From: John Van Pelt <jvp@opensesame.com>
Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 12:45:11 -0400
Subject: Re: Consensus Game #1, Turn #2
Message-id: <v03007800b0dff58228a7@[205.181.6.149]>

I'll take OFT 9e 22. John VP NSA 1541

One reason further to add to RFelts'...

Not convincing perhaps, but intriguing to think about, and my gut tells me it this reasoning is more valid here than in some other positions....

Why did opp play BOG? What is opp's rack?

Seems that an "average" rack (not much in the way of AENRST nor a blank) but otherwise vowel/cons balanced, would have easily scored better through the H or Y of HYOID.

Therefore rack is either not balanced (O was only vowel?) or is an above average rack.

Again, certain consonant heavy racks might have done better through the O of HYOID.

Position after OFT provides parallel hooks for bingos on row 6 and 10, as well as the vertical -S hook in column J. But the dbl-dbl threat is minimized, and we have groomed our rack (though I am not in love with DELS) ...

Of course opp INFECTS 10d scores well (101) after OFT, kills the O-BIT hook....

sigh

That's why I don't usually indulge in this kind of reasoning... especially in public.

-jvp