Joel Sherman [#76] at 2005 National SCRABBLE® Championship

[ ]

On this page, you will find information about Joel Sherman, who is a contestant in Division 1 at the 2005 National SCRABBLE® Championship, held August 20th – 24th in Reno, NV. This page is updated at least hourly between 09:00 A.M. and midnight PDT. Sherman currently has a record of 15.5-12.5, +780, and is ranked #26 in Division 1.

Lower on this page, you can find brief self-reported biographical details of the player, statistics on the player’s past several years of rated tournament play in North America, a graphic showing the player’s ups and downs at this tournament, and a round-by-round report on the player’s opponents and games.

Background Information

[player photo]

Given name(s): Joel
Surname(s): Sherman
Home: Bronx, NY, United States
Age: 43
Awards: (2nd) 1995 (1st) 1997 WSC; 2002 NSC; 1997 Western Championship, 2001-07 Reno, NV (EB); 2001-08 Twin Cities, MN; 2002-05 Danbury, CT; 2003-07 Reno, NV (EB); 2003-09 Shelton, CT; 2004-09 Atlantic City, NJ. Chapter 8 in "Word Freak" and featured subject of documentary film "Word Wars".
Hobbies: Piano, singing, movies
Occupation: Scrabble player
WSC 1993 Rank: 10
WSC 1995 Rank: 2
WSC 1997 Rank: 1
WSC 1999 Rank: 15
WSC 2001 Rank: 51

Career History

6-year record against other players at this event	338-238 (0.587)
Past 1-12 months	68-57 (0.544)	WWW LLL WWWW LLL WWW LL W LL WW LL W L W L W L WWWW LL WWW LL W L W LLLLLLL WWWWWWWWWW LL W L WW LL W LLL W LL W L WWW L WWWW L WWWW LLLL WWWWW LL W LL WWWW LLLLL W L W L WW LL WW
Past 13-24 months	61-33 (0.649)	L WWWWWWWWWWW L W L WW L WW L W L WWWW LL WW L WW LL WWWWW L WWW L WWW L W L WWWWWWW LL W L WWW L W L WWWW LL W LLL WW LLLL W L WWWW LLL
Past 25-36 months	56.5-48.5 (0.538)	LL WW L WW L W L WWW LL WTWW LL WWW L WW L WW L WW L WWWW LL WW L W LLLLLLLL WWWWWW L W L W L W LLLLLL WWWWWWW L W LL W LLL WW L W L WW LL WWW LLL W LL WW
Past 37-48 months	72-38 (0.655)	L W L WWWWWWWWW L WWWWW L W LL W L W L WWWW LLL W L W LL WW LL WWWWWW L WWWWW L W LL W LL W LL W LLL WWW LLLL WWWWW LL W L WWWWW LL WWWWWWWWWWWWW LL WWWW
Past 49-60 months	60-44 (0.577)	L WW L WWW L WWWWWWWW LLL W L WWW L WWW LLLL W L WW L WW LLLLL W L W L W LL WW LL WWWWW L W LLLL W LLLLL WW L WWWW L W L WWW L WW LL WWWWWWWWWW LLL W
Past 61-72 months	20.5-17.5 (0.539)	L WWTW L WWWW LL WW LL W LL WWWW LLL WW L W LLL WW L W L

Rank Diagram

[rank diagram]
See legend

Round-by-Round
High score: 553 Average for: 414 Average against: 386
Anagrams Championship		Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (2 hits). Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (5 hits).
Round 1		Sherman played #54 Lou J B Miller (Portland, OR) and lost 369 to 413 (a spread of -44) . The last time these two played was 2004-11 at: LAS VEGAS, NV Sherman’s record vs. Miller in the 6 years leading up to this event: 2-0 (1.000). Past 1-12 months: WW. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: no games. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #55. Current record: 0-1, -44. Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (1 hit).
Round 2		Sherman played #69 Amnuay Ploysangngam (Thailand) and won 446 to 348 (a spread of 98) . Before this event, Sherman had not played Ploysangngam in at least 6 years. Current ranking: #33. Current record: 1-1, +54.
Round 3		Sherman played #68 Mark Pistolese (Hilo, HI) and lost 369 to 428 (a spread of -59) . The last time these two played was 2004-12 at: KISSIMMEE, FL Sherman’s record vs. Pistolese in the 6 years leading up to this event: 2-2 (0.500). Past 1-12 months: WL. Past 13-24 months: W. Past 25-36 months: no games. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: L. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #53. Current record: 1-2, -5.
Round 4		Sherman played #65 David Pearl (Long Beach, CA) and won 516 to 239 (a spread of 277) . Before this event, Sherman had not played Pearl in at least 6 years. Current ranking: #32. Current record: 2-2, +272.
Round 5		Sherman played #85 Ian Weinstein (Coral Springs, FL) and won 479 to 376 (a spread of 103) . The last time these two played was 2000-08 at: NATIONAL SCRABBLE CHAMPIONSHIP Sherman’s record vs. Weinstein in the 6 years leading up to this event: 1-1 (0.500). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: no games. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: WL. Current ranking: #21. Current record: 3-2, +375.
Round 6		Sherman played #63 Komol Panyasoponlert (Thailand) and won 553 to 330 (a spread of 223) . Before this event, Sherman had not played Panyasophonlert in at least 6 years. Current ranking: #11. Current record: 4-2, +598. Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (1 hit).
Round 7		Sherman played #71 Steve Polatnick (Miami, FL) and won 362 to 312 (a spread of 50) . The last time these two played was 2004-12 at: KISSIMMEE, FL Sherman’s record vs. Polatnick in the 6 years leading up to this event: 3-7 (0.300). Past 1-12 months: LLL. Past 13-24 months: WL. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: WL. Past 49-60 months: L. Past 61-72 months: L. Current ranking: #9. Current record: 5-2, +648.
Round 8		Sherman played #48 John Luebkemann (Pineville, NC) and won 441 to 368 (a spread of 73) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Luebkemann in the 6 years leading up to this event: 9-7 (0.562). Past 1-12 months: WLW. Past 13-24 months: WL. Past 25-36 months: LWWLW. Past 37-48 months: LWL. Past 49-60 months: LWW. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #6. Current record: 6-2, +721.
Round 9		Sherman played #80 Panupol Sujjayakorn (Thailand) and lost 435 to 457 (a spread of -22) . The last time these two played was 2002-08 at: NATIONAL SCRABBLE CHAMPIONSHIP Sherman’s record vs. Sujjayakorn in the 6 years leading up to this event: 1-0 (1.000). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: no games. Past 37-48 months: W. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #9. Current record: 6-3, +699. Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (1 hit). Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (1 hit).
Round 10		Sherman played #31 Randy Hersom (Morganton, NC) and won 541 to 466 (a spread of 75) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: PIGEON FORGE, TN Sherman’s record vs. Hersom in the 6 years leading up to this event: 5-6 (0.455). Past 1-12 months: WLL. Past 13-24 months: L. Past 25-36 months: LW. Past 37-48 months: LW. Past 49-60 months: WW. Past 61-72 months: L. Current ranking: #6. Current record: 7-3, +774. Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (1 hit). Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (1 hit).
Round 11		Sherman played #40 Mark Kenas (Madison, WI) and lost 392 to 398 (a spread of -6) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: PIGEON FORGE, TN Sherman’s record vs. Kenas in the 6 years leading up to this event: 3-2 (0.600). Past 1-12 months: L. Past 13-24 months: W. Past 25-36 months: L. Past 37-48 months: WW. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #11. Current record: 7-4, +768.
Round 12		Sherman played #46 Jerry Lerman (Foster City, CA) and lost 378 to 417 (a spread of -39) . The last time these two played was 2004-07 at: RENO, NV Sherman’s record vs. Lerman in the 6 years leading up to this event: 2-4 (0.333). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: L. Past 25-36 months: LW. Past 37-48 months: LW. Past 49-60 months: L. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #19. Current record: 7-5, +729.
Round 13		Sherman played #86 Dave Wiegand (Portland, OR) and won 528 to 331 (a spread of 197) . The last time these two played was 2003-08 at: ALL*STARS CHAMPIONSHIP Sherman’s record vs. Wiegand in the 6 years leading up to this event: 3-2 (0.600). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: WL. Past 49-60 months: W. Past 61-72 months: L. Current ranking: #13. Current record: 8-5, +926.
Round 14		Sherman played #88 Gail Wolford (Portland, OR) and won 394 to 373 (a spread of 21) . The last time these two played was 2003-07 at: RENO, NV Sherman’s record vs. Wolford in the 6 years leading up to this event: 1-2 (0.333). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: L. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: WL. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #9. Current record: 9-5, +947. Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (1 hit).
Round 15		Sherman played #11 Brian Cappelletto (Chicago, IL) and lost 373 to 415 (a spread of -42) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Cappelletto in the 6 years leading up to this event: 7-8 (0.467). Past 1-12 months: W. Past 13-24 months: W. Past 25-36 months: LLWL. Past 37-48 months: LWLLLW. Past 49-60 months: WW. Past 61-72 months: L. Current ranking: #16. Current record: 9-6, +905.
Round 16		Sherman played #46 Jerry Lerman (Foster City, CA) and won 405 to 399 (a spread of 6) . The last time these two played was 2004-07 at: RENO, NV Sherman’s record vs. Lerman in the 6 years leading up to this event: 2-4 (0.333). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: L. Past 25-36 months: LW. Past 37-48 months: LW. Past 49-60 months: L. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #14. Current record: 10-6, +911.
Round 17		Sherman played #37 Carol Kaplan (San Diego, CA) and lost 317 to 514 (a spread of -197) . The last time these two played was 2003-07 at: RENO, NV Sherman’s record vs. Kaplan in the 6 years leading up to this event: 1.5-2.5 (0.375). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: TL. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: LW. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #19. Current record: 10-7, +714.
Round 18		Sherman played #59 Lisa Odom (St. Louis Park, MN) and lost 355 to 464 (a spread of -109) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Odom in the 6 years leading up to this event: 6-4 (0.600). Past 1-12 months: L. Past 13-24 months: L. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: WLW. Past 49-60 months: LWW. Past 61-72 months: W. Current ranking: #24. Current record: 10-8, +605.
Round 19		Sherman played #15 Chris Cree (Dallas, TX) and lost 334 to 466 (a spread of -132) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Cree in the 6 years leading up to this event: 7-5 (0.583). Past 1-12 months: W. Past 13-24 months: WL. Past 25-36 months: L. Past 37-48 months: WWL. Past 49-60 months: WWWLL. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #34. Current record: 10-9, +473. Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (1 hit).
Round 20		Sherman played #45 Chris Lennon (Lake Oswego, OR) and won 380 to 323 (a spread of 57) . The last time these two played was 2004-11 at: LAS VEGAS, NV Sherman’s record vs. Lennon in the 6 years leading up to this event: 5-0 (1.000). Past 1-12 months: W. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: WWW. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #28. Current record: 11-9, +530.
Round 21		Sherman played #24 Marty Gabriel (Charleston, IL) and won 364 to 324 (a spread of 40) . The last time these two played was 2004-07 at: RENO, NV Sherman’s record vs. Gabriel in the 6 years leading up to this event: 3-5 (0.375). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: W. Past 25-36 months: LL. Past 37-48 months: W. Past 49-60 months: LLL. Past 61-72 months: W. Current ranking: #24. Current record: 12-9, +570.
Round 22		Sherman played #59 Lisa Odom (St. Louis Park, MN) and tied at 430 . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Odom in the 6 years leading up to this event: 6-4 (0.600). Past 1-12 months: L. Past 13-24 months: L. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: WLW. Past 49-60 months: LWW. Past 61-72 months: W. Current ranking: #25. Current record: 12.5-9.5, +570.
Round 23		Sherman played #51 Kenji Matsumoto (Aiea, HI) and lost 407 to 447 (a spread of -40) . The last time these two played was 2005-02 at: DANBURY, CT Sherman’s record vs. Matsumoto in the 6 years leading up to this event: 5-3 (0.625). Past 1-12 months: W. Past 13-24 months: WWL. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: LLW. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: no games. Current ranking: #32. Current record: 12.5-10.5, +530.
Round 24		Sherman played #89 Trey Wright (Van Nuys, CA) and won 366 to 343 (a spread of 23) . The last time these two played was 2003-08 at: ALL*STARS CHAMPIONSHIP Sherman’s record vs. Wright in the 6 years leading up to this event: 4-2 (0.667). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: LWLW. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: W. Current ranking: #27. Current record: 13.5-10.5, +553.
Round 25		Sherman played #60 Sammy Okosagah (Baltimore, MD) and lost 414 to 435 (a spread of -21) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Okosagah in the 6 years leading up to this event: 1-4 (0.200). Past 1-12 months: W. Past 13-24 months: LL. Past 25-36 months: no games. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: LL. Current ranking: #32. Current record: 13.5-11.5, +532.
Round 26		Sherman played #85 Ian Weinstein (Coral Springs, FL) and won 441 to 279 (a spread of 162) . The last time these two played was 2000-08 at: NATIONAL SCRABBLE CHAMPIONSHIP Sherman’s record vs. Weinstein in the 6 years leading up to this event: 1-1 (0.500). Past 1-12 months: no games. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: no games. Past 37-48 months: no games. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: WL. Current ranking: #25. Current record: 14.5-11.5, +694.
Round 27		Sherman played #59 Lisa Odom (St. Louis Park, MN) and lost 383 to 396 (a spread of -13) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Odom in the 6 years leading up to this event: 6-4 (0.600). Past 1-12 months: L. Past 13-24 months: L. Past 25-36 months: W. Past 37-48 months: WLW. Past 49-60 months: LWW. Past 61-72 months: W. Current ranking: #33. Current record: 14.5-12.5, +681.
Round 28		Sherman played #3 Scott Appel (Trenton, NJ) and won 410 to 311 (a spread of 99) . The last time these two played was 2005-04 at: BAT Sherman’s record vs. Appel in the 6 years leading up to this event: 6-4 (0.600). Past 1-12 months: WLWW. Past 13-24 months: no games. Past 25-36 months: LWWW. Past 37-48 months: L. Past 49-60 months: no games. Past 61-72 months: L. Current ranking: #26. Current record: 15.5-12.5, +780.
Final Round 1		Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (1 hit). Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (2 hits).
Final Round 2		Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (2 hits).
Final Round 3		Sherman is mentioned in this round’s commentary (1 hit). Sherman is mentioned in this round’s photo captions (1 hit).

HASBRO is the owner of the registered SCRABBLE^® trademark in the United States and Canada. © 2005 HASBRO. All rights reserved. "SCRABBLE^® Brand Crossword Game" is the proper way to refer to this unique group of word games and related properties marketed by HASBRO. "SCRABBLE^®" is not a generic term. To use it as such is not only misleading but also does injustice to the company responsible for the trademark’s longtime popularity. All we ask is that when you mean SCRABBLE^® Brand Crossword Game, you say so.

The SCRABBLE^® trademark is owned by J.W. Spear and Sons, PLC, a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. outside of the United States and Canada.

For more information about SCRABBLE^® or the NSA, or to comment on or correct the contents of this page, please e-mail: info@scrabble-assoc.com
To report technical difficulties in reading this page, please contact webmaster John Chew at: jjchew@math.utoronto.ca