Complex Endgame

In this game an interesting and complex endgame situation came about. My oponent was about 50 or 60 points ahead (cant recall the exact score) but this meant I had to get a bingo to win the game. With the letters ?deirst I had many options. After analysing the game with Maven it suggests the best move is VERDITS as it does not open much for the opponent. CREDITS also being a good move as it also does not give much away except that an H is out and CH is playable.

On further inspection I discovered that the high scoring letters H and K were still out and that HIKES or something similar on the triple already open could give the opponent a nice score.

So taking this into account the best option is to play off one or two letters, and aim to go out with a bingo. Playing DE at H3 blocks the possibilty of HIKES, or HIKER and makes a second opening for a bingo.

After simulating the situation in MAVEN, DE at H3 is clearly a strong move and most likely the best move in this situation.

As it happened my opponent had the letters for HIKER and made it after I played CREDITS.

Creative endgame

In this game between Trey and Airtight a very interesting endgame situation came about. Can you see the winning moves for Airtight? The scores are 370-357 and it is Airtight's turn.

Answer below.

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Play GURU, which sets up the unblockable XU next turn.