What Does It Take to Win at Scrabble?

Using a word finder is certainly a foolproof way to win in Scrabble, but you could still employ numerous strategies and tactics in order to rack up the points and win. That said, it takes a lot of gall to play the game, especially if you have a limited vocabulary. Remember though, it's not always the English or literature professor that wins the game – it's always the player with the keen eye and with an exceptional common sense. So, in order to achieve a winning record in the game, what must you do?

Look for the best possible opportunity at EVERY turn

Scrabble is a game that can be won through a word finder, but it can also be won by sifting through every opportunity you see on the board. Every word that is formed leads to multiple possibilities and scoring options, not only for you, but for your opponent as well. Before putting words on the board, here are several questions that you must ask yourself before doing so:

• Will I get a lot of points if I play this word?
• Will it allow my opponent access to bonus squares? 
• Will I be able to create opportunities in the succeeding turns?
• Is my opponent setting a trap?

Just remember this – the best possible word to play is the not always the highest scoring one – it's always the one that allows you to dictate the pace of the game, score and at the same time, limit your opponent's options.

Words, words

Although you won't encounter this problem if you are using a word finder, the best move in every turn always involves the best word that you can play. Once again, let's stress this fact: it's not always the English professor or literature major that wins the game – it's always the person that knows how to manipulate his opponents and the one that knows the best words that he can play given the current situation. A winner learns the words that he needs to in order to win, which in this case include long unfamiliar words and short, two to three letter words that can get them out of sticky situations.

It takes a lot of common sense 

Although using a word finder will allow you to evade traps set by your opponent, it always does not take a rocket scientist to see the bait. Usually, traps are set by advanced and expert players to coax their opponents into placing words near the edges and near the high scoring bonus tiles that will enable them to score more points. You'll be able to sense a trap when your opponent opens up the opportunity for you to place a word near the edges near the triple-word squares. Avoid biting the bait if you wish to win the game.

There are a lot of benefits of playing the game, especially if you do so with a word finder. You will be able to enhance your vocabulary, creativity and other factors. That said, the most important characteristic of a Scrabble player is to be open-minded – meaning, he has to learn as he plays.