Yes. This group is for all levels, and almost every regular started out as someone who'd only played at the kitchen table, or never touched a tile. You will not be the worst person in the room, and if you were, nobody would care.

No. You can play perfectly good Scrabble with words you already know. You don't have to memorize a thing first: we keep cheat sheets at the table that you're welcome to use mid-game.

Scrabble might be the only hobby where sitting quietly and staring at a board for an hour is the socially correct move. You'll fit in fine.

Absolutely. Plenty of people lurk for a week and play the next. Fair warning: we will probably try to talk you into a game.

Just yourself. We have the boards, tiles, and everything else you need. Bring a friend if you want backup. Eventually we will ask you to buy your own equipment, but no rush.

Come three times for free. After that, we’ll get you signed up with NASPA (North American Scrabble Players Association). There are some dues associated with that. Cash donations are appreciated for your directors’ costs of running club, like the website, venue space, and snacks, but are not required.

A typical game usually runs anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. (Each player gets 25 minutes of clock time, and games occasionally run longer than the allotted time).

Come and go as your schedule allows. There's no attendance sheet.

Not at first. More experienced players are glad to keep score for you while you get used to the over-the-board mechanics. Eventually we'll ask you to do it yourself, but only once you feel ready (we promise).

• The main one: don't be braggadocious. Compliment a good play when you see it, keep good sportsmanship, and appreciate the people across the board from you.

• No “coffeehousing”. Please don’t make small talk in the game room.

• We will go over the acceptable things to say during gameplay, but generally don’t make commentary until after the game is over.

• Take friendly conversations pre- and post- games into the hallway as not to disturb those still playing.

Come when you can. It's a standing invitation, not a commitment.

We use the North American standard word list, called NWL23. There are other word lists out there, you might see some called SOWPODS or Collins. Those are usually played by international players.