6. Variants & House Rules
Tournament Play vs the Game in the Box
- The standard rules describe a game for 2, 3 or 4 players (Appendix 1); WESPA rules require one on one (1.1(b)(i))
- The standard rules end the game when all players pass twice in succession (Appendix 1); under WESPA rules they do not, and six consecutive zero scores end it instead (1.1(b)(ii), 5.2)
- The standard rules let players agree a dictionary (Appendix 1); WESPA fixes a single official word source that tournaments may not deviate from (1.2(a), 1.2(b))
- The standard rules elect one scorekeeper (Appendix 1); WESPA requires both players to keep score (1.1(b)(i))
- Where the two texts conflict, the WESPA rules prevail (1.1(b))
Challenge Systems
- Because the unsuccessful-challenge penalty is set per tournament (3.10.13(b)), the same play can cost nothing, five points or a whole turn depending on the event
- Check the tournament announcement before playing a risky word — under "double challenge" a failed challenge costs the turn (3.10.13(b)(iii)), while under the preferred international norm it costs five points per word (3.10.13(b)(i))
Virtual Events
- WESPA publishes supplementary provisions for virtual events, under which the challenge penalty rule is unchanged (3.10.13)
- Virtual events must have independent monitors responsible for watching games for cheating (2.1)
- Players are required to take steps to demonstrate they are not seeking outside assistance (2.2)
- Suspected cheating or abusive behaviour is referred under the main conduct rule (6.2.4)
Word Sources Differ by Region
- The official word source is endorsed by WESPA and may change over time (1.2(a)), so a word list valid at one championship may not match a later one
- National associations maintain their own domestic norms; these rules exist precisely to let players whose domestic norms differ meet on common terms (1.1(a))