Scrabble Tools

mnemonicfinder.py

usage: mnemonicfinder.py [-h] [-v] [--dict DICTFILE] [--maxlen MAXLEN]
                         [--minlen MINLEN] [--also ALSO]
                         charlist

Search the dictionary for mnemonic strings of words used to memorize a set of
characters.

positional arguments:
  charlist         List of characters to memorize

optional arguments:
  -h, --help       show this help message and exit
  -v               Allow mnemonics to optionally use any vowels
  --dict DICTFILE  Dictionary file to use
  --maxlen MAXLEN  Longest permitted length of word
  --minlen MINLEN  Shortest permitted length of word
  --also ALSO      Characters also permitted in mnemonic (but not required)

Example

Using the tool to memorise the list "abdeghilmnrstwxy", which are all the valid letters to place after an A on the Scrabble board.

$ python mnemonicfinder.py abdeghilmnrstwxy
==> MnemonicFinder v1.0
--> Loading dictionary...
--> Search string: abdeghilmnrstwxy
--> Generating...
--> Mnemonic: timberlands highway axe
--> Mnemonic: disenthral bigamy wax
--> Mnemonic: abridgment sixthly awe

Example: Free Vowels Mode

Using the tool to memorise the list "bdfhmnprswxy", which are all the consonants that can come after O on the Scrabble board.

$ python mnemonicfinder.py bdfhmnprswxy -v --dict dictcommon
==> MnemonicFinder v1.0
--> Loading dictionary...
--> Search string: bdfhmnprswxy
--> Generating...
--> Mnemonic: friends why box map
--> Mnemonic: finished army box power
--> Mnemonic: birds why fun map box
--> Mnemonic: brown pushed may suffix
--> Mnemonic: fresh body woman express

• The -v option allows free use of vowels when searching for words.
• This example uses the dictcommon word list, limiting the search to simple English words.

Results

• I have developed a system for memorising the two-letter words in International Scrabble tournaments.
• I have developed a system for memorising the two-letter words in US/Canada Scrabble tournaments.
• My earlier attempt to do this is documented here for postereity. I had limited success finding mnemonics for small word lists because of the lack of vowels; this led to the development of the later versions of the algorithm which include the -v option for free vowel use. (Obviously this requires a different system of memorisation; one that treats consonants and vowels separately).