Doris Flood, center, plays Rummikub with others at the Tyler Senior Center on Tuesday. She is known for her skill for playing the game and was celebrated at the center for recently turning 105. (Augusta Robinson/staff)

Those who play Rummikub at the Tyler Senior Center on Tuesdays know they have to bring their A-game in order to even compete against Doris Flood.

Around the art-filled rooms and bustling halls of the center, Flood has gained a reputation as a fierce and talented Rummikub competitor.

While she took up playing the game later than some — around the time she turned 80 — she’s had about 25 years to perfect her skills.

On Tuesday, the center held a birthday party for Flood, who turned 105 on May 8.

A native of New York, Flood moved to Texas in 1990 and has been coming to the Tyler senior Center for about 13 years.

“You have to use your head,” she said when asked what she attributed to her longevity. 

She added that she also stays sharp by doing the crossword puzzle and cryptogram in each day’s newspaper.

Flood has two children, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

At Tuesday’s party, officials from the center presented Flood with a cake, flowers and an eye mask.

“We are so thrilled that we’re able to celebrate her birthday at (the Tyler Senior Center),” Kay Odom, supervisor at the center said, adding that the center also celebrated with Flood when she turned 103.

Odom added that the center strives to offer fun activities for everyone “55 and better,” and that she thinks it’s neat that Flood is nearly double that age and still enjoys coming to play games and interact with seniors.

“We’re just thrilled we can offer seniors a place to come,” Odom said.