Bright Sparks, Big Words: Scrabble, the ultimate mindsport for gifted kids

Why is scrabble more than just a rainy-day game - and what makes it the perfect mindsport for gifted kids? In this dynamic 60-minute session, we'll explore the unique appeal of Scrabble for bright young minds. From strategic probability and deep word knowledge to satisfying problem-solving and pattern recognition. Scrabble offers intellectually rich gameplay that challenges and rewards gifted thinkers but also provides wonderful social benefits with like-minded kids and teaches kids the strength of a growth mindset. Drawing on research and competitive insights from veteran champion and youth coach Karen Richards, we'll unpack the core skills and tactics that make a great Scrabble player - memory, strategy, linguistic agility, spatial reasoning and creative thinking.

You'll hear about some of the world's top players, including junior players who've competed on the global stage, and discover how they train their brains to win and word study techniques.

We'll also introduce Oliver, a 9-year-old Scrabble whiz from Sydney whose journey has taken him from the Australian Junior Championship all the way to representing Australia at the 2025 World Youth Scrabble Tournament in Malaysia where he met fellow Mensan and two time Under-10 World Champion from Malaysia Nathan Tan.

This session is hands-on and minds-on: you'll get the chance to solve fast-paced anagram puzzles, learn fun Scrabble tricks, win some prizes, and even cheer on a live mini-match between Oliver and international Scrabble leader Karen Richards in a showcase of youth vs experience, logic vs intuition - and the joy of playing with words.

Sarah Klistorner

Sarah is the mother of Oliver, 9, a young twice exceptional Mensan and Scrabble player in Sydney. Sarah has worked for the last 20 years as a Science Communicator in science magazine publishing and within government research organizations such as CSIRO and the NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. Working with some of Australia's brightest minds in STEM to help them communicate their science. Sarah is curious and passionate about the formative experiences that inspire brilliant young people to take on extraordinary careers. This has led her to explore opportunities for Oliver to try new hobbies like Scrabble and many other extracurricular activities as a way of strengthening his mind, meeting new friends and developing a growth mindset.