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Episode 637

From Countdown

Episode 637 was broadcast on 19 August 1987, as part of Series 13.

John Brooks played Mark Preston, with Mark Preston winning 80 – 0. The Dictionary Corner guest was Gyles Brandreth, and the lexicographer was Freda Thornton.

This game is notable as being the first of only two times that a contestant failed to score any points in the 9 round format, and also for having the largest winning margin of all games played under the 9 round format.

Round 1 of this game featured the first known instance in which a seven-letter word (STINGER) was spelt out in order on the letters board. To date, no longer word has ever appeared in order.

Clips of this episode were featured on ITV's documentary Gameshow Losers on 8 September 2002, narrated by Harry Hill. [1]

Rounds

Rnd Selection John Brooks Score Mark Preston Others Max.
1 ACSTINGER TRACINGS 0 – 18 RECASTING 18
2 DHMIOIGXO DIM 0 – 22 DOOM IDIOM 23
3 FNESIPLAY PLANES 0 – 29 FINALES LIFESPAN 31
4 50 1 8 5 3 7 → 621 621 ☓ 0 – 39 621
(8 + 5 − 1) × 50 + 7 × 3


41
5 OSTEHNVOT SHOVE 0 – 45 TENTHS TOSTONE* 48
6 ISNETNOVH HONEST 0 – 52 TENSION HISTONE*, INTONES, INVENTS, VENISON 55
7 SNUJELRAG largens ☓ 0 – 60 GRANULES 63
8 75 8 3 5 10 6 → 211 213 0 – 70 211
75 × 3 − (8 + 6)


73
9 aghinrttw* 0 – 80 THWARTING
(8 seconds)
83