National Scrabble Day: History, facts and 4 ways to celebrate
Scrabble has a powerful impact on our lives, enabling us to expand our vocabulary and providing an enjoyable way to spend time with loved ones. Thus, Scrabble deserves a celebration. However, the importance of Scrabble goes beyond entertainment. It retains a prominent place in American history, making National Scrabble Day a meaningful observance.
This day, April 13, marks the birth of Scrabble inventor Alfred Mosher Butts, who created a game that has become an icon worldwide. Even today, after eight decades, players eagerly aim for triple word scores and skillfully employ blank tiles for strategic advantage.
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History of Scrabble
In 1938, Scrabble was invented by architect Alfred Mosher Butts. Butts, a game enthusiast, was particularly drawn to crossword puzzles and word games. He created a game called "Lexiko," which combined anagrams and crossword puzzles. Despite Butts' passion for the game, it did not achieve success.
In 1948, James Brunot, an entrepreneurial game lover, discovered it and made changes to the game, including renaming it "Scrabble." Brunot's version of the game proved to be an instant hit, and he subsequently licensed it to Selchow & Righter, a board game company.
Over the years, Scrabble has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with millions worldwide playing the game in various languages.
3 Fun facts about Scrabble
1. It is a handmade game
James Brunot handmade all the Scrabble games with the help of his friend. He sold them from his garage for almost two decades!
2. Accessibility for the Blind
A Braille version of Scrabble is there to make the game accessible to the blind and visually impaired.
3. Multilingual Game
Scrabble has existed for so long that it is sold in 121 countries worldwide and can be played in 29 different languages, breaking language barriers.
🔠 It's #ScrabbleDay as #OnThisDay 1899 Scrabble creator Alfred Mosher Butts was born. Dunblane for many years had a Scrabble Club - first met in Dunblane Library, then Braeport Centre then Dunblane Cathedral Halls. Scrabble-inspired image for Dunblane Museum #NationalScrabbleDay pic.twitter.com/VFlSFHVUJx
— Dunblane Museum (@DunblaneMuseum) April 13, 2023
Activities for National Scrabble Day
1. Scrabble with family
Scrabble is available for even children, that too with pictures! Grab one and have some good quality family time.
2. Organize a Scrabble tournament
Get a bit competitive and host a Scrabble tournament with your friends! Make your day enjoyable with intense and entertaining Scrabble games.
3. Enjoy Scrabble online
Bored playing with a human? Why not challenge a computer for a game this National Scrabble Day?
4. Baking Scrabble cookies
Making Scrabble-themed cookies is a delightful way to add sweetness to your Scrabble game.