Tips to Win at Scrabble
Master the game with expert strategies, essential word lists, and proven techniques used by tournament players.
Memorize all 107 two-letter words. They're essential for parallel plays and using difficult tiles.
View all two-letter words →Don't get stuck with Q! Learn words like QI, QOPH, and QADI that don't need U.
Q without U words →Block triple word squares from opponents. Open the board when you're behind, close it when ahead.
Use our Scrabble solver →Using all 7 tiles earns a 50-point bonus. Learn common 7-letter patterns and prefixes.
7-letter word list →Z, X, J, and Q are worth 8-10 points each. Learn words to use them effectively.
High-value word lists →Keep 3-4 vowels and 3-4 consonants. Avoid duplicate letters when possible.
All-vowel words →Essential Word Lists
Complete Scrabble Strategy Guide
Opening Strategy
The first move sets the tone. Aim for a 5-7 letter word through the center star (double word score). Words like JAZZY, ZESTY, or QUICK score well opening. Avoid placing high-value tiles near triple word or triple letter squares where opponents can exploit them.
Rack Management
Keep your rack balanced with roughly equal vowels and consonants (3-4 of each). Avoid these common traps:
- Too many vowels: Trade some in. Learn all-vowel words as a backup.
- Too many consonants: Look for consonant-only words like SHH, TSK, HMM.
- Duplicate letters: Trade one unless you see a word using both.
Scoring Techniques
Parallel plays are key to high scores. Place a word parallel to an existing one, forming multiple two-letter words vertically. This is why two-letter words are essential.
Hooks extend existing words with a single letter. Adding S, D, R, or E to words creates new plays while scoring the original word again.
Endgame Strategy
When tiles run low, count remaining tiles and plan accordingly. If you're ahead, make defensive plays. If behind, open the board and take risks. Try to go out first – the opponent's remaining tiles are added to your score!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first word in Scrabble?
The best opening words use high-value letters on the center star (double word score) while setting up future plays. Words like JAZZY (48 pts), QUICK, or ZESTY are excellent. Aim for 5-7 letter words that don't give your opponent easy hooks.
How many two-letter words are valid in Scrabble?
There are 107 valid two-letter words in the official Scrabble dictionary (TWL). Memorizing all of them is essential for expert play, as they allow parallel plays and help you use difficult tiles.
What words can I play with Q but no U?
Key Q-without-U words include: QI, QOPH, QADI, QAID, QANAT, QINTAR, QINDAR, QWERTY, and TRANQ. QI is the most useful as it's only 2 letters and worth 11 points.
How do I get a bingo in Scrabble?
A bingo (using all 7 tiles for a 50-point bonus) requires knowing common 7-letter word patterns. Practice with common prefixes (UN-, RE-, OUT-) and suffixes (-ING, -TION, -NESS). Keep a balanced rack with vowels and consonants.