April Challenge
#ScoreBig
Transform your bread from basic to breathtaking in our April challenge.
Why We Score Bread
Controlled Expansion
Scoring creates weak points that direct how your dough expands during baking. This prevents random cracks and ensures your loaf rises predictably and beautifully.
Artistic Expression
Beyond function, scoring is your canvas for edible art. Each cut tells a story and gives your bread a distinctive personality that makes it uniquely yours.
Skill Building
Participating in the #ScoreBig Challenge helps you develop confidence and precision in your technique, taking your bread baking to professional levels.
How to Join the Challenge
Prepare Your Dough
Mix and proof your favorite bread recipe until it's ready for scoring. Choose a dough that holds patterns well, like a standard sourdough or white bread.
Score Your Design
Using a sharp lame or blade, create your signature pattern. Experiment with depth, angles, and complexity based on your skill level.
Share on Social Media
Post photos of both your raw scored dough AND the baked result on Facebook or Instagram. Make sure your post is public so judges can see it!
Use the Right Tags
Include #ScoreBig in your post and tag @WireMonkeyTools for a double entry in our weekly prize drawings.
Master the Art of Scoring
Basic Foundations
Single cuts, cross-cuts, and simple curved lines are perfect for beginners. Master these fundamentals before advancing to more complex designs.
Intermediate Skills
Once you've mastered the basics, try patterns, wheat shapes, and cuts of different depths to create more dynamic loaves.
Advanced Artistry
Take your scoring to the next level with flower designs, 3D effects, and decorative patterns that tell a story through your bread.
Good scoring needs tight dough, the right amount of water, and proper tools. Start with the basics before trying fancy designs. Keep practicing - your early tries might not be perfect, but you'll get better!
Featured Recipes for Practice
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Perfect for practicing basic scoring patterns with its forgiving texture and excellent crust development. The moderate hydration provides enough surface tension for clean cuts.
  • 75% hydration for ideal scoring
  • Long fermentation for flavor depth
  • Great for single-slash designs
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Ideal for achieving high contrast between dark crust and white interior. The tight crumb structure allows for precise scoring with minimal spreading during baking.
  • Lower hydration (65%)
  • Add steam for maximum "ear" formation
  • Perfect for geometric patterns
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This flour-dusted dough creates dramatic, bold scoring patterns. The rye content adds complexity to both flavor and scoring characteristics.
  • Heavy dusting enhances contrast
  • 30% rye flour for texture
  • Best for wheat stalk designs
Lemon Poppy Decorative
Light texture and subtle flavors make this an excellent canvas for delicate, intricate designs. The poppy seeds add visual interest to your artistic creations.
  • Enriched dough (eggs, butter)
  • Holds detailed patterns well
  • Great for floral designs
Member Spotlight: Bella Cast
Botanical Mastery
Bella's signature wheat stalk and floral designs bring nature to life on her loaves. Her technique involves varying the depth of cuts to create a three-dimensional effect that blossoms dramatically in the oven.
"I think of my dough as a living canvas," says Bella. "Each cut reveals the character hidden within."
Geometric Precision
What separates Bella's work is her mathematical approach to scoring. She plans each design on paper first, creating symmetrical patterns with perfect depth control that transform during baking into balanced artistic expressions.
Her tip: "Always score with confidence. Hesitation creates jagged lines that expand unpredictably."
Narrative Scoring
Bella pioneered the concept of "storytelling through bread," where each loaf represents a theme or tells a visual story. Her seasonal designs have inspired countless bakers to think beyond traditional patterns.
For beginners, she recommends: "Start with simple curves and build confidence before attempting complex designs."
Get Her Full Story on Our Blog
Prizes and Sponsors
Weekly Prizes
Each week, one participant will win a professional-grade Wire Monkey lame. These precision scoring tools feature ergonomic handles and replaceable blades for clean, controlled cuts.
Our Sponsors
Wire Monkey has been empowering home bakers with professional-quality tools since 2015. Their commitment to craftsmanship matches the artistry we celebrate in this challenge.
Judging Criteria
It's easy. Just post an image of your scored bread along with the #scoreBig and you can be a winner!
Ready to Take Your Bread to the Next Level?
What tools do I need to participate?
At minimum, you'll need a sharp blade for scoring. While a dedicated lame is ideal, you can start with a razor blade, sharp knife, or even kitchen scissors. Other helpful tools include a bench scraper, proofing basket, and baking stone/Dutch oven.
I'm a beginner baker. Can I still join?
Absolutely! The #ScoreBig Challenge welcomes bakers of all skill levels. We have resources specifically for beginners, and the community is incredibly supportive. Start with simple designs like a single slash or basic cross pattern, and build your skills throughout the month.
How are winners selected?
Weekly winners are randomly selected from all participants who posted with the correct hashtags that week. The grand prize winner is chosen by our panel of judges based on creativity, technical execution, and the transformation from raw dough to baked loaf.
Where can I find tutorials and pattern ideas?
We'll post new tutorials each Monday on our website and social media channels. You can also download our free pattern guide with 25 scoring designs ranging from beginner to advanced at www.scorebigchallenge.com/patterns.