct.
Score: 62–35 (max 83)

Michelle completes a convincing victory and she would host the next game between Toby and myself.


Round 1, game 2

C1: Toby Pereira
C2: Jack Worsley
DC: Michelle Nevitt
OT: Other words or solutions

R01: K N V E U A W M M
R02: R L S D U E U O A
R03: N H L U O U N A T
R04: 75, 5, 4, 1, 9, 2. Target: 917.
R05: W R D P E I E S R
R06: S G F I A I N I R
R07: G T M R I E A H I
R08: 75, 100, 4, 3, 2, 5. Target: 346.
R09: M H E E B I L L S (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: K N V E U A W M M

C1: MAUVE (5)
C2: UNMAKE (6)
Score: 0–6 (max 6)

Round 2: R L S D U E U O A

C1: ROULADES (8)
C2: ROULADES (8)
OT: ROULEAUS (8)
Score: 8–14 (max 14)

Round 3: N H L U O U N A T

C1: NOUNAL (6)
C2: OUTHAUL (7)
Score: 8–21 (max 21)

Round 4: 75, 5, 4, 1, 9, 2. Target: 917.

C1: 920.
C2: 917. ((5 + 1) x 75 + 4) x 2 + 8 (10)
Score: 8–31 (max 31)

Round 5: W R D P E I E S R

C1: WEIRDER (7)
C2: RESPIRED (8)
OT: PREWIRED (8) PREWIRES (8) REPRISED (8)
Score: 8–39 (max 39)

Round 6: S G F I A I N I R

C1: FAIRINGS (8)
C2: FAIRINGS (8)
Score: 16–47 (max 47)

Phew, wasn't sure of this so I decided just to match Toby's declaration

Round 7: G T M R I E A H I

C1: MIGRATE (7)
C2: MIGHTIER (8)
Score: 16–55 (max 55)

Round 8: 75, 100, 4, 3, 2, 5. Target: 346.

C1: 346. (100 + 75) x 2 - 4 (10)
C2: 346. 75 x 3 x 2 - 100 - 4 (10)
Score: 26–65 (max 65)

Round 9: M H E E B I L L S

C2 buzzes on 2 seconds to say EMBELLISH which is correct.
Score: 26–75 (max 75)

More than happy with that start and up next was Michelle.


Round 1, game 3

C1: Jack Worsley
C2: Michelle Nevitt
DC: Toby Pereira
OT: Other words or solutions

R01: N R R N E A I D O
R02: S G L E I E Z T M
R03: N T L L A E O E T
R04: 100, 4, 3, 8, 2, 7. Target: 446.
R05: P D N U E I N L D
R06: R H R X E O E S I
R07: T J T E I A S S W
R08: 3, 1, 7, 10, 9, 5. Target: 269.
R09: A P E D I C T U S (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: N R R N E A I D O

C1: ORDAINER (8)
C2: ORDAINER (8)
DC: reordain
Score: 8–8 (max 8)

Round 2: S G L E I E Z T M

C1: GIMLETS (7)
C2: GIMLETS (7)
DC: GLITZES (7)
OT: ELEGIST (7)
Score: 15–15 (max 15)

Round 3: N T L L A E O E T

C1: NOTELET (7)
C2: NOTELET (7)
OT: ALLOTTEE (8)
Score: 22–22 (max 23)

Round 4: 100, 4, 3, 8, 2, 7. Target: 446.

C1: 446. (100 + 8) x 4 + 7 x 2 (10)
C2: 446. (100 + 8) x 4 + 7 x 2 (10)
Score: 32–32 (max 33)

Round 5: P D N U E I N L D

C1: PINNULE (7)
C2: UNLINED (7)
Score: 39–39 (max 40)

Round 6: R H R X E O E S I

C1: HEROISE (7)
C2: HORSIER (7)
DC: heroiser
OT: REHIRES (7)
Score: 46–46 (max 47)

Round 7: T J T E I A S S W

C1: WASTES (6)
C2: WAISTS (6)
OT: SIESTA (6) STATES (6) SWEATS (6) TASSIE (6) TASTES (6) TATIES (6) TAWSES (6) TESTIS (6) TWISTS (6) TWITES (6) WISEST (6)
Score: 52–52 (max 53)

Slightly surprisingly, just sixes here.

Round 8: 3, 1, 7, 10, 9, 5. Target: 269.

C1: 269. (7 x 3 + 5) x 10 + 9 (10)
C2: 269. 9 x 3 x 10 - 1 (10)
Score: 62–62 (max 63)

Round 9: A P E D I C T U S

C1 buzzes on 1.5 seconds to say CUSPIDATE which is correct.
Score: 72–62 (max 73)

That was a great game, almost a double max but for the missed ALLOTTEE. It was enough to put me on a table with Jen Steadman and David Barnard.

Being on a table with David and Jen was great fun! First of all, we joked about rigging the letters to get nine letter words in every round but dignity took over. As you'll see in the moment, we were regretting it after round 1 of the first game between Jen and I. Meanwhile, the Easter egg thing was not going too well for me, with a P, X, J and two I's. I didn't bother with the rest of it and neither did Jen or David, so we just concentrated on the Countdown instead.

Round 2, game 1

C1: Jen Steadman
C2: Jack Worsley
DC: David Barnard
OT: Other words or solutions

R01: R R R O O I W I I
R02: K R R T O O I E T
R03: S D L E U O Y B P
R04: 3, 9, 5, 7, 4, 8. Target: 184.
R05: S F W S A A A E R
R06: D L T I O A T E T
R07: J H X C U E A N S
R08: 100, 3, 4, 6, 10, 2. Target: 864.
R09: R A M E N N O T E (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: R R R O O I W I I

C1: IIWI (4)
C2: IIWI (4)
Score: 4–4 (max 4)

So we begin with a classic board game selection, which produces a darrenic four, albeit quite a nice one. Our word is the last four letters of the selection in reverse order, maybe we should call it an abnnetent.

Round 2: K R R T O O I E T

C1: ROOTIER (7)
C2: ROOTIER (7)
OT: ROOTKIT (7)
Score: 11–11 (max 11)

Round 3: S D L E U O Y B P

C1: DOUBLES (7)
C2: PUEBLOS (7)
DC: subdeploy
OT: BLOUSED (7) DEPLOYS (7)
Score: 18–18 (max 18)

Round 4: 3, 9, 5, 7, 4, 8. Target: 184.

C1: 184. (5 x 4 + 3) x 8 (10)
C2: 184. (8 x 5 + 9 - 3) x 4 (10)
Score: 28–28 (max 28)

Round 5: S F W S A A A E R

C1: SWEARS (6)
C2: SWEARS (6)
DC: AFARAS (6)
OT: WAFERS (6) WRASSE (6)
Score: 34–34 (max 34)

Round 6: D L T I O A T E T

C1: TATTLED (7)
C2: TATTLED (7)
OT: TOADLET (7)
Score: 41–41 (max 41)

Round 7: J H X C U E A N S

C1: CANES (5)
C2: UNCASE (6)
OT: ENCASH (6) NACHES (6) USANCE (6)
Score: 41–47 (max 47)

Round 8: 100, 3, 4, 6, 10, 2. Target: 864.

C1: 864. (100 - 4) x (6 + 3) (10)
C2: 864. (100 - 4) x (6 + 3) (10)
Score: 51–57 (max 57)

Round 9: R A M E N N O T E

C2 buzzes on 2 seconds to say NANOMETRE which is correct.
Score: 51–67 (max 67)

A tough game as expected but I manage to keep my composure on the conundrum. Time for me to switch to the host's chair.


Round 2, game 2

C1: David Barnard
C2: Jen Steadman
DC: Jack Worsley
OT: Other words or solutions

R01: D S Q B A E A O A
R02: C H T I E E D R I
R03: F G L T A A A R R
R04: 75, 7, 3, 5, 7, 5. Target: 919.
R05: J D T E I A U I T
R06: R R L S A E O I F
R07: R C R I A O L T M
R08: 6, 3, 7, 8, 10, 2. Target: 482.
R09: P R O C A I N E O (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: D S Q B A E A O A

C1: ABODES (6)
C2: ABODES (6)
OT: ABASED (6) ADOBES (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

Round 2: C H T I E E D R I

C1: HERETIC (7)
C2: HERETIC (7)
DC: DITCHER (7) ITCHIER (7) TECHIER? (7) ditchier
OT: EIDETIC (7) ETHERIC (7) RECITED (7) RETCHED (7) TIERCED (7)
Score: 13–13 (max 13)

One of them asked about TECHIER and I looked it up and said it wasn't in. It's still valid on apterous but I can't see it in the OED 3.

Round 3: F G L T A A A R R

C1: AFARA (5)
C2: GRAFT (5)
OT: ALTAR (5) FATAL (5) LAGAR (5) TARGA (5)
Score: 18–18 (max 18)

Round 4: 75, 7, 3, 5, 7, 5. Target: 919.

C1: 920. (7 + 7 + 3 + 75) x (5 + 5) (7)
C2: 920. (75 + 5 + 5 + 7) x (3 + 7) (7)
OT: 919. ((75/3) x 5 + 7) x 7 - 5 (10)
Score: 25–25 (max 28)

A tricky numbers game here, with just one solution. Crosswordtools says there are two but they're pretty much the same.

Round 5: J D T E I A U I T

C1: JUTTED (6)
C2: JUTTED (6)
Score: 31–31 (max 34)

Round 6: R R L S A E O I F

C1: FORESAIL (8)
C2: FORESAIL (8)
Score: 39–39 (max 42)

Round 7: R C R I A O L T M

C1: MORTAL (6)
C2: ATOMIC (6)
OT: COMITAL (7)
Score: 45–45 (max 49)

Round 8: 6, 3, 7, 8, 10, 2. Target: 482.

C1: 482. 10 x 8 x 6 + 2 (10)
C2: 482. 10 x 8 x 6 + 2 (10)
Score: 55–55 (max 59)

Still no breakthrough so down to the crucial conundrum.

Round 9: P R O C A I N E O

C1 buzzes on 2.5 seconds to say AEROPONIC which is correct.
Score: 65–55 (max 69)

David takes the honours to join me on three wins, ahead of our showdown. The winner would stand a decent chance of making the final.


Round 2, game 3

C1: Jack Worsley
C2: David Barnard
DC: Jen Steadman
OT: Other words or solutions

R01: R M K N O E A R E
R02: T Z H T A U A L A
R03: G T D F E O I S E
R04: 50, 25, 6, 2, 3, 7. Target: 981.
R05: R D P S U I I E E
R06: F Q B T E A E L R
R07: D L S R E O I A V
R08: 8, 10, 1, 1, 4, 10. Target: 777.
R09: O P H I M I P E D (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: R M K N O E A R E

C1: RENAME (6)
C2: MEANER (6)
DC: remaker
OT: EARNER (6) KARREE (6) KARREN (6) KRONER (6) MARKER (6) MARRON (6) MOANER (6) MOREEN (6) NEARER (6) RANKER (6) REAMER (6) REMAKE (6) REMARK (6) REMORA (6) ROAMER (6) ROANER (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

For the next round, Jen does an impression of Tracey Mills and for the rest of the game changes impressions for each round. The others included Dominic McMulkin, Jason Larsen, Dylan, Robbo, Eddie and Matt Bayfield (for the numbers). This has to make Jen my favourite host ever.

Round 2: T Z H T A U A L A

C1: HAUL (4)
C2: TAUT (4)
OT: HAAT (4) HALT (4) HULA (4) LATH (4) LUTZ (4) TAAL (4) TALA (4) THAT (4)
Score: 10–10 (max 10)

Another box set special.

Round 3: G T D F E O I S E

C1: FIDGETS (7)
C2: FOISTED (7)
OT: EDGIEST (7)
Score: 17–17 (max 17)

Round 4: 50, 25, 6, 2, 3, 7. Target: 981.

C1: 981. (50 x 3 - 6) x 7 - 25 - 2 (10)
C2: 981. (50 + 25) x (2 x 3 + 7) + 6 (10)
Score: 27–27 (max 27)

Round 5: R D P S U I I E E

C1: DUPERIES (8)
C2: DUPERIES (8)
Score: 35–35 (max 35)

Round 6: F Q B T E A E L R

C1: REFLATE (7)
C2: BLEATER (7)
OT: RETABLE (7)
Score: 42–42 (max 42)

David had a Dave Taylor moment, declaring "Probably the same seven", only for me to declare something completely different.

Round 7: D L S R E O I A V

C1: VALORISED (18)
C2: VALORISED (18)
Score: 60–60 (max 60)

Yay, finally a nine!

Round 8: 8, 10, 1, 1, 4, 10. Target: 777.

C1: 777. (10 x 10 - 4 + 1) x 8 + 1 (10)
C2: 777. (10 x 10 - 4 + 1) x 8 + 1 (10)
Score: 70–70 (max 70)

We head for a crucial conundrum, still deadlocked. Some people who have finished their games come to spectate and we are informed that the winner will face Dylan in the final. No pressure then!

Round 9: O P H I M I P E D

C1 buzzes on 6 seconds to say HIPPIEDOM which is correct.
Score: 80–70 (max 80)

DOUBLE MAX GAME!!!!!! After an agonising few seconds, I make it through to the final. We had three great games on this table, with all of them going to crucials. I don't have details for the final but I'm sure someone else (Robbo) will. That's it for my recaps for another event but hopefully one or two others can provide some of theirs too.

So, it's Sunday, and it's time to head over to South Hykeham for the Hangover tournament.

Just 2 lots of round robin matches, so just 6 games altogether from me, plus the final later.

So, me against Matt and Lauren first. Enjoy.

COLIN X: The Hangover Table 4, Game 1 recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: James Robinson.
C2: Matt Bayfield.
Host: Lauren Hamer.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: O A O T T R T T W
R02: S E D O T O D L S
R03: O I E A R S D J L
R04: 25, 5, 4, 6, 7, 3. Target: 704.
R05: B E V U Q I P H F
R06: I O U A B R N D A
R07: K O N I T U R A I
R08: 4, 5, 10, 8, 7, 2. Target: 761.
R09: F O U R S W O R L (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: O A O T T R T T W

C1: TATTOO (6)
C2: TATTOO (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

Well, what else was there

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

C1: DOODLES (7)
C2: DOODLES (7)
DC: STOOLED (7) TODDLES (7)
OT: LOOSEST (7)
Score: 13–13 (max 13)

Round 3: O I E A R S D J L

C1: DARIOLES (8)
C2: DARIOLES (8)
Score: 21–21 (max 21)

Good old DARIOLES makes a welcome appearance on the table.

Round 4: 25, 5, 4, 6, 7, 3. Target: 704.

C1: 704. ((25 x 7) + 6 - 5) x 4 (10)
C2: 704. ((25 x 7) + 6 - 5) x 4 (10)
Score: 31–31 (max 31)

And a simple numbers makes it a perfect first half for me and Matt.

Round 5: B E V U Q I P H F

C1: EQUIP (5)
C2: EQUIP (5)
DC: PIQUE (5)
Score: 36–36 (max 36)

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

C1: AROUND (6)
C2: OUABAIN (7)
OT: AIRBAND (7) BANDORA (7) BANDURA (7) INBOARD (7) UNBRAID (7)
Score: 36–43 (max 43)

A super 7 which I'd never even heard of from Matt, although looking at the other 7's, there were some gettable ones there..............

Round 7: K O N I T U R A I

C1: RAINOUT (7)
C2: RAINOUT (7)
OT: OUTRANK (7)
Score: 43–50 (max 50)

Some people do miss RAINOUT, but not me or Matt. Time to bring out Matt's Achilles heel.............

Round 8: 4, 5, 10, 8, 7, 2. Target: 761.

C1: 760. (((7 + 2) x 10) + 5) x 8 (7)
C2: 760. ((7 x 2) + 5) x 4 x 10 (7)
OT: 761. (((10 x 8) + 4) x (7 + 2)) + 5 (10)
Score: 50–57 (max 60)

But not this time, although it does stop his MAX GAME, but it does bring up a crucial.............

Round 9: F O U R S W O R L

C2 buzzes on 10 seconds to say SORROWFUL which is correct.
Final Score: 50–67 (max 70)

Which after some careful deliberation, he gets too.

I can't be too disappointed, I'd never heard of OUABAIN, and Matt didn't lose his composure. So, I needed to get a good result against Lauren.

Statistics Corner

James:
Total score - 50
Raw score - 56
Total % of max - 71
Raw % of max - 80
Total average score per round - 5.6
Raw average score per round - 6.2
Number of maxes - 6

Matt:
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 - 8

COLIN X: The Hangover Table 4, Game 2 recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: Lauren Hamer.
C2: James Robinson (1 game, 0 wins, 50 points.)
Host: Matt Bayfield.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: L P I E H P E A N
R02: E E E U R M W T S
R03: M F U O Q S E L S
R04: 7, 5, 1, 3, 2, 5. Target: 639.
R05: S N N R A A A A I
R06: B M I I F R I A E
R07: E A A T T S T O S
R08: 75, 9, 10, 6, 2, 5. Target: 384.
R09: L A D Y G U L A R (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: L P I E H P E A N

C1: NIPPLE (6)
C2: HAPPEN (6)
OT: ALPINE (6) INHALE (6) PEAHEN (6) PENILE (6) PINEAL (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

Round 2: E E E U R M W T S

C1: METRES (6)
C2: SWEETER (7)
Score: 6–13 (max 13)

An early breakthrough for me, just what I needed to calm the nerves down.

Round 3: M F U O Q S E L S

C1: FULSOME (7)
C2: MOSQUES (7)
Score: 13–20 (max 20)

Round 4: 7, 5, 1, 3, 2, 5. Target: 639.

C1: -
C2: 644. ((5 x 5) - 2) x (3 + 1) x 7 (7)
Matt (after the time): 640. (7 + 1) x 5 x (5 + 3) x 2 (7)
Score: 13–27 (max 27)

And the 6 small works in my favour this time.

Round 5: S N N R A A A A I

C1: NANAS (5)
C2: RAINS (5)
OT: NAIRAS (6)
Score: 18–32 (max 33)

Round 6: B M I I F R I A E

C1: AMBER (5)
C2: FRAME (5)
OT: FIMBRIAE (8)
Score: 23–37 (max 41)

Crikey, what the heck is that

In zoology or biology, a FIMBRIA (plural FIMBRIAE) is a fringe or fringed border.

Round 7: E A A T T S T O S

C1: STATES (6)
C2: ATTESTS (7)
Score: 23–44 (max 48)

And the darrenic 7 wraps up the win before the last numbers. A relief for me.

Round 8: 75, 9, 10, 6, 2, 5. Target: 384.

C1: 384. (75 x 5) + 9 (10)
C2: 384. (75 x 5) + 9 (10)
Score: 33–54 (max 58)

Round 9: L A D Y G U L A R

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say GRADUALLY which is correct.
Final Score: 43–54 (max 68)

Lauren at least gets some consolation by just pipping me to the conundrum.

But, there's at least an interesting spectacle to behold now.................

Statistics Corner

Lauren:
Total score - 43
Raw score - 55
Total % of max - 63
Raw % of max - 81
Total average score per round - 4.8
Raw average score per round - 6.1
Number of maxes - 4

James:
Total score - 54
Raw score - 54
Total % of max - 79
Raw % of max - 79
Total average score per round - 6.0
Raw average score per round - 6.0
Number of maxes - 6

COLIN X: The Hangover Table 4, Game 3 recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: Matt Bayfield (1 game, 1 win, 67 points.)
C2: Lauren Hamer (1 game, 0 wins, 43 points.)
Host: James Robinson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: F A L E S A Q F M
R02: S M E I R W O I T
R03: P U H E P E G S L
R04: 25, 1, 3, 4, 10, 8. Target: 831.
R05: B R I I D O C C A
R06: R A M A W I D T L
R07: R R A O T R O S L
R08: 50, 9, 4, 3, 7, 7. Target: 349.
R09: U C R U A R I A L (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: F A L E S A Q F M

C1: FLAMES (6)
C2: FLAMES (6)
DC: AFLAME (6)
Score: 6–6 (max 6)

Round 2: S M E I R W O I T

C1: WORMIEST (8)
C2: WORMIEST (8)
Score: 14–14 (max 14)

Round 3: P U H E P E G S L

C1: SHEEP (5)
C2: SUPPLE (6)
OT: PEEPULS (7)
Score: 14–20 (max 21)

Lauren gets the first break with her SUPPLE answer, leaving the PEEPULS alone in the meantime.

Round 4: 25, 1, 3, 4, 10, 8. Target: 831.

C1: 831. (25 x 4 x 8) + (3 x 10) + 1 (10)
C2: 831. (25 x 4 x 8) + (3 x 10) + 1 (10)
Score: 24–30 (max 31)

Round 5: B R I I D O C C A

C1: CRICOID (7)
C2: BOARD (5)
OT: BORACIC (7) CIBORIA (7)
Score: 31–30 (max 38)

Matt gets ahead thanks to a very impressive 7.

Round 6: R A M A W I D T L

C1: MARITAL (7)
C2: MARITAL (7)
DC: ADMIRAL (7) MARTIAL (7)
Score: 38–37 (max 45)

Awwwwwwwwww, they both got MARITAL. Who's gonna pop first............

Round 7: R R A O T R O S L

C1: ROTORS (6)
C2: ROTORS (6)
DC: SORORAL (7)
OT: ORATORS (7) ROSTRAL (7)
Score: 44–43 (max 52)

The match is still on a knife-edge here with 2 rounds to go first.

Round 8: 50, 9, 4, 3, 7, 7. Target: 349.

C1: 349. (7 x 50) - (4 - 3) (10)
C2: 349. (7 x 50) - (4 - 3) (10)
Score: 54–53 (max 62)

And a simple numbers game brings up a crucial conundrum, made even harder by Ben..............

Round 9: U C R U A R I A L

C1 buzzes on 3 seconds to say AURICULAR which is correct.
Final Score: 64–53 (max 72)

And indeed, it gives Matt the win, and he has 2 wins out of 2.

So, I move over to Table 5 to take on Phyl and Kirky.

Statistics Corner

Matt:
Total score - 64
Raw score - 69
Total % of max - 89
Raw % of max - 96
Total average score per round - 7.1
Raw average score per round - 7.7
Number of maxes - 7

Lauren:
Total score - 53
Raw score - 58
Total % of max - 74
Raw % of max - 81
Total average score per round - 5.9
Raw average score per round - 6.1
Number of maxes - 5

So, my final games of the COLIN weekend have arrived, and it finishes off with some Style and some Kirky.

Enjoy.

COLIN X: The Hangover Table 5, Game 4 recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: Kirk Bevins (2 games, 1 win, 118 points.)
C2: Phyl Styles (2 games, 1 win, 116 points.)
Host: James Robinson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: T P B O I O P E G
R02: S F U E T N A O S
R03: L L W I E E J K R
R04: 75, 10, 1, 9, 7, 6. Target: 483.
R05: N Y S A O E T G G
R06: D N R A E E L O V
R07: L C T E A I F E T
R08: 75, 9, 10, 7, 6, 3. Target: 900.
R09: I S N A L O S E R (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: T P B O I O P E G

C1: BIOTOPE (7)
C2: BOOGIE (6)
Score: 7–0 (max 7)

Round 2: S F U E T N A O S

C1: SOUTANES (8)
C2: FASTENS (7)
Score: 15–0 (max 15)

A rampant start by Kirky here.

Round 3: L L W I E E J K R

C1: KILLER (6)
C2: KILLER (6)
OT: RELLIE (6) WELLIE (6)
Score: 21–6 (max 21)

Round 4: 75, 10, 1, 9, 7, 6. Target: 483.

C1: 483. ((75 + 7) x 6) - 9 (10)
C2: 481.
Score: 31–6 (max 31)

Poor Phyl. Kirky is showing no mercy.

Round 5: N Y S A O E T G G

C1: ONSTAGE (7)
C2: STAGEY (6)
DC: NOSEGAY (7) TANGOES (7)
Score: 38–6 (max 38)

Round 6: D N R A E E L O V

C1: RONDAVEL (8)
C2: OVERLAND (8)
DC: LAVENDER (8) OLEANDER (8)
OT: OVERLADEN (18)
Score: 46–14 (max 56)

Well, unbeknown to us all, the MAX GAME is off thanks to the missed 9..............

Round 7: L C T E A I F E T

C1: TACTILE (7)
C2: CATTLE (6)
DC: LATTICE (7)
OT: FLATTIE (7)
Score: 53–14 (max 63)

I mentioned the fact that Suzi Purcell described me as TACTILE during the after-hours at the pub the previous night.

Round 8: 75, 9, 10, 7, 6, 3. Target: 900.

C1: 900. 75 x (9 + 3) (10)
C2: 900. 75 x (9 + 3) (10)
Score: 63–24 (max 73)

Round 9: I S N A L O S E R

C1 buzzes on 1 second to say SENSORIAL which is correct.
Final Score: 73–24 (max 83)

An impressive display by Kirky, and now it's me to face him next!! Oh dear.....................

Statistics Corner

Kirk:
Total score - 73
Raw score - 73
Total % of max - 88
Raw % of max - 88
Total average score per round - 8.1
Raw average score per round - 8.1
Number of maxes - 8

Phyl:
Total score - 24
Raw score - 56
Total % of max - 29
Raw % of max - 67
Total average score per round - 2.7
Raw average score per round - 6.2
Number of maxes - 2

COLIN X: The Hangover Table 5, Game 5 recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: James Robinson (2 games, 1 win, 104 points.)
C2: Kirk Bevins (3 games, 2 wins, 191 points.)
Host: Phyl Styles.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: A E O E Z P S G S
R02: S G T U I I G E P
R03: U E O O N R N R O
R04: 75, 6, 2, 5, 8, 9. Target: 663.
R05: M T C E E O N Q I
R06: O I A A N M C R E
R07: D D S U E A G M L
R08: 4, 1, 8, 10, 5, 3. Target: 135.
R09: A M I T O S I S L (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

Round 1: A E O E Z P S G S

C1: APOGEES (7)
C2: PASEOS (6)
Score: 7–0 (max 7)

I must be pinching myself by getting the darren in the first round.

Round 2: S G T U I I G E P

C1: piggiest
C2: piggiest
DC: PIGGIES (7)
Score: 7–0 (max 14)

Ah well, maybe I should've stuck with PIGGIES, as Kirk declared first, but will that be costly later.............

Round 3: U E O O N R N R O

C1: NOONER (6)
C2: NEURON (6)
OT: RUNNER (6)
Score: 13–6 (max 20)

Round 4: 75, 6, 2, 5, 8, 9. Target: 663.

C1: 663. (75 x 9) - (6 x 2) (10)
C2: 663. (75 x 9) - (6 x 2) (10)
Score: 23–16 (max 30)

Round 5: M T C E E O N Q I

C1: CENTIME (7)
C2: CENTIMO (7)
OT: TEMENOI (7)
Score: 30–23 (max 37)

Kirk was waiting for me to spring the tonemic trap, but luckily I'm knowledgeable enough to know that it's not in any more.

Round 6: O I A A N M C R E

C1: MACARONI (8)
C2: MACARONI (8)
OT: MAROCAIN (8)
Score: 38–31 (max 45)

Just to avoid a possible macaronis dilemma (it's actually MACARONIES) coming up, I chicken out and go for a vowel to keep the points.

Round 7: D D S U E A G M L

C1: MUDDLES (7)
C2: SMUDGED (7)
OT: GUDDLES (7)
Score: 45–38 (max 52)

Just 7's here. Now, can a super hard numbers game appear

Round 8: 4, 1, 8, 10, 5, 3. Target: 135.

C1: 135. (10 + 5) x (8 + 1) (10)
C2: 135. ((4 x 10) + 5) x 3 (10)
Score: 55–48 (max 62)

Nope, unfortunately, so I'll need to use my conundrum skills to make sure that I can beat Kirk.

Round 9: A M I T O S I S L

C2 buzzes on 1 second to say ALTISSIMO which is correct.
Final Score: 55–58 (max 72)

Oh dear, I was nowhere close to that, and so my dream of beating Kirky again is gone for now.

Ah well, maybe next time.

Statistics Corner

James:
Total score - 55
Raw score - 55
Total % of max - 76
Raw % of max - 76
Total average score per round - 6.1
Raw average score per round - 6.1
Number of maxes - 7

Kirk:
Total score - 58
Raw score - 64
Total % of max - 81
Raw % of max - 89
Total average score per round - 6.4
Raw average score per round - 7.1
Number of maxes - 7

COLIN X: The Hangover Table 5, Game 6 recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: Phyl Styles (3 games, 1 win, 140 points.)
C2: James Robinson (3 games, 1 win, 159 points.)
Host: Kirk Bevins.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: R N B I E E D W K
R02: U O I I J T L W C
R03: Y N D E A A F S T
R04: 6, 7, 10, 9, 2, 2. Target: 366.
R05: G G S B L A I I O
R06: V L R O E E H S N
R07: R F M N T I I U E
R08: 75, 6, 5, 9, 2, 4. Target: 984.
R09: M E R F R O M I V (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: R N B I E E D W K

C1: BENDIER (7)
C2: BREWED (6)
DC: INBREED (7) WIDENER (7)
Score: 7–0 (max 7)

Oh dear, for some reason, I have the idea that WIDENER isn't in, and I'm playing catch-up already................

Round 2: U O I I J T L W C

C1: CLOUT (5)
C2: CLOUT (5)
OT: LICIT (5) LOTIC (5) OCULI (5) WILCO (5)
Score: 12–5 (max 12)

Round 3: Y N D E A A F S T

C1: STEADY (6)
C2: FASTEN (6)
OT: ASYNDETA (8)
Score: 18–11 (max 20)

Round 4: 6, 7, 10, 9, 2, 2. Target: 366.

C1: 366. (9 x (2 + 2) x 10) + 6 (10)
C2: 366. ((9 x 7) - 2) x 6 (10)
Score: 28–21 (max 30)

No luck with the 6 small here either...............

Round 5: G G S B L A I I O

C1: ALIBIS (6)
C2: LOGGIAS (7)
OT: GILGAIS (7)
Score: 28–28 (max 37)

Round 6: V L R O E E H S N

C1: SHOVEL (6)
C2: ELEVONS (7)
DC: RESOLVE (7)
OT: SHOVELER (8)
Score: 28–35 (max 45)

But, these 2 letters rounds turn the game around in my favour, but for how long....................

Round 7: R F M N T I I U E

C1: MINTIER (7)
C2: TERMINI (7)
DC: INTERIM (7) RUNTIME (7) TURFMEN (7)
OT: NIFTIER (7) UNIFIER (7)
Score: 35–42 (max 52)

Round 8: 75, 6, 5, 9, 2, 4. Target: 984.

C1: 984. ((9 + 4) x 75) + 6 + 5 - 2 (10)
C2: 984. ((6 + 5 + 2) x 75) + 9 (10)
Score: 45–52 (max 62)

So, it's a crucial conundrum then. Can I finish on a high

Round 9: M E R F R O M I V

C2 buzzes on 1 second to say VERMIFORM which is correct.
Final Score: 45–62 (max 72)

YOU BETCHA My nerves were completely on tenterhooks here, but luckily I manage to bring up the inner brain in me to get in a quick-fire solve.

It was tough luck on Phyl, but I was definitely happy to get that potentially tricky game won.

So, next up is the GRAND FINAL between Dylan Taylor and Jack Worsley.

Statistics Corner

Phyl:
Total score - 45
Raw score - 57
Total % of max - 63
Raw % of max - 79
Total average score per round - 5.0
Raw average score per round - 6.3
Number of maxes - 5

James:
Total score - 62
Raw score - 68
Total % of max - 86
Raw % of max - 94
Total average score per round - 6.9
Raw average score per round - 7.6
Number of maxes - 6

So, as we pass 2:20-ish on Sunday afternoon, it's final for the final match of this long, but exciting weekend.

And it's Jack W v Dylan in the final. Will it truly a weekend for the Jacks

Well, here we go. Enjoy.

COLIN X: The Hangover Grand Final recap for Sunday 26 January 2014.

C1: #1 Seed Jack Worsley (4 games, 4 wins, 294 points.)
C2: #2 Seed Dylan Taylor (4 games, 4 wins, 266 points.)
DC: Lauren Hamer.
Host: James Robinson.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R01: S S L S O E E E S
R02: A E O T G P T T E
R03: P R W T U I E D E
R04: 9, 5, 8, 2, 4, 2. Target: 722.
R05: A E N M A N G D S
R06: J B Q H I A O R C
R07: I I A N R T M R C
R08: 50, 5, 3, 1, 10, 9. Target: 805.
R09: O L C U L A T R D (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Round 1: S S L S O E E E S

C1: LOSSES (6)
C2: LOSSES (6)
DC: LESSEES (7)
Score: 6–6 (max 7)

Well, there's certainly no MAX GAME this time, as both our finalists miss the triple E and S worded LESSEES.

Round 2: A E O T G P T T E

C1: POTTAGE (7)
C2: POTTAGE (7)
Score: 13–13 (max 14)

Round 3: P R W T U I E D E

C1: ERUDITE (7)
C2: ERUPTED (7)
OT: REPUTED (7)
Score: 20–20 (max 21)

Well, those 2 rounds were much more straightforward, and this game is well and truly alive now.

Round 4: 9, 5, 8, 2, 4, 2. Target: 722.

C1: 722. (9 x 8 x 5 x 2) + 2 (10)
C2: 722. (9 x 8 x 5 x 2) + 2 (10)
Score: 30–30 (max 31)

Dylan throws in a 6 small into the mix, but it's just not much of a challenge for these 2 heavyweights.

Round 5: A E N M A N G D S

C1: MANAGED (7)
C2: MANAGED (7)
DC: AGENDAS (7) DAMAGES (7) MANAGES (7)
OT: MAENADS (7) SANDMAN (7)
Score: 37–37 (max 38)

Well, they MANAGED that one easily enough

Round 6: J B Q H I A O R C

C1: BROACH (6)
C2: CABRIO (6)
Score: 43–43 (max 44)

2 nice sixes by our brilliant players. What will separate them, I wonder

Round 7: I I A N R T M R C

C1: TRAIN (5)
C2: TRICAR (6)
DC: MANTRIC (7)
Score: 43–49 (max 51)

Well, that seems to be my answer, as Dylan gets the breakthrough, although they did both miss a 7................

Now, I have a feeling a 4 large is on its way now.................

Round 8: 50, 5, 3, 1, 10, 9. Target: 805.

C1: 805. ((10 + 9 - 3) x 50) + 5 (10)
C2: 805. ((50 x 3) + 10 + 1) x 5 (10)
Score: 53–59 (max 61)

OK, clearly not. But, it does at least leave a crucial conundrum..............

Round 9: O L C U L A T R D

C2 buzzes on 2 seconds to say ULTRACOLD which is correct.
Final Score: 53–69 (max 71)

And by the skin of his teeth, Dylan just gets in ahead of Jack to win the Hangover tournament

So, we're done for now. The next tournament isn't scheduled til April 19, down in Reading.

So, till then, bye bye.

Statistics Corner

Jack:
Total score - 53
Raw score - 58
Total % of max - 75
Raw % of max - 82
Total average score per round - 5.9
Raw average score per round - 6.4
Number of maxes - 6

Dylan:
Total score - 69
Raw score - 69
Total % of max - 97
Raw % of max - 97
Total average score per round - 7.7
Raw average score per round - 7.7
Number of maxes - 7