When playing Scrabble, the best playable word in any game situation completely depends on the tiles available on your rack, the tiles on the board, and the amount of space remaining to play a new word. However, balanced and unbalanced words, words with difficult letters, and Q (without U) words are extremely useful for getting yourself out of a tough spot.
- Using the OTCWL word list, the highest-scoring opening move ever played was the word “MUZJIKS” by Jesse Inman at the 2008 National Scrabble Championship.
- The word was played using a blank tile instead of a “U”, scoring 126 points in total.
- Playing the word without a blank tile would result in a score of 128 points, which would be the highest possible legal score for a first turn.
- However, using the SOWPODS dictionary, the highest opening move score was 124 points for “BEZIQUE”.
- It has been used as a first move on three occasions, by Sam Kantimathi, Joan Rosenthal and Sally Martin.
- As a single play using the OTCWL word list, the highest scoring word was “QUIXOTRY”.
- It scored 365 points and was played by Michael Cresta in 2006.
- For SOWPODS, the highest scoring single play was the word “CAZIQUES”.
- It scored 392 points and was played by Saladin Karl Khoshnaw in 1982.
- Although higher scoring plays are possible, they would require very specific setups from each player and as such are extremely improbable.
Useful words to use in Scrabble
Below, WordsRated has provided a list of 50 helpful words for you to check out, alongside their points score and characteristics. Take the time to go through and master each of the recommended words, so you can score higher in Scrabble and improve your in-game strategy!
Ax
Total points score: 9
Definition: A type of cutting tool that features a sharp metal head attached to a wooden handle.
Word characteristics:
- 2-letter word that can be used in areas of the board without much space.
- Makes use of the letter “X” which is worth 8 points.
- Contains the common vowel “A”.
Azo
Total points score: 12
Definition: A chemistry term for a where two nitrogen atoms are adjacently placed between carbon atoms.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word that can be used in tighter areas of the board.
- Uses the letter “Z” which is worth 10 points.
- Contains the common vowels “A” and “O”.
Cozy
Total points score: 18
Definition: To give a feeling of comfort, relaxation and warmth.
Word characteristics:
- Uses up three consonants in a 4-letter word.
- Makes use of the letters “Y” and “Z” which are worth 4 and 10 points respectively.
- Contains the common vowel “O”.
Crypt
Total points score: 12
Definition: A room or vault that is constructed underneath a church.
Word characteristics:
- A 5-letter word that is made entirely of consonants.
- Contains the letters “C”, “P” and “Y” which are worth 3, 3 and 4 points respectively.
- Allows players to keep vowels on their rack for upcoming turns.
Equid
Total points score: 15
Definition: A term that relates to mammals within the horse family.
Word characteristics:
- A 5-letter word which has a good balance of consonants and vowels.
- Contains the letter “Q” which is worth 10 points by itself.
- Allows players to use the known “QU” combination.
Ex
Total points score: 9
Definition: Former or formerly.
Word characteristics:
- 2-letter word that can be used in smaller spaces on the board.
- Contains the letter “X” which is worth 8 points.
- Also includes the commonly used vowel “E”.
Exe
Total points score: 10
Definition: A computing term used to describe an executable file.
Word characteristics:
- An easy to form 3-letter word.
- Can be used in trickier spaces on the board.
- Contains the valuable letter “X” which is worth 8 points.
Fjord
Total points score: 16
Definition: A long, narrow and deep sea inlet with cliffs or steep sides.
Word characteristics:
- 5-letter word that uses up 4 consonants.
- Contains the valuable letter “J”, worth 8 points.
- Uses the “RD” word ending.
Fix
Total points score: 13
Definition: To mend or repair something.
Word characteristics:
- A 3-letter word that contains 2 consonants.
- Utilizes the letter “X” which is worth 8 points by itself.
- Also contains the letter “F” which has a point score of 4.
Fox
Total points score: 13
Definition: A carnivorous mammal within the dog family.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word that includes 2 consonants.
- Contains the letter “X” which contributes 8 points towards the word score.
- The letter “F” also features with a point score of 4.
Foxed
Total points score: 16
Definition: To confuse or to be difficult to understand.
Word characteristics:
- 5-letter word that has a good balance between vowels and consonants.
- Includes the high-scoring letter “X” which is worth 8 points.
- Uses the common ending “ED”.
Fuzz
Total points score: 25
Definition: Something that is indistinct or blurred.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word that contains 3 consonants.
- The letter “Z”, worth ten points, is used two times.
- Allows players to use up some of the more difficult consonants.
Haj
Total points score: 13
Definition: An annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word which can fit into tighter spaces on the board.
- Contains the letters “H” and “J” which score 4 and 8 points respectively.
- One of only a small number of words that end with the letter “J”.
Jabot
Total points score: 14
Definition: A decorative ruffle or frill on the front of a blouse or top.
Word characteristics:
- 5-letter word that contains a balance of vowels and consonants.
- Uses the letter “J” which is worth 8 points.
- Players can aim for a premium letter score on the “J” or the “B” to increase the value of the word.
Jamb
Total points score: 15
Definition: A post/surface to the side of a doorway, fireplace or window.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word that uses 3 consonants.
- The word starts with the letter “J” which has a points score of 8.
- Allows players to dump harder-to-use consonants.
Jaw
Total points score: 13
Definition: Upper and lower framework of bone or cartilage around the mouth.
Word characteristics:
- A 3-letter word that has a high points score per letter.
- Uses the valuable consonants “J” and “W” which score 8 and 4 points respectively.
- Also makes use of a common vowel, “A”, in the middle of the word.
Jawan
Total points score: 15
Definition: A young soldier/private in the Indian army.
Word characteristics:
- 5-letter word that allows players to use up 3 consonants.
- Contains the valuable letter “J” which is worth 8 points.
- Can be a good way to use two “A” letters in one move.
Jazzy
Total points score: 33
Definition: Performed with a jazz-like style.
Word characteristics:
- A 5-letter word that contains just one vowel.
- Uses many valuable letters to create a high points score.
- One of a few words that use the “ZZ” combination.
Jeep
Total points score: 13
Definition: A small, sturdy 4×4 vehicle typically used within the military.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word that is balanced between vowels and consonants.
- Starts with the letter “J”, worth 8 points by itself.
- Uses the “EE” letter combination in the middle of the word.
Jib
Total points score: 12
Definition: A small triangular sail positioned in front of a boat’s main sail.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word that can fit into smaller areas on the board.
- Starts with the consonant “J” that has a points score of 8.
- Ends with the consonant “B”, worth 3 points.
Jig
Total points score: 11
Definition: A dynamic dance that uses leaping movements.
Word characteristics:
- A 3-letter word which can be a great way to use up difficult to play consonants.
- Starts with “J”, which is worth 8 points.
- Allows another option for players to use the letter “G” as a word ending.
Jin
Total points score: 10
Definition: A unit of measurement used especially in East Asia.
Word characteristics:
- Another easy-to play 3-letter word.
- The word gains its value from the letter “J”, which is worth 8 points.
- Uses the “IN” word ending.
Jinx
Total points score: 18
Definition: A person or thing that is deemed to bring bad luck.
Word characteristics:
- A 4-letter word that uses up three consonants.
- Contains 2 high value consonants, “J” and “X”, each worth 8 points.
- Uses the uncommon “NX” word ending.
Jo
Total points score: 9
Definition: An alternate word to mean sweetheart or dear.
Word characteristics:
- A 2-letter word that has a high points value for its length.
- Can be a useful word when the player needs to play a move in an area of the board without much space.
- The consonant “J” is worth 8 points.
Joust
Total points score: 12
Definition: A type of combat from medieval times between two knights on horseback.
Word characteristics:
- 5-letter word which has a good balance between vowels and consonants.
- Highest value letter is “J”, worth 8 points by itself.
- Contains the common “OU” combination in the middle of the word.
Jow
Total points score: 13
Definition: The action of ringing a bell.
Word characteristics:
- A 3-letter word which uses two consonants.
- Can fit into tighter areas on the board.
- Uses valuable consonants “J” and “W”, worth 8 and 4 points respectively.
Jowl
Total points score: 14
Definition: The lower part of a cheek on a person or animal.
Word characteristics:
- A 4-letter word that contains just one vowel.
- The letter “J” is worth 8 points and the letter “W” is worth 4 points.
- Uses the “OW” combination in the middle of the word.
Juke
Total points score: 15
Definition: A sporting term used when a player moves their body to mislead an opponent.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word which has 2 vowels and 2 consonants.
- Contains “J” and “K”, high value consonants worth 8 and 5 points respectively.
- Ends using the “KE” letter combination.
Jute
Total points score: 11
Definition: A type of rough fiber that can be used to create twine and rope.
Word characteristics:
- A 4-letter word which has a balance of consonants and vowels.
- “J” is the most valuable letter in the word, worth 8 points.
- Uses the common “TE” word ending.
Juxta
Total points score: 19
Definition: To be beside or close-by to something or someone.
Word characteristics:
- A 5-letter word which uses 3 consonants.
- Requires 2 consonants each worth 8 points, “J” and “X”.
- Ends with the “TA” letter combination.
Kayo
Total points score: 11
Definition: An informal term which is used to describe a knock-out in combat sports.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word with two vowels and two consonants.
- Contains two mid-value consonants, “K” and “Y”, worth 5 and 4 points respectively.
- Can be a good way to dump difficult to play consonants.
Ox
Total points score: 9
Definition: A male cow that has had its reproductive organs removed.
Word characteristics:
- Useful 2-letter word with a high points value.
- Can be played in areas of the board without much space.
- Easy way to use the letter “X”, which is worth 8 points.
Oxo
Total points score: 10
Definition: A food product brand that specializes in a form of beef extract.
Word characteristics:
- Handy 3-letter word that uses 2 vowels and 1 consonant.
- Contains the letter “X”, worth 8 points.
- Uses the letter “O” two times.
Oxidize
Total points score: 24
Definition: The process of combining something chemically with oxygen.
Word characteristics:
- Lengthy 7-letter word that can give you a high points score when played upon premium squares.
- Contains valuable letters “X” and “Z”, worth 8 and 10 points respectively.
- Can be added to “DE” to form a Bingo and also ends with the common “IZE” letter combination.
Pyx
Total points score: 15
Definition: A religious term for the container within which consecrated bread is kept.
Word characteristics:
- Unusual 3-letter word made up entirely of consonants.
- Lowest scoring letter in the word is “P”, worth 3 points.
- Highest scoring letter in the word is “X”, worth 8 points.
Qanat
Total points score: 14
Definition: A type of underground water channel that transports water from an aquifer or a well to the surface.
Word characteristics:
- 5-letter word which has a good balance between vowels and consonants.
- “Q” contributes to the word’s high value, worth 10 points by itself.
- Doesn’t require the letter “U” and uses the common vowel “A” two times.
Qat
Total points score: 12
Definition: Leaves of an Arabian shrub that are typically chewed for their stimulating properties.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word with 2 consonants.
- Contains the letter “Q” which has the maximum tile score of 10 points.
- A word which uses “Q” without using the letter “U”.
Qi
Total points score: 11
Definition: A circulating life force which forms the basis for many aspects of Chinese philosophy and medicine.
Word characteristics:
- 2-letter word that has 1 consonant and 1 vowel.
- High points score is possible through the letter “Q”, worth 10 points.
- Doesn’t need the letter “U” even though it contains “Q”.
Qoph
Total points score: 18
Definition: The Hebrew alphabet’s 19th letter.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word with high scoring letters.
- Uses the 10 point letter “Q” without using the letter “U”.
- Ends with the letter combination “PH”.
Qua
Total points score: 12
Definition: In the mode/capacity of.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word which can fit into restricted areas of the board.
- The common combination “QU” is used.
- One of few words to end with the “UA” letter combination.
Quid
Total points score: 14
Definition: A slang term used to signify one British pound sterling.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word with 2 consonants and 2 vowels.
- Uses the common “QU” combination.
- Ends with the “ID” letter combination.
Quiz
Total points score: 22
Definition: A knowledge test, usually performed as a competition between different individuals for the purpose of entertainment.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word which has a balance of vowels and consonants.
- Contains the letters “Q” and “Z”, each worth 10 points.
- The combination of “QU” is used.
Vex
Total points score: 13
Definition: To frustrate, annoy or irritate, especially through matters of little importance.
Word characteristics:
- 3-letter word which uses rarer letters.
- “V” and “X” are used within the word, worth 4 and 8 points respectively.
- Can be a great way to dump difficult consonants.
Waxy
Total points score: 17
Definition: When something shares characteristics with wax through its texture or appearance.
Word characteristics:
- 4-letter word that contains just 1 vowel.
- High scoring letters “W”, “X” and “Y” are present, with points scores of 4, 8 and 4 points respectively.
- Another word which can be used to dump difficult to use letters.
Xi
Total points score: 9
Definition: The Greek alphabet’s 14th letter.
Word characteristics:
- High scoring 2-letter word.
- Can be played in restricted places on the board.
- Contains the valuable letter “X”, worth 8 points by itself.
Zag
Total points score: 13
Definition: To make a sharp or sudden change of direction.
Word characteristics:
- An easy to memorize 3-letter word.
- Contains the letter “Z”, worth 10 points.
- Uses the common word ending “G”.
Zap
Total points score: 14
Definition: To obliterate or destroy.
Word characteristics:
- Another memorable 3-letter word.
- Uses the 10 point letter “Z”.
- The final letter “P” is also worth 3 points.
Zit
Total points score: 12
Definition: A spot or pimple on the surface of the skin.
Word characteristics:
- A commonly used 3-letter word.
- Can be played in difficult areas of the board.
- “Z” is used to start the word, worth 10 points.
Zax
Total points score: 19
Definition: A sharp tool, similar to a hatchet, that is used to cut and punch holes in slate for roofing.
Word characteristics:
- Valuable 3-letter word.
- Contains the high-scoring letters “X” and “Z” within one word, worth 8 and 10 points respectively.
- Uses “X” to end the word.
Zoo
Total points score: 12
Definition: A facility where a variety of different animals are kept, mainly for the purpose of public exhibition.
Word characteristics:
- Easy to remember 3-letter word.
- Contains the letter “Z”, worth 10 points
- Uses the “OO” vowel combination.
Effect of word length on average Scrabble letter values
As a player increases the length of a word in Scrabble, they will increase the total value of the word (with the exception of using blank tiles). Despite this, average letter values tend to be higher in words of shorter lengths as more higher value letters and less low value letters are used in these words.
| Group | Average Scrabble points | Average letter value |
| 2 letter words | 4.13 | 2.07 |
| 3 letter words | 6.29 | 2.10 |
| 4 letter words | 7.66 | 1.91 |
| 5 letter words | 9.20 | 1.84 |
| 6 letter words | 10.50 | 1.75 |
| 7 letter words | 11.85 | 1.69 |
| 8 letter words | 13.29 | 1.66 |
| 9 letter words | 14.76 | 1.64 |
| 10 letter words | 16.19 | 1.62 |
| 11 letter words | 17.61 | 1.60 |
| 12 letter words | 19.02 | 1.58 |
| 13 letter words | 20.37 | 1.57 |
| 14 letter words | 21.65 | 1.55 |
| 15 letter words | 22.98 | 1.53 |