Scrabble

LET'S PLAY

Scrabble is the ultimate word game where players compete to form words and score points based on letter values and strategic placement on the board. But it’s not just about vocabulary—it’s about strategy. Using premium squares, crosswords, and high-value letters can turn a simple word into a game-winning move. If you want to win at Scrabble, you’ll need more than just a dictionary—you’ll need tactics, patience, and a little luck.

Object

The goal of Scrabble is to score the most points by forming valid words using letter tiles. Words must be placed on the board in a crossword-style manner, with each letter carrying a point value.

What You Need

2 to 4 players.
Scrabble Board: A 15x15 grid with premium squares (double/triple letters and words).
100 Letter Tiles: Each with a specific point value (e.g., vowels are worth 1 point, rare letters like “Q” and “Z” are worth 10 points).
Tile Bag: Holds the letter tiles.
Tile Racks: Each player gets a rack to hold 7 tiles at a time.
Scorekeeping Method: A pencil and paper or an official score sheet (download one for free!).

Set Up

Place the board in the center of all players.
Toss all letter tiles into the bag and shuffle.
Each player draws one tile—the letter closest to “A” goes first. Blanks count as lowest.
Return the tiles to the bag and each player draws 7 tiles to start.
The player who drew the first letter plays first. Turns proceed clockwise.

Game Play

1. Playing Words

The first word must cover the center square.

Every new word must connect to an existing word.

Words can only be placed horizontally or vertically—not diagonally.
A word must form a valid dictionary word.
If your placement creates multiple words, all words formed must be valid.
No word resources can be used such as a dictionary or your phone.

After playing a word, draw new tiles to refill your rack to 7 tiles.

Watch the step by step guide here!

2. Scoring Words

Each tile has a point value (shown at the bottom of the tile). Add up the letter values of your word. Write it down on your score sheet, adding the sum of previous turns.

Bonus squares can increase your score:

• Double Letter (DL): Doubles the value of the letter on it.

• Triple Letter (TL): Triples the letter value.

• Double Word (DW): Doubles the entire word score.

• Triple Word (TW): Triples the word score.

• Bingo Bonus: +50 points if you use all 7 tiles in one turn.

Scoring Order:

Add up all letter values.
Apply letter bonuses (DL, TL).
Apply word bonuses (DW, TW).
Apply Bingo Bonus if applicable.

Note: bonuses only apply to spaces that you place tiles on during current turn, not from previous turns even if they are present in a modified word.

Tile Exchange

If you don’t like your letters, you can exchange any number of tiles from your rack. However, doing so forfeits your turn.

The Crossword Effect

If you place a word that intersects existing words, you score points for all valid words created.

Blank Tiles

There are two blank tiles that can be used as any letter, but they are worth zero points. Once placed, they cannot be changed.

Challenging Words

If you think an opponent played an invalid word, you can challenge them.

Use a dictionary (agreed upon before the game) to verify.
If the word is invalid, they lose their turn.
If the word is valid, the challenger loses their next turn.
Proper nouns, abbreviations, prefixes, and suffixes alone are NOT allowed.

Ending the Game

The game ends when:

1. All tiles have been drawn, and a player uses their last tile.

2. No players can make a valid move.

Final scoring adjustments:

Players subtract the total value of any leftover tiles from their score.
If a player used all their tiles, they gain the sum of their opponents’ leftover tile values.

Final Thoughts

Scrabble isn’t just about knowing words—it’s about using them strategically. Stack words, aim for bonus squares, and maximize point values to outscore your opponents. Even small words can pack a big punch if placed correctly. If you want to dominate at Scrabble, start thinking beyond the dictionary and into strategy.