Summarised from the NSA website.

Players from the US and Canada will vote by July 21 as to whether they wish to amend their list of allowable words - Official Tournament and Club Word List (TWL) by adding those words only currently used in the UK. The affect of the change will be to enlarge their dictionary to over 140,000 words, an increase of around 28%.

A vote of 60% is required if the change in dictionary is to be accepted. The main pros and cons are:

IN FAVOUR OF CHANGE

1. The change will enhance the number of words available for use on a Scrabble board making the game better and more fun. New words such as WASM (an -ism of the past), RUNFLAT (a tyre that can be driven when punctured) will be added. Also a variety of words such as EUOI (a cry of Bacchic frenzy) and AULOI (a musical instrument) will help when you have an imbalance of vowels or consonants and enrich the game.



2. There will be 25 new 2 letter words, making overlapping plays more likely, leading to more open and exciting games. Too many games are over in the first six moves where one player gets away to a lucky start and then closes down the board and sits on his lead.



3. There are some glaring omissions from the current dictionary such as UNSWEET or FASTERS (people who fast) which will be acceptable if the dictionary is amended.



4. How often does a game hinge on who draws the Q late in the game. With the new word QI (an individual's life force), it's unlikely that a player will now be stuck with an unplayable Q at the end of the game.



5. The world is getting smaller all the time. Europe is well on the way to a common currency. There are other common markets and trade free zones. Companies like Mercedes and Chrysler span international frontiers. The Internet unites people in disregard of national boundaries. It's time to unite the Scrabble world with just one dictionary.

STAYING WITH THE CURRENT DICTIONARY

1. The adoption of the change would require the inclusion of a large number of outlandish 'so - called' words. Does the allure of having more 'game pieces' warrant the inclusion of such absurdities as EUK, EUGE etc.



2. Defensive strategies would be hampered by the introduction of so many new words. Part of the beauty and complexity of the game is found in such decision-making as to what to do when a player's bonus word won't play or how to defend when your opponent is threatening to play a bonus. The expansion of the 2 and 3 letter word lists would minimise the necessity for such strategic decisions.



3. Who has not heard the disbelieving cry of the newcomer - "That's a word?". Thrusting 25,000 more letter clusters at them will not help in encouraging them to participate in the club and tournament scene.



4. The game will never be truly international as it is language-based.

What do you think? Let us have your views.