Literally a Genius
Literally a Genius
August 23rd, 2007
Panupol Sujjayakorn, 22, won the World Scrabble competition held in 2003 in Malaysia. Since then, he has placed second in 2005 in the US and placed ninth at the Players Championship in Dayton, Ohio. Now, he’s working with the Thailand Crossword Association (Scrabble is a trademark, the generic name is “crossword games”) and regularly places first in national events.
Do you think of yourself as a genius?
When I was a kid, I liked to remember things like phone numbers. I just have good memory; I don’t think of myself as a genius.
How can you be so passionate about crossword games?
I started playing when I was 12, when I was studying at Assumption University in Bangkok. I never got bored since each game is totally different. It’s like setting off on a new adventure every time I play.
Is there any knowledge you acquire from playing?
It helps develop your vocabulary and spelling. I think Scrabble has also made me a more conscientious person. I act strategically, like in a game.
What if I want to become a champ, like you?
Come observe competitions, that’s the best way to get a feel for it. There are guidebooks out there—that’s how I learned to play—but the best thing to do is to start playing with easy two to three letter words and take it from there.
How do you memorize all those words?
I think of them as anagrams. Someone might memorize vocabulary by reading through the dictionary, but that’s not my style.
What is your goal?
I have won many competitions but not the one held in the USA. I really want to win that competition.
What skills are needed for crossword games?
There’s the language, the vocabulary, of course. You need to be very strategic and think ahead to create tricks for your opponents and plans for your own victory.
Is there growing interest in crossword games?
I think so. There are already a couple tournaments every month, mostly in Bangkok.
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