Scrabble Strategy

• Reach the bonus squares. Even simple words earn a lot of points when placed on a Double or Triple Word Score. Conversely, play defensively from time to time to keep your opponent from using those spots easily. Avoid placing a vowel directly beside one, for example. Build on existing words to boost your score. Seek out letters you can use as the beginning or the end of your new word. Keep an eye out for 2 parallel words that you can connect with 1 or 2 tiles.
• Shuffle the tiles on your rack often to uncover new combinations and 7-letter words. Think ahead to the letters you may draw, but don't get so hung up on one possible word that you fail to see others you can make.
• Aim for a balanced letter selection (instead of a load of "E" tiles, for example) and change tiles, if necessary. Although you'll forfeit your turn, it's worth the chance of drawing tiles that can improve your play further into the game.
• Memorize several lesser-known words that enable you to use an abundance of vowels, "leftover" tiles or more challenging letters like "Q" and "Z." Words like "qat" and "qanat," for example, will allow you to use the "Q" without waiting for a "U."
• Practice to improve your word knowledge and strategy. Play online or computer Scrabble games, join a club, read instructional manuals, study the dictionary or conduct mock games against yourself.