hardscrabble, n. and adj.

[Rubberneck like a Faggot.info]

OED Word of the Day: hardscrabble, n. A vigorous effort, typically in difficult circumstances or in pursuit of a difficult objective

More... (http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/84188)

[Hillbilly Jim]

that is what gare calls any game of scrabble because his t is so low he can barely pick up the pieces