Location and Masking

Westwords will be held at Congregation Netivot Shalom, at 1316 University Avenue in Berkeley, CA. To keep our event accessible for immunocompromised solvers, volunteers, and organizers — as well as those who are caretakers for other vulnerable individuals — we request that masks be used indoors. There is ample socializing space outdoors.

Solvers from last year may recall that we were filled to capacity; this year's solving room is a larger space, and we will take care to ensure there is plenty of elbow room!

For virtual competitors, a Twitch stream will run throughout the day and broadcast the in-person festivities and announcements as well as features specifically tailored to those solving remotely, such as stream-only interviews with puzzle constructors.

Schedule

The tournament, both in-person and online, will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific. In-person solvers will be able to arrive at 10 to sign in and socialize. The day will include a 75-minute lunch break.

Visit the Schedule and Format page for details.

Registration and Cost

Note: due to space limitations, in-person spots are now sold out, but online registration is unlimited! We also may have spots open up due to cancelations. If you wish to join the waitlist and be informed when a spot becomes available, please email westwordsbestwords@gmail.com.

Select the appropriate registration option below. After you register, you will receive a confirmation email from John Lieb (boswordstournament@gmail.com). The options are:

• In-person solving : $75 per person (no pairs solving in person). SOLD OUT / waitlist only

• Online solving: $35 per individual competitor or $50 per pair

  • A discounted $10 rate for online solving is available for anyone who can't afford the full price

• The tournament puzzle pack in .puz and .pdf formats, to be sent the day after the tournament: $10 (note: competitors do not need to purchase the pack)