Words with Friends Tips

1. Master the Board Layout Differences

Although Words with Friends (WWF) looks like Scrabble, the board layout is completely different. The premium squares are placed in different patterns, especially near the outer rows:

• Triple Word Score (TW) squares are closer together on the outer edge, making them easier to reach and link.
• Double Word Score (DW) and Triple Letter Score (TL) squares are distributed in clusters that allow you to hit multiple premium squares with a single long word.

Always count the layout spaces before submitting a word to see if you can extend it to touch a DW or TW square.

2. Aim for the "Bingo" Bonus

In Words with Friends, playing all 7 tiles from your rack in a single turn yields a massive 35-point bonus (often called a Bingo). To make this easier:

• Keep common suffix combinations on your rack (like -ING, -ERS, -ED).
• Balance your rack: maintain a mix of roughly 3 vowels and 4 consonants.
• Avoid holding onto multiple duplicates of low-value consonants (like three Ls or Rs) unless you can clear them.

3. Use Parallel Plays to Accumulate Multipliers

Rather than spelling long words outward into open space, try laying down shorter words parallel to existing words. Every overlapping tile creates a new two-letter word, meaning you get points for multiple vertical/horizontal lines in the same turn. If you lay an expensive letter like J or Z on a Triple Letter square parallel, you score it twice!

4. Deny Opportunities (Defensive Strategy)

Sometimes the best play is not the one that scores the most points, but the one that blocks your opponent. Avoid playing words that end next to a Triple Word Score or Double Word Score, as your opponent will immediately jump on it. If you must play near a premium spot, try to block access using high-value letters or close off the hooks.

5. Dictionaries and Cheats

Words with Friends uses the ENABLE word list, which includes many slang and modern terms that aren't valid in traditional Scrabble. Use our Dictionary Checker to confirm if slang words are valid. When you have a really tough rack, you can use the Word Unscramble tool to find viable options.