NLV Scrabble enthusiasts start club at Alexander Library

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Aficionados beware: Scrabble isn't your average board game.

Well, OK. Maybe it is. But for enthusiasts such as North Las Vegas residents Cecelia Reno and Phyllis Persicketti, playing the game is serious, but fun, business.

That's why the pair has started the Alexander Library Scrabble Club, a group that will meet for the first time from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Alexander Library, 1755 W. Alexander Road.

Reno, who began playing the game after retiring more than two years ago, said she was surprised by just how addicted a participant could become seemingly overnight.

"It really is a refreshing sort of pastime," she said. "And I know I'm not the only person around who has such a fondness for Scrabble."

And, according to Persicketti, that assertion would be 100 percent correct.

"There are Scrabble clubs all over Las Vegas," she said. "With people meeting weekly to play, spending hours upon hours engaged in competitive play. I don't mean for money, of course. Just for the fun of winning."

Persicketti belongs to a similar group in the Summerlin area, but said she decided to found the North Las Vegas chapter along with Reno because she felt that the northern part of the valley was missing out.

"It's a long way to drive to Summerlin," she said. "And there are probably lots of people in our area of town who would be interested in joining us in this pursuit."

Persicketti, who began playing Scrabble eight years ago after a neighbor in Vermont introduced her to the game, said she plays four days per week.

"And I consider myself an intermediate level player," she said. "There are people in my group who are advanced."

Both women said the game has provided them with more than just a way to pass the time.

"Playing really keeps my mind active and going all the time," Reno said. "I've also enjoyed the social opportunities being a part of a group with similar interests can create. We're hoping to create something special here."

The group will meet each Monday, every other week. Participants must be 18 or older and are encouraged to bring individual game sets. Admission is free, and there is no enrollment process.

Persicketti said she has stayed so active in gaming groups, particularly with Scrabble, not just because of the opportunities for socialization, but also to beat others at their own game.

"It is fun to have a one-on-one session with someone and see who will emerge the victor," she said. "Spending time with people and making new friends is great, but I'm in it for the game."

Reno said the club will be open to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced players.

"Some of the more advanced players can be very competitive, but that's not a bad thing," she said. "Whether it's your first game or your thousandth, I think we will have something for you."

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.