Episode 637

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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