RRack Leave
Definition
The set of tiles that remain on your rack after you make a play.
Example
If you play a word and are left with "AEORT," that's your rack leave. A good leave balances vowels and consonants for future bingo opportunities.
Scrabble® Glossary
Master the language of word games with our comprehensive collection of terms, strategies, and gameplay concepts.
A
Z
Q
Rack Management
EExchange
Definition
Choosing to replace one or more tiles from your rack with new ones from the bag. This move scores zero points but is used to improve your rack's balance.
Example
Exchanging a rack that's heavy with duplicate or non-playable letters in favor of drawing a more balanced set.
LLeave Value
Definition
A measure of how strong or balanced the tiles left on your rack are after making a play.
Example
A rack leave of "AEORT" is considered favorable because it has a good mix of vowels and consonants, increasing the chances of forming a bingo on your next turn.
RRack Balance
Definition
The idea of maintaining a well-balanced mix of vowels and consonants on your rack to ensure you have flexible word-building options.
Example
A balanced rack might have a 3:4 ratio (three vowels, four consonants). If your rack is heavily skewed, you might consider an exchange to improve your chances of forming bingos.
Rules
PPhony
Definition
A word that is played but later challenged and found to be invalid.
Example
If a player puts down a questionable word that doesn't appear in the accepted dictionary, and it is successfully challenged, it is deemed a phony—resulting in the loss of the turn.
Scoring
BBingo
Definition
Playing all seven tiles in one move, which awards an extra 50 points (in addition to the word's score).
Example
Turning "RETINAS" into "STRAINER" to score a bonus is a classic bingo play.
BBonus Square
Definition
Special squares on the board that multiply the value of a single letter (Double Letter, Triple Letter) or an entire word (Double Word, Triple Word).
Example
Placing "Z" on a Triple Letter Score square significantly boosts its individual contribution, while a word that covers a Triple Word Score can exponentially increase the total score.
Strategy
TTile Tracking
Definition
A strategic process where players count or estimate the tiles already played and those remaining in the bag to inform their next move.
Example
Noticing that most "S" tiles have been played might influence your decision to avoid playing a word that would leave you vulnerable to an S-hook.
BBoard Control
Definition
The strategic management of the board to limit your opponent's opportunities while creating high-scoring chances for yourself.
Example
Placing a word that not only scores well but also blocks an opponent from accessing premium squares is a key aspect of board control.
TTile Turnover
Definition
The strategy of playing as many tiles as possible in a turn to refresh your rack and increase the likelihood of drawing more useful letters.
Example
Instead of holding back high-value tiles for fear of a poor rack, playing them—even for a slightly lower score—can help avoid long-term disadvantages.
SSetup Play
Definition
A move that not only scores points immediately but also positions the tiles in a way that sets up a future bonus opportunity.
Example
Playing a shorter word that strategically opens a line to a Triple Word Score for a high-value bingo in your next turn.
FFloating Tile
Definition
A tile that remains available on the board for multiple plays. These tiles are "floating" in that they can often be incorporated into several word formations.
Example
An "S" that sits near the center may serve as a hook for multiple words, so tracking its use is crucial.
EEndgame
Definition
The stage of the game when there are few or no tiles left in the bag. Strategies shift toward precise tile tracking, maximizing every point, and sometimes playing defensively.
Example
In the endgame, if you know that only a few vowels remain unseen, you might change your strategy to avoid leaving openings for your opponent's potential bingo.
Tiles
BBlanks
Definition
Wildcard tiles that can stand in for any letter, though they carry zero points. They are highly prized for their flexibility in forming bingos or difficult word combinations.
Example
Using a blank to complete a seven-letter word such as turning "RETINA" into "RETINAS" can be a game-changing move, even though the blank doesn't add any points itself.
TTile Distribution
Definition
The frequency and allocation of each letter tile in the game, which informs probability and strategic decisions.
Example
Understanding that there are twelve "E" tiles versus only one "Q" can help you assess the likelihood of drawing a needed letter later in the game.
Word Formation
HHook
Definition
A single letter that, when added to an existing word, creates a new word. Hooks can extend words or serve as entry points for new plays.
Example
Adding an "S" to "LUST" to form "CLUSTER" is using a hook for future moves.
PParallel Play
Definition
Playing a word parallel to an existing word so that new, smaller words are formed in adjacent rows or columns.
Example
If "CAT" is already on the board, playing "ARE" alongside it (sharing the A) can score for both "CAT" and "ARE" as well as any newly formed words from the intersecting letters.
EExtension
Definition
Adding one or more letters to an existing word on the board to form a longer word.
Example
Extending "WORD" to "WORDS" by adding an S at the end. This move often opens up new scoring opportunities while also forcing your opponent into a defensive position.
AAnchor Letter
Definition
A letter placed on the board that serves as the foundation for future plays (often used to hook additional letters or form parallel words).
Example
Placing a high-value letter like "X" in a central position can serve as an anchor for later plays where you might form "AX" or "OX" by connecting with incoming tiles.