27 Words for Scrabble
High-value hooks, duplicates, and short-letter terms to memorize
1. Vital 2-Letter Words (The Hooks)
Knowing short words allows you to play parallel lines on the board and double or triple your scores. Memorize these key ones:
- QI: The ultimate Scrabble lifesaver (11 points). Allows you to dump Q without a U.
- ZA: Colloquial abbreviation for pizza (11 points).
- JO: A sweetheart (9 points).
- KA: Spiritual double of a soul (5 points).
- XU: Vietnamese monetary unit (9 points).
2. Q-Without-U Words
When you have a Q tile but no U, don't waste turns swapping tiles. Play these instead:
- QAT: A shrub (12 points).
- QIS: Plural of Qi (12 points).
- QIN: Chinese stringed instrument (12 points).
- QAID: A Muslim judge (14 points).
- TRANQ: A tranquilizer sedative (14 points).
3. High-Value J, X, Z hooks
Make the most of the 8 and 10 point letters with these easy short words:
- JAZZ: High scoring duplicate Z (29 points).
- ZAX: Tool for cutting slate (19 points).
- JINX: Bad luck spell (18 points).
- COZY: Warm comfort (19 points).
- WHIZ: Expert (19 points).