Scrabble
Cheat Sheet
Everything you need to play Scrabble: tile values, scoring rules, 2-letter words, Q-without-U words, board layout, and key strategies — all in one quick-reference page. Bookmark this before your next game.
Scrabble Tile Values
Scoring Rules
All 107 Valid 2-Letter Words
Memorize these — they are the foundation of expert Scrabble play. Each one opens board positions no longer word can reach.
Q Without U — All Valid Plays
Full Q-Without-U guide →Key Strategy Rules
Save S and blank tiles for bingos — never waste them on a single-word small play
Keep 2-3 vowels on your rack for balance — exchange if you have 5+ vowels
Memorize all 107 two-letter words — they unlock board positions impossible for longer words
Block triple word squares when you can't use them — denying opponent a TW is worth 15-30 points
Play QI, ZA, and XI often — they're your highest-value short plays per tile
Aim to hold SATINE (S, A, T, I, N, E) for bingo opportunities with any 7th tile
Open the board with long words early; tighten it late when you're ahead
Learn JO, KI, QI — the only J, K, Q two-letter words. They're essential in tight positions
The RETINA Bingo Stem
A bingo uses all 7 tiles for a +50 bonus. RETINA is the most productive 6-letter stem in Scrabble — pair it with one more common tile and you almost always have a 7-letter word. Memorize this table and you will spot bingos far more often.