How To Win At Scrabble - J Hall

This blog piece will provide pointers for how to win at Scrabble... I am a great Scrabble player. Though well-educated, it is NOT my vocabulary or knowledge of words (which is pretty large) that makes me a winner (though it helps).  

Scrabble Requires Patience

I almost-always win at Scrabble and Super Scrabble because I have patience, and do not make the common mistake of making the best word that scores the most points each turn. I think ahead. I plan, but I also "react." Be smart and be flexible. Employ the few tactics that follow....

Scrabble Demands Precise/Smart Letter Usage-Placement

It's okay to trail in the beginning of Scrabble, in order to win at the end. Do not waste high point letters on non-bonus spots/squares or non-bonus words. That is insanity. You rarely will need to have to wait more than 2 turns to score well with high value letters/tiles on bonus spots. 

Be patient. Let your opponent(s) feel over-confident for a few rounds or so; that works in your favor. Learn your opponents, and how they play and think. Out-think them! Are they predictable? Can you wait to make a play, or will they see and spoil it?

While you use your letters at the right time in the right places, chances are that your challenger(s) is/are simply making words where they can, and opening-up bonus possibilities for you! Jump on them!

Rememeber Prefixes and Suffixes and Word Extensions

While keeping proper letter usage in mind, you should always also keep in mind prefixes, suffixes, and "s" usage as well, all of which allow you to earn big points off of the hard-thought plays of others. Ideally, you will regularly add to opponents' words and play in a new direction from them also. Points, points, points. Make these words expand onto bonus spots.

I think you get the idea of letter usage and employing what I like to call the "Judo Principle" (using opponent plays and work against themselves, to increase your/my score). But, what about defense?

Employing Defensive Scrabble Tactics

Okay, defensive plays also have their place. It is quite alright and good to purposely make plays that stop your opponent(s) from taking advantage of double, triple, or quadriple word scores, or from having the opportunity to use large point value letters like "z" "q" or others on double or triple letter spots, as well. Ruin it for them, but not at the expense of hurting your own proposed future play.

Q, Other High-Value Letters

I also spoke of "thinking ahead." Do it. Keep a "u" in case you draw a "q." In fact, learn "q" words, and the few "q" words that do not require a "u." Also, learn how to use high value letters "in the middle" of words, not just to start them. Think "outside of the box."

Making Words Late During The Game

And, what about if the game is close, and near the end? ALWAYS try and keep letters like "s," "r,' "e," and "y" for when you have to scramble to make words at the end. If it appears that high=point letters are still waiting to be drawn, if you have only a low-point play, swap/forfeit for a chance at the high pointers in the bag or box! Understand? Think, think, think!

Don't Always Fully Extend Words You Make

Likewise, it is not always best to extend a word you make as long as you can. Sometimes you should save the letters you could add-on to it and use it next time to be recredited for the initial play points PLUS what you add to extend it! You can actually set yourself up, especially if you only have one or two opponents.

Scrabble Conclusion

In the final analysis, to win at Scrabble you must play smart, think hard, plan ahead, know your opponent a little, and remain patient for the first 80% of the game.

Jimmy Hall is a writer from outside Atlanta, Georgia. His company, Jimmy Hall Writing Services (404-580-1501) specializes in Business Plans, Resumes, and Web Content - among other writing tasks. He is also an avid weightlifter, striving to make it to the next level.....