Scrabble has its ups and its downs. I obviously don't need to go into detail on how to play, so I'll just give my opinions.

Good things about Scrabble Deluxe:

1. The components in this Deluxe version are great. The tiles are good and sit in the board nice and snug. The board is on a turn-table, so you can have everything right-side up on your turn.


2. Scrabble can greatly expand your vocabulary with multiple times playing, and inspires me to work on expanding it more. Plus this version has a list of every 2-letter word in the English language written in the instruction booklet (very educational)


3. My wife really enjoys playing this game. If she's happy, I'm happy.

Bad things about Scrabble Deluxe:

1. No dictionary provided. Is this a big deal? No, but they give you a list of 2-letter words and about half of them are not in any dictionary I own. Seems like a double-standard saying the words have to be in the dictionary, unless they're in the rule book.


2. Unless you are playing with people who are all on the same vocabulary level, some people will get blown out by others. Also strategizing the placement of your words greatly favors a more experienced player. No way someone playing for the first time could beat someone playing for the 200th time.


3. There is way too much down time waiting for others to take their turns. This can be lessened if you use the timer, but many people will object to the use of a timer.

Basically, if you like word games you probably will like Scrabble. I, personally, don't find it enjoyable sitting around for an hour digging in my memory for obscure words. Even so, if it makes the wife happy, I'm in!