WS Game Luxury Scrabble Edition
Hasbro Scrabble Deluxe Edition
Last Updated: 8th Mar, 2021
Scrabble is a timeless classic board game that has been around for a long time! It is one such board game which individuals of all ages and generation can relate to.
Your parents might have played it, you certainly have played it before, and you want your kids to play this word game as well!
The endless number of possibilities and learning new words every-time you set forth to play is what makes this game so popular.
But with the changing times, online Scrabble and apps like the ‘Words with Friends‘ are fast gaining in popularity. That said, nothing beats the joy of playing on a traditional scrabble board with family and friends. The game is addictive beyond words (literally!), hours simply fly by, and it sure livens up any setting.
But choosing a scrabble board is no easy feat. There are several options available across various price bands, making it challenging to pick the right one. Then you also need to consider the size, features, build quality, and more.
To save you the hassle, we’ve gathered together some of the best Scrabble sets on the market. You’ll be sure to find one that fits your needs perfectly. Whether you’re totally brand new to the game or you’re simply looking for a board that will fit your needs, you’ll find just what you need here.
Our Top Picks for The Best Scrabble Boards
1. WS Game Scrabble Luxury Edition With Rotating Game Board — Pro Pick
You don’t want just any scrabble board. You’re looking for an heirloom-quality board with unrivaled craftsmanship and stunning tiles that can be enjoyed for years to come and may very well be passed down to the generations. If that sounds like you, you’ve got to check out this board.
The board is designed not only to be played with but to be admired. The unit consists of a gorgeous wooden cabinet with the faux leather game board inlaid in the top. What’s really ingenious about it is that the board can be spun around like a turntable, making it easier for every player to read the board and make their next move. The board is built to regulation-size with a 15×5 grid (total 225 squares). It measures 7 inches by 7 inches across and will look right at home on your coffee table.
Completing the look is four plated die-cast tile racks that will hold your tiles in style as you plan your next word. You’ll get 100 faux ivory tiles with the set, which come collected in a faux leather tile pouch. Everything is kept in an in-built drawer in the unit, so once you’re done, you can pack everything away out of sight. It’s really hard to find a Scrabble board that looks and plays as good as this one.
Top Features:
- Top-quality materials such as wood and faux leather create a luxurious look
- Spinning board, so every player can plan their next move
- Everything collects into an inbuilt drawer in the unit
- Comes with the faux leather bound scorebook
- Not only a game board but a decorative item too
Final Note:
If you’re a true Scrabble enthusiast, then you’ll love this board. It’s one of the best scrabble board ever made, and also offers a lot of play value with its spinning turntable design.
2. Scrabble Deluxe Edition With Rotating Game Board – Best Overall
If you’re in the market looking for a quality scrabble board without the bells and whistles like hand-carved wood or rich finish, then this set is definitely worth taking a look. The set is a fully contained kit, with the board sitting on top of a mahogany-finished game box. The board actually turns on a lazy Susan, so no more craning your neck trying to read the board if you’re on the wrong side.
The board itself is foil-stamped and has a raised grid to hold your tiles in place when you rotate the board. It also helps tiles from being knocked, making it easier to see exactly where tiles should be placed. The tiles themselves are mahogany finish too with easy to read letters, making them fit in perfectly with the effect of the board. It gives you the real luxury touch when you’re playing.
You’ll get 100 of these tiles, more than enough to play with even with the max amount of players. These will come in a matching Scrabble drawstring bag, so you can keep them all in place. Finally, you’ll get four mahogany style tile racks to complete the look.
Top Features:
- Self-contained Scrabble game to keep all your pieces together
- Raised tile grid to keep tiles in place during play
- Rotating board so everyone can read the tiles easily
- Comes with a sand timer, scorebook, and pencil
- Board measures 15.75 x 15.75 inches
Final note:
This no-frills Scrabble board offers you the best gameplay experience without costing you the top-dollars. It’s gorgeous, comes with a rotating board feature, and of course, looks great wherever you put it.
3. Hasbro Scrabble Deluxe Edition – Budget Pick
Maybe you’re not in the market for a luxury or pro-quality Scrabble board. If you’re starting out, it does not make sense to spend top-dollars on a board that you’re not sure how long you or your kids are going to use it. You just need a board that allows you to play and learn the ropes of the game. And the Hasbro Scrabble Deluxe Edition may exactly be what you need.
Just because this board is our budget pick, doesn’t mean that it isn’t packed full of features. The board itself is its own carrying case. When you’re not playing, simply fold the board in half and use the convenient carry handles to help you move it around. You’ll also see that there are drawers on the board that will hold everything you need. During play, they’re the perfect place to hold your tiles.
The board itself features recessed squares, so tiles will slot in cleanly and stay in place during play. The board itself spins on six wheels, allowing you to move the board around when needed. This feature is loved by customers, as it makes play so much easier.
The set comes complete with four stylish curved tile racks, a tile pouch, and a gameplay guide. If you’ve never played before, this is going to be the set for you.
Top Features:
- Fold up and go feature, perfect for taking on the go
- Recessed squares so your tiles will fit snugly during play
- Wheels that allow the board to spin easily
- Weighs just 4lbs, so you can pack it away for a trip
- A great budget option for a new player
Final Note:
The Hasbro Scrabble Deluxe Edition costs about 1/3rd of our top pick yet comes with the same set of features. You may be compromising on the build-quality here, but for the price, you can’t really ask for more!
4. Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition – Travel-Friendly Pick
Are you looking for a version of Scrabble that you can take on the go with you? No matter whether you’re going on a short trip or a longer journey, this compact-sized board will hardly occupy any space while giving you hours and hours of fun.
This travel-friendly set measures only 9.8″ x 4.6″ and weighs 1.5lbs but still gives you everything you need for a full game. Although it’s small in size, it still comes with a 15×15 regulation grid. It’s just the grid and tiles are slightly smaller but still big enough to play conveniently.
As you would expect, the board folds in half so you can pack it away. It’s the perfect size to slip into your bag, so you won’t have to worry about trying to fit in with all your other travel essentials. Each half of the board slides out to reveal storage space beneath, so you can store all your tiles and other paraphernalia in there.
The set comes with everything you need for a full game of Scrabble. There are four solid wood tile racks, as well as 100 solid wood high contrast tiles. Even though the tiles are smaller, they’re just as easy to read. Plus, there’s no fear of losing them, as you have a raised grid that holds tiles in place as you play.
Top Features:
- Small size makes it perfect for travel
- Luxury features such as wooden construction, making it a gorgeous travel set
- Solid wood construction ensures long-lasting Scrabble fun
- Folds in the middle for easy transport
- Comes with tiles, racks, a pencil, and a scorebook
Final Note:
The Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition is currently the best travel-friendly set out there. You’ll see that this set has everything you need to play on the go.
5. Deluxe Magnetic Scrabble – Magnetic Board (Wall Mountable)
While Scrabble is a tabletop game for the most part, this version of Scrabble works a little differently. It sits in an attractive frame and can be hung on your wall. The game is designed to be played over a period of time, as people come and go by it in your home. If you and your family are too busy to sit down and play, then this is the best option for you. Also, due to the larger size, you can use the board to teach kids complex words.
This game has everything you need for Scrabble. There are solid wood magnetic tiles you can place on the board and will stay in place until they are moved again. There’s also a dry erase board feature, where you can keep track of your score and stay on top of who’s winning. You can also leave general notes on there, giving the board a neat 2 in 1 feature.
The board itself measures 31.8 x 27 inches, so you’re getting the full Scrabble experience even on your wall. You’ll be able to play a round every time you walk past and stay in touch with your family even if you’re more like ships in the night. It’s a fun version of Scrabble, plus it looks great on your wall too.
Top Features:
- Four magnetic tile racks with dry-erase racks, so you can keep track of who owns which rack
- Solid wood tiles with magnetic backs to keep them in place
- Stylish board looks great wherever you hang it
- Dry erase board for keeping score or leaving notes
- Is the perfect gift for the board game fan in your life
Final Note:
This game offers something a little different that fans of Scrabble are sure to love. Play a round every time you pass the board, and you can spend time with your family even when you’re busy.
6. Winning Moves Tile Lock Scrabble – Bargain Pick
Our final pick gives you a lot of bang for its buck. If you want a Scrabble board that’s good quality and a reasonable price, then this is the one for you. It’s a bargain price, but it gives you everything you need to start playing Scrabble. There’s the board, tiles, tile racks, tile pouch, and the instructions to help you learn the game.
What’s interesting about this model is the ’tile lock’ feature. The tiles aren’t perfectly square, but instead, have notches at each corner. The raised pegs on the board make sure the tiles fit snugly in place. This helps you keep track of your game, and move it around without the tiles falling off. It’s a great feature, and customers say it really helps if they’re playing on an unstable platform, such as a sofa. Some even like to use it for travel.
This set is such a bargain because it comes at such a low price, yet gives you everything you need to play the game. It’s the perfect game for newbies, as they can learn the game without making a large investment.
Top Features:
- Innovative tile lock feature that keeps tiles in place as you play
- Super low price for a full game of scrabble
- Full set of 100 tiles and 4 tile racks
- A great option for travel
- Soft pads allow you to move the board around so you can read it
Final Note:
This is an incredible bargain for what you’re getting. If you’re a first-timer, pick up this version so you can learn the ropes, and take advantage of its extra features.
Scrabble Board Set Buyer’s Guide
You wouldn’t think that you’d need a buyer’s guide for Scrabble, but you’d be wrong looking at our list. How are you going to find the version that’s right for you? Read on to see which version you should pick up for yourself.
Key Considerations
<Where Will You Use Your Board?>
Firstly, you need to consider where you’re hoping to use your board. Is it something you’re going to use at home, or do you want to take it out with you? There are lots of options that you can take advantage of. If you want a home edition, you can pick a basic version that packs away in a box when you don’t need it. If you want something a bit fancier, you can go for a self-contained version that’s designed to look good even when it’s not in use.
As for travel options, there are some things you should look for. Firstly, you need something that will hold the tiles in place as you play. That needs to be either magnetic backed tiles or a raised grid that will hold those tiles in place during play. Secondly, it needs to be easy to transport. Either you can look for a version that folds up small and so can be placed into a bag for later play, or you can find a version with handles so you can carry it with you.
<Who Will Use The Board?>
Next, think about who will be using the board. This is very much a question of will it be mostly adults or children? If it’s only adults using the board, then you may want to splurge on a luxury edition or one that otherwise looks great. If you have kids, you may want a version that’s more suited to them. For example, there are lots of children’s editions you can choose from. These are designed with kids in mind, and help them learn as they play.
Also, consider the construction of the board. A children’s board will be able to take more damage, such as spills, when it’s being used. As such, it’s best to pick a set with plastic pieces and more rugged construction for kids.
<Basic Or Luxury Edition?>
Now, you need to think about whether you want a basic set, or a more luxurious edition. There are plenty of boards out there, so which one should you choose? If you want to keep costs down and just want something you can pull out when you want to play, then a basic edition is the way to go. If you want something that’s a conversation piece, and that can be left out when not in use and look good, then you’ll want a luxury edition of Scrabble.
Let’s Wrap Things Up:
Scrabble is one of the most popular board games out there. No, wonder the market is crowded with hundreds of different models, making it challenging to pick the right one. Hopefully, we have made the selection easier for you. All the seven models that we have selected are excellent choices in their category.
So, no matter if you’re looking for a travel set, something you can show off, or something you can hang on the wall, we have got you covered.
Some of the other board games worth checking out:
- Mahjong Sets
- Dominoes Set
- Backgammon Sets
Scrabble is one of those games that you probably have in your house and just don’t know it. In fact, your phone might come with it already downloaded. It is a cult classic, but if you play too much you could lose an “i”.
A neat aspect about the Scrabble enterprise is how many variants they offer; you could spell in any subject matter and almost every historical period. At the present moment, there is no edible version of Scrabble, but if it were to happen I would gladly eat my words.
🏆 Our Top Picks for Best Scrabble Board Games
In a hurry? Take a quick peek at the best Scrabble board games before you go.
Best Travel
Best for Kids
Scrabble World of Harry Potter
The Harry Potter version adds a fun twist to the classic by throwing in some magical spells and allows players to use terms and words from the magical series.
Buy on Amazon
Buy at Noble Knight
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
04/12/2023 12:30 am GMT
Best Overall
Scrabble Deluxe Edition with Rotating Wooden Game Board
#1. Scrabble Deluxe Edition with Rotating Wooden Game Board
This Scrabble board broke out of a museum and landed on your kitchen table, ready to play, lazy susan and all. The board is open-faced, reminiscent of Jumanji’s board but way less dangerous, and with fewer elephants.
The mahogany game board has an antique touch, modernized internal storage, and makes every round of words seem classier than the next. The tiles keep with the wooden aesthetic, making it easier to channel your inner historian when you think up new vernacular.
Scrabble Deluxe Edition with Rotating Wooden Game Board
#2. Scrabble Deluxe Edition (Amazon Exclusive)
This deluxe edition is everything you ever needed for a quick grab-and-run wrapped into one bright Crayola blue plastic carrying case.
The materials fold up inside in a compact unit, but the easy storage design is still allocated for a rotating board for those who hate reading upside down. Spin the board a few times to catch a word your opponent has not seen and have no fear, as everything is no-slip!
#3. Scrabble World of Harry Potter
He who must not be named should be named as it will score you about 17 points in this Wizarding World rendition of Scrabble. The gameplay rules stay the same as usual but with an added magical twist; Harry Potter cards and magical word bonuses!
Using a Harry Potter card on your turn will Deletrius (“delete” for all you muggles) the house rules, and put new actions into play. Rack up points with magical words consisting of wizard’s names, places in the wizarding world, items, spells, or potions. The cheat code is to binge the series before you challenge a rival to this variant.
Sidenote: This board is majestic!
#4. Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition
In keeping with the classic, smooth wood-stained style, the deluxe travel edition is all that but foldable too. If you’re packing this in a bag or for a picnic, this model is superior. The closure is magnetized, and a key feature is the elevated playing area.
This is an attractive addition to the normal board, as this grid has raised tiles so your letters will be safe and secure on an uneven surface. Hidden under the board halves is a storage area for tiles and racks. And the good news is, it will not waste weight in your suitcase, it only weighs 1.5 lbs/0.5 kg.
Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition
#5. Bananagrams
The versatility of Bananagrams makes it epic all around. The carrying case is a fabric banana!
It is fast-paced, so you will be racing against your friends and family (up to 8 players) to build your word grid and accumulate the most points. You must use all your tiles in your grid; once a player is out of tiles they yell “peel!” and you must quickly grab a new tile and find a way to rework your word grid.
An a-peeling way to make this game harder or easier is to give it a theme: movie, place, food. Play with a few glasses of wine to watch people truly scramble to make the craziest word concoctions.
#6. Scrabble Junior
If you ever wondered how a child can spell “transmogrification” at 5 years old, Scrabble Junior is your answer. The game is designed for children 5 and up, with different variations, such as Disney, including characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse themselves!
Mattel plans to release more themed editions in the future, so keep an eye out for new artwork on the game designs, or keep it basic with the Scrabble Junior first edition.
The board is double-sided; a crossword matching game appears on one side for the beginner levels, and the opposite is a box grid-style allowing more advanced learners to try building harder words. There are no worded tile spaces, so it is an open grid for building and no competition for spaces.
#7. Scrabble National Parks Edition
The National Parks released a special edition of Scrabble, and this game edition is not one to take for granite because a percentage of every purchase of this game goes to the National Park Foundation for environmental protection, restoration, and preservation of Mother Earth.
Plant the seed in your mind of all the flora, fauna, and animal-related vocabulary you know to out-score your opponents and rack up points quicker! Bonus points are awarded for all nature terminology played. Pack this one for camping in the woods to feel the outdoorsy vibe!
Scrabble National Parks Edition
#8. Scrabble 1949 Retro Series
We all love a timeless classic and this series takes us way back to 1949. Hop in your vintage VW Beetle, grab a milkshake from your local diner, and come home to cozy up to some RCA-colored television.
The game should be played on a red checkered tablecloth as Louis Armstrong plays in the background on an old record player, but that is just my opinion.
1949 Retro Scrabble is traditionally packaged: maroon boxing, cardboard board, wooden letter tiles, velvet tile pouch. Ahhhh, antique gaming.
#9. Scrabble Linen Book Vintage Edition
If you have an old library of antique books in your home, or value aesthetics with your game closet decorations — this vintage edition of Scrabble is so appealing.
The packaging of this set is a white linen vintage style book, all components included inside. The board folds into more pieces than the others, allowing this to be the most compact Scrabble set on this list.
The bonus to this styling is it blends in easily for those late nights when you want to practice your word knowledge without anyone catching you, just pretend you’re reading.
Scrabble Linen Book Vintage Edition
#10. Scrabble Turbo Slam
A modern take on a fan favorite comes together in Scrabble Turbo Slam. The board turned electronic and now you are in a rush! The high-speed nature of this game makes it hilarious to watch as players dash to change the word on the table as the unit whirls a turbo sound.
Be the first to slam your letter on the table, create a new word, and receive an action card. The unit will decide if you increase your card count or get a slam dunk.
Action cards keep changing the game up with Hyper Slam, You Got Slammed, Mega Slam, and Slam Dunk. Build your word up with turbo speed to grab the victory!
Scrabble Turbo Slam
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Scrabble board games! Scrabble is an absolute classic game that should be in every collection, at least in one of its many forms. Have you tried any of the Scrabble variants on this list? Drop a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Looking for more word games? Check out our video of the best word games below:
Kendra has always been a hardcore fantasy nerd. Growing up in the worlds of Tolkien, Sanderson, Jordan, and Abercrombie, DnD & board games just came naturally. She and her husband, Bryan, started GameCows.com in 2018 as a fun passion project that just took over their lives. An avid board gamer since childhood and chronic DnD chronicler for more than two decades, she loves to play, write, travel, and learn dead languages.
You can say you don’t care if you win or lose at Scrabble, but you may very well be in the minority. Even former President Barack Obama, one of United States’ most high-profile Scrabble enthusiasts, isn’t above boasting about his wins. «It’s his favorite game to play,» then-White House communications director Robert Gibbs said in a 2008 interview with The Independent.
And Obama’s not the only famous Scrabble devotee. Former president Richard Nixon was an avid player. So is actor Daniel Radcliffe, who once had a spirited real-life battle with Harry Potter’s nemesis Draco Malfoy (aka Tom Felton). Late author Vladimir Nabokov, famous for his novel «Lolita,» was a skilled player. Even Queen Elizabeth II is reported to enjoy a royal game of Scrabble [source: McSmith].
Not bad for a pastime invented during the Great Depression. In 1931, out-of-work architect Alfred Mosher Butts came up with a game that he first called Lexiko, then Criss Cross Words. He spent several years tinkering before settling on the rules, now familiar to all Scrabble players: You draw seven letters and try to make words on a board with a 15-by-15 grid. Each letter scores specific points that roughly go along with how hard it is to fit the letter into a word. If an opponent challenges an unusual word, it had better be in the dictionary, or you’ll have to remove it and lose a turn.
Butts’ game didn’t meet with much success initially. But in the 1940s, another game maven, James Brunot, took over. He renamed the game Scrabble and by 1952, it had become a sensation [source: Fatsis].
Scrabble aficionados, like the ones we just mentioned, may memorize long lists of unusual words to win their bragging rights. But casual players can improve their games by learning just a handful of useful entries. You can impress — and even beat — your friends by blitzing them with high-scoring words, or by sneaking in common but strategic words that get rid of unwanted letters. Remember to make use of the double and triple squares to leverage your score on almost any word. And always look for what players call a «bingo,» the 50 extra points you get for using all your tiles on one play.
Now let’s look at 20 words that every Scrabble player should know.
Contents
- Za
- Muzjiks
- Aerie
- Caziques
- Faqir
- Jousted
- Quixotry
- Jukebox
- Zax
- Queue
- Chutzpah
- Xi
- Syzygy
- Wagyu
- Yo
- Zymurgy
- Bezique
- Flapjack
- Qanat
- Aa
20: Za
Challenge! That might be your first instinct, thinking there’s no way this is a word. But «za» is now accepted as slang for pizza and appears in the NASPA Word List 2020. NASPA stands for North American Scrabble Players Association, and it is the final authority for acceptable words in the U.S. and Canada.
Our two-letter word may not be much to look at, but «za» packs a big punch: With 10 points for the «z,» it’ll earn you least 11 total. Hit a triple letter square and you can score 31. Add pepperoni and you’ve got a meal.
19: Muzjiks
Muzjiks are Russian peasants — or so they were called under the tzar (another handy word to know). In Scrabble, «muzjiks» gives you the highest possible opening play. Put the «z» on the double letter square for an initial score of 39. All opening plays score a double word — that makes 78. Add 50 for a bingo, the use of all seven letters in your rack. With a total of 128, you’re off to a terrific start.
18: Aerie
An aerie is an eagle’s nest located on a cliff or some other high location. In Scrabble, the word is a handy way to get rid of four vowels in one fell swoop. You only score five points, but it beats turning your tiles in for new ones and losing a turn in the process.
17: Caziques
When Spanish explorers first reached the West Indies, they found tribes of Indians who described their chiefs using this word. The conquistadors applied the word, which can also be spelled «caciques,» to all native chiefs.
It also refers to a tropical bird similar to an oriole. In a game in England in 1982, Dr. Karl Khoshnaw set the record for the highest single word score in Scrabble competition. He played «caziques» across two triple word squares for a total score of 392.
16: Faqir
«Q» is the best of letters and the worst of letters. It gives you 10 points when you use it, but drags down your score if you end the game holding it. Thinking of «q» words is always a challenge. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep «faqir» in mind.
Faqirs were originally monks in the Sufi sect of Islam, who took vows of poverty. (The word came from the Arabic for «poor man.») The term is now used to refer to any Muslim or Hindu holy man. On the Scrabble board, «faqir» earns you a generous 17 points. And it’s an ideal way to use a «q» if you don’t have its usual partner, the letter «u.»
15: Jousted
Once upon a time, when knights jousted, they had great fun trying to knock each other off their horses with lances. In 2006, two journeyman Scrabble buffs jousted with each other in a game in Lexington, Massachusetts, that involved record high scores.
The loser, Wayne Yorra, opened with a bingo using the word «jousted.» He hit the double letter square with the «j» for an initial score of 23. Doubled, it was 46, plus 50 points for using all his tiles, and Yorra was off to a galloping start with a score of 96.
14: Quixotry
In that same record-setting 2006 game we mentioned previously, which took place in a church basement, winner Michael Cresta stunned Scrabble fans with the permitted word «quixotry.» It means a visionary scheme, action or thought and is derived from the fictional character Don Quixote, whose visions led him to joust with windmills.
Cresta, a carpenter by trade, stretched the word between two triple word squares. With a double letter square under the «x,» he initially scored 35. Two triples multiplies that by nine for 315. Add 50 for the bingo, and Cresta ended with a score of 365, a North American record for a single word. The two men went on to set two more records: Cresta’s final score of 830 was the most points in a game by one player. Combined with Yorra’s 490, the players set a record for most total points at 1,320.
13: Jukebox
Long before the iPod playlist, there was the coin-operated phonograph. Jukeboxes brought popular music to the world for decades and grew into colorful, bubbling neon shrines to pop and rock. The word comes from a Gullah term meaning wicked; it originally referred to a juke house, a brothel.
In Scrabble, you need to keep in mind that high-scoring words don’t have to be obscure. This common word gives you at least 27 points. As an opening bingo, it’s worth a solid 85, which is music to any player’s ears.
12: Zax
This word evolved from «sax,» a single-edge sword of ancient Scandinavia, and came to describe a tool for cutting and punching nail holes in roofing slates. It also refers to the craftsman who uses the tool. It gives the highest possible Scrabble score for a three-letter word: 19. Hit a double or triple letter square, and you’ll do even better. The bonus: You dump two problematic letters at once.
11: Queue
George Washington had one. So does your printer. «Queue» can refer to either a braid of hair hanging down a person’s back, or a line of people, print jobs or anything else. It comes from the Latin word cauda, which means tail.
In Scrabble, «queue» earns a minimum score of 14, nothing to sneer at. Even better, it clears your rack of a bunch of awkward vowels. And, of course, you lose the «q,» a letter you don’t want to be saddled with at the game’s end.
10: Chutzpah
The writer Leo Rosten said chutzpah was when a man murders his parents, then throws himself on the mercy of the court as an orphan. The word reaches us from Hebrew through Yiddish. It can mean either extreme self-confidence or shameless impudence.
You’ll score at least 27 points with chutzpah anywhere on the board. Fit it into either the upper right or lower right corner going across, and you’ll do better, much better. That puts the «z» on the double letter square, giving you an initial 37. It also lets you hit two triple word squares, which multiplies your score by nine. Add 50 for a bingo. You’ll wind up with a phenomenal 383 points and a major boost to your self-confidence.
9: Xi
Xi is the 14th letter of the Greek alphabet, falling between nu and omicron. In English, it’s pronounced something like «sigh.»
You may let out a sigh of relief when you make this play in Scrabble, because it clears your rack of the «x,» which will subtract eight points from your score if you’re stuck with it in the final tally. So keep «xi» in mind. It’s rare that you can’t find a place to squeeze this little word in, dispose of the «x» and pick up nine points in the process.
8: Syzygy
There’s no way to pronounce this word, which describes an alignment of three heavenly bodies, without sounding like you’ve had too much to drink. But it’s a cool and impressive word to keep in mind for Scrabble.
To begin with, you’ll score at least 21 points for «syzygy.» Of course, you’ll need to use a blank, because there are only two «y» tiles in Scrabble. But you can amp up your score if you bring the word into alignment with one of the corners. Hit the double letter square with the «z» and end on a triple word square, and you’ll have a total of 93. A great move when you’re short of vowels.
7: Wagyu
This Japanese breed of cattle provides gourmets with Kobe beef, which can sell for $200 a pound and up. In 2011, «wagyu» was added to the Scrabble word list for play outside the U.S. and Canada. That fact points out a great divide in the Scrabble world. In North America, the Scrabble brand is controlled by Hasbro, which rules on the words that are permissible in tournaments. In the rest of the world, Scrabble is marketed and overseen by Mattel. Different official word lists apply. For casual games, players can choose an ordinary dictionary as the last word in what words can be used.
With the combination AYWUG on your rack, you might be left scratching your head. But remember «wagyu,» and you’ll score at least 12 points initially, with a chance for more with double letter squares — if you live outside North America.
6: Yo
«Yo, my man!» This exclamation is used to get somebody’s attention. Sounds contemporary, but surprisingly, «yo» goes back to the Late Middle English of 1400. Soldiers in World War II used it to mean «present» in a roll call. Sylvester Stallone, in the Rocky movies, used it a lot, too. «Yo, Adrian!»
In Scrabble, it’s a clever way to dump a pesky «y.» It may only score you five points, but that can make a difference in a tight game.
5: Zymurgy
This is the branch of chemistry that deals with fermentation, as in winemaking or the brewing of beer. You might refer to your next kegger as an experiment in zymurgy.
It’s a high-octane word for Scrabble as well. For an opening bingo, put the «z» on the double letter square and you’ll brew up a score of 120. It can be a terrific way to score points when you’re short on vowels.
4: Bezique
Bezique was Winston Churchill’s favorite card game. It’s a high-scoring, trick-taking and melding contest that employs a deck of 64 cards. Its more popular offspring is pinochle.
In Scrabble, the word bezique can be a winner. You’ll score a minimum of 27 points when you play it anywhere on the board. But use it as an opening bingo with the «q» on a double letter square and you’ll score 124, one of the highest possible openings.
3: Flapjack
In America, this is another word for pancake. Cowboys washed them down with bad coffee for breakfast. But in Britain, a flapjack is a chewy sweet made from oats.
You might overlook flapjack as a mundane word, but it can be a high Scrabble scorer. Hit a double letter square with the «j» and you’ll score 34. Stretch it between two triple word squares and you’ll end up with a sweet 356.
2: Qanat
A qanat is a tunnel used in arid regions for irrigation. It was invented in Iran, then called Persia, about 2,500 years ago and is still used today. It taps into underground water and uses the slope of the land to bring that water to where it’s needed without pumping.
A rack containing these letters can be maddening. Two «a’s» and no «u» to go with the «q.» But don’t despair. Qanat clears most of your letters and rids you of «q,» scoring you at least 14 points in the process.
1: Aa
Solidified lava comes in two forms. Aa is rough like cinders. Pahoehoe, formed from hotter lava, is smooth. Both words are Hawaiian.
The game is winding down. This could be your last play. You can fit the word in almost anywhere there’s another «a.» It’s only worth two points, but if they allow you to edge out your opponent, you’ll be bragging about those two points for a while.
Originally Published: Feb 22, 2012
Lots More Information
Related Articles
- 48 Commonly Misspelled Words
- 10 Fun Family Night Ideas
- How Scrabble Works
- Top 10 Mind-bending Strategy Games
- Top 5 Ways to Get Smarter
Sources
- Bialik, Carl. «Price Drop: Stocks, Homes, Now Triple-Word Scores.» Wall Street Journal. March 18, 2009. (April 7, 2022) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123731266862258869.html
- Burkeman, Oliver.»Spell bound.» The Guardian. June 27, 2008. (April 7, 2022) http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/jun/28/healthandwellbeing.familyandrelationships
- Donahue, Daniel. «Important Scrabble News: Two New Q (Without U) Words.» Wired. May 9, 2011. (April 7, 2022) http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/05/important-scrabble-news-two-new-q-without-u-words/
- McSmith, Andy. «The sublime joy of Scrabble.» The Independent. Dec. 15, 2008. (April 7, 2022) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-sublime-joy-of-scrabble-1067061.html
- Fatsis, Stefan. «How a Massachusetts carpenter got the highest Scrabble score ever.» Slate.com, Oct. 26, 2006. (April 7, 2022) http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/gaming/2006/10/830.single.html
- Fatsis, Stefan. «Present at the Creation: Scrabble.» Morning Edition, NPR.org. Aug. 19, 2002. (April 7, 2022) https://www.npr.org/2002/08/19/1148572/scrabble
- National Scrabble Association. «History of Scrabble.» (April 7, 2022) https://web.archive.org/web/20120202111144/http://www.scrabble-assoc.com/info/history.html
- Swenson, Christopher. «Best Words in Scrabble.» The Science of Board Games. (Feb. 9, 2012) http://www.scienceofboardgames.com/2007/12/best-words-in-scrabble/
- The Telegraph. «Scrabble: 60 facts for its 60th birthday.» telegraph.co.uk. December 15, 2008. (Feb. 9, 2012) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3776732/Scrabble-60-facts-for-its-60th-birthday.html
May 18, 2022
6 min read
we’ve put together a collection of the best Scrabble Boards that are currently available on the market. To help you find the perfect Scrabble Board among a wide variety of options, we constantly update our collection with new and trending models.
Based on dozens of customer reviews and ratings, the followings are the top 10 best-selling Scrabble Boards:
Top Rated Scrabble Board Reviews
Since we’ve mentioned 10 different models of Scrabble Boards on the above list, it may be difficult for you to find the right one for your needs. This is why we listed the key features of each of these Scrabble Boards below:
Sale1
2
Sale3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Video Overview
How to Play Scrabble
In Scrabble, players earn points by constructing words with letter tiles and placing them on a grid. Each letter has a different point value, there are 100 letter tiles, …
Final Words
So, these are all of the Best Scrabble Boards available on the market. We hope this collection was helpful to find the right Scrabble Board for the money. However, we recommend checking out the features, benefits, and problems of each of these Scrabble Boards before taking your decision.
John was the first writer to have joined pythonawesome.com. He has since then inculcated very effective writing and reviewing culture at pythonawesome which rivals have found impossible to imitate.
Previous Post
10 Best Open Trash Receptacles
Next Post
10 Best Oil Diffusers For Large Rooms
There is a reason why word games are so popular: they’re fun! Why not mix in some competitive action and play one of the best word board games to help you get your mind off of things. Whether you want something quick or you have time for an epic game, there’s a game out there for everyone. Let us introduce you to the world of word board games with our complete guide to these addicting pastimes.
Best Choice
Codenames Red
Best For Adults
Codenames Red is perfect for adults who are looking for a challenging game. With its complex rules and numerous pieces, it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
Check Price
Word Board Games Buyer’s Guide
Just like anything else, when it comes to word board games, there are a lot of different options available on the market. How do you know which one is right for you? We’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide to help make your decision easier.
First and foremost, consider what type of game you want. Are you more interested in strategy, wordplay, and vocabulary? Do you enjoy a good party game with friends and family where everyone is involved from beginning to end? Maybe you prefer the solo experience of crosswords. There are games for all types here, so take your time finding one that fits what you’re looking for!
Another thing to consider is the difficulty level of the game. Some are geared towards beginners, while others can be quite challenging for more experienced players.
If you’re new to word board games, we recommend starting with something a bit easier so that you can learn the rules and gameplay without being too frustrated. However, if you’re looking for a real brain teaser, there are definitely games out there that will fit the bill!
Why Does Size Matter?
When it comes to word board games, size definitely matters! The table or surface area that you have available is a big factor in what type of game you will want. For example, if there are just two of you playing and your play space isn’t too big, something small like Crossword Solitaire will work great. On the other hand, if you have a big group and plenty of room to spread out, there are some really fun games that involve tossing or flicking pieces.
In addition to size, consider what type of storage space you have available when selecting your game. If it’s going in a closet between uses, something super lightweight will work great whereas if you want to take it with you on trips, a game that’s easy to transport is ideal.
Finally, think about how much time you want to spend playing. Some games can be completed in just a few minutes, while others can last for hours on end. If you don’t have a lot of free time, choose a game that you can fit into your schedule easily.
Why Does Weight Matter?
Just like size, weight matters when it comes to word board games! Heavier games tend to last longer and are a bit more challenging. If you’re looking for something that will keep you entertained for a while, we recommend choosing one of the heavier options. However, if you want something that you can play quickly without getting too frustrated, a lighter game might be better for you.
Keep in mind that games with smaller pieces tend to weigh less than those with larger pieces. So if you’re looking for something compact and easy to take with you on the go, choose a game with small pieces. Conversely, if weight isn’t an issue and you want a really challenging game to play with friends, go for something with large pieces.
Why Does Material Matter?
Just like size and weight, material matters when it comes to word board games! Games that are made of plastic or other lightweight materials are easy to transport and store. However, they can often be less durable than those made of heavier materials. If you’re looking for a game that will last for years, we recommend choosing one with a sturdier material.
In addition, games that are made of wood or metal tend to be heavier than those made of plastic. So if you’re looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a while, we recommend choosing one of the heavier options. However, if weight isn’t an issue and you want something that’s easy to transport, a game that’s made of plastic might be better for you.
Finally, think about how the material will affect gameplay. For example, if the pieces in your game are made of heavy material, they may be more difficult to move around than those made of lightweight material. Likewise, if the material is smooth, the pieces may slide around a lot when you’re playing.
What About Colors?
When it comes to colors, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer. However, we do recommend choosing a game that has bright and vibrant colors. This way, you’ll be able to see the pieces easily even if the light is low. In addition, games with interesting patterns or designs can be more visually appealing than those with solid colors.
If you’re looking for a game that will be fun for the whole family, we recommend choosing one with lots of different colors. This way, everyone can easily see their pieces and play quickly and efficiently.
Finally, if you have trouble seeing certain colors, choose a game that has high contrast between the colors. For example, black letters on a yellow background are easier to see than those with black letters on white.
Best Word Board Games: Comparison Table
Now that you know all about the different factors to consider when choosing a word board game, it’s time for our comparison table! This will help you easily see which games fit your needs best.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
|
Best For Adults
|
Codenames Red
Check Price |
Check Price |
|
Best For Families
|
Scrabble
Check Price |
Check Price |
|
Best For Solo Play
|
Just One
Check Price |
Check Price |
|
Best For Groups
|
Big Boggle
Check Price |
Check Price |
|
Best For Trivia Lovers
|
Bananagrams
Check Price |
Check Price |
1. Codenames Red – Best For Adults
Codenames Red is perfect for adults who are looking for a challenging game. With its complex rules and numerous pieces, it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. In addition, the red theme will appeal to fans of espionage movies and thrillers. And the game has lots of vibrant colors that will keep you interested even after many hours of play.
Codenames Red is also great for families looking to bond with their kids over a fun and engaging word board game. This way, everyone can learn new words while having fun together! Plus it”s compact enough to go on family trips and camping trips.
Codenames Red is made of metal, which means it’s heavier than most other games on this list and won’t be as easy to transport or store. And the pieces are small enough that kids may struggle with some aspects of gameplay (though not too difficult for them to play). Plus, some people may not like the red theme.
Codenames is a great word board game for adults looking for something with complex rules and lots of pieces. In addition, it’s fun for families who are interested in playing together!
Pros And Cons
Complex rules
Lots of pieces
Great for adults and families
Vibrant colors
Final Thoughts
When it comes to word board games, Codenames Red is one of the best options available. With its complex rules and numerous pieces, it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. And the vibrant colors will keep you interested even after many hours of play. So if you’re looking for a game that will challenge your skills, Codenames Red is perfect for you!
Result
4.8
If you’re an adult looking for a word board game with complex rules and lots of pieces, Codenames Red is a perfect choice! And if you want something that will be fun for your whole family to play together, this one may also fit your needs. However, it’s heavy so transporting or storing it might pose a problem, and the pieces are small so kids may have some difficulty playing. Finally, the red theme might not be for everyone.
2. Scrabble – Best For Families
Scrabble is another great game for families who are interested in playing together. It has vibrant colors and an easy-to-transport design, so it’s perfect for vacations or camping trips! Not only that, but the tiles have very high contrast which makes them easy to see even if you don’t have good eyesight or struggle with certain colors.
Finally, this word board game is perfect for adults who don’t like too much luck in their games. With Scrabble, you must carefully choose your words and place them on the board as strategically as possible to win! So if you want a strategic word board game that challenges not only your vocabulary but also your strategic skills, Scrabble is a perfect choice.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. For one, the game can be quite long if both players are equally matched. And it also requires a lot of table space, so you might not be able to play it in certain locations.
Scrabble is an excellent word board game for families and adults who don’t like too much luck in their games. In addition, it has a compact design which makes it great for family vacations or camping trips! However, the long-playing time might not be ideal for some people and may require more room than what certain locations offer.
Pros And Cons
High contrast tiles
Easy to transport/store
Requires more room than other word board games on this list
Challenges your vocabulary and strategic skills
Final Thoughts
When it comes to word board games, Scrabble is an excellent choice. Not only does it have vibrant colors and a compact design which makes it perfect for vacations or camping trips, but the game also challenges your vocabulary and strategic skills! So if you’re looking for something that offers more than just great graphics, this one may be for you.
However, the long-playing time and more room required than other games on this list may not be ideal for everyone. If that’s the case, there are plenty of different word board games out there which will suit your needs just as well!
Result
4.5
If you want a word board game that is perfect for families and adults who don’t like too much luck, Scrabble is a great option! It has vibrant colors, an easy-to-transport design, and high contrast tiles which make it perfect for people with poor eyesight.
3. Just One – Best For Solo Play
Just One is a word board game that is perfect for solo play. With its simple rules and easy-to-remember gameplay, you can be up and playing in no time! And the best part? This game can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. So if you’re looking for a game that will challenge your skills, but also be friendly to those who are less experienced with games like these, Just One is a perfect choice!
But there are some downsides as well. The game’s simplicity means that it lacks the level of strategic play other word board games have. And because you can only choose one letter at a time and the game only has one move per turn, it can get a bit boring after a while.
Just One is an excellent choice for those who want a simple word board game they can play by themselves. With its simple rules and easy-to-remember gameplay, you can be up and playing in no time! However, the game’s lack of strategic play may not be ideal for some people who want something that is more challenging than Just One.
Pros And Cons
Easy to learn and play
Great when you don’t have a lot of time to spare
Perfect for solo play
Suitable for people of all skill levels and ages
Final Thoughts
When it comes to word board games, Just One is a great choice. Not only does the game offer high contrast tiles and easy-to-follow rules which makes it perfect for people with poor eyesight and those who don’t want anything too challenging, but its simplicity also means that you can be up and playing in no time!
But if you want something with more strategic play or are looking for a word board game that is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels, this one might not be the right choice.
Result
4.5
Just One is an excellent choice for those who want a word board game that offers high contrast tiles and easy-to-follow rules. With its simple gameplay, you can be up and playing in no time! However, the lack of strategic play may not be ideal for some people who are looking for something more challenging than Just One.
4. Big Boggle – Best For Groups
Big Boggle is a word board game that’s perfect for groups. With its large, colorful cubes and easy-to-follow gameplay, this one will have everyone entertained from the moment they sit down to play! And with so many different ways to play Big Boggle, you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored.
But, because you have to use dice when playing Big Boggle, the game can be quite random. If you’re looking for something that will challenge your vocabulary skills and strategic thinking abilities more than luck, this one may not be the best choice.
However, if you are just looking for an excuse to spend time with friends and family, Big Boggle is a great option! With its large, colorful cubes and easy-to-follow gameplay, this one will have everyone entertained from the moment they sit down to play! And with so many different ways to play Big Boggle, you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored.
Pros And Cons
Large, colorful cubes
Easy-to-follow gameplay for all skill levels
Fun for groups of all ages
Many different ways to play
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a word board game that will challenge your skills but isn’t too challenging or complicated to learn and play, Big Boggle may be the perfect solution. With its large, colorful cubes and easy-to-follow gameplay, this one is great for anyone who wants an excuse to spend time with friends and family.
However, the game’s randomness does mean that there is less of a chance to show off how well you know words if luck plays too much of a factor in your gameplay.
Result
4.5
Big Boggle is great for groups who are looking for an excuse to spend time together and have fun! With its large, colorful cubes and easy-to-follow gameplay, this one will have everyone entertained from the moment they sit down to play! And with so many different ways to play Big Boggle, you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored.
5. Bananagrams – Best For Trivia Lovers
Bananagrams is a word board game that’s perfect for trivia lovers. With its simple gameplay and fast-paced nature, this one will have you hooked from the moment it starts! And with so many different ways to play Bananagrams, there’ll be something new for anyone who loves challenging themselves with word puzzles.
However, because Bananagrams is so fast-paced, it can be easy to make mistakes. If you’re looking for a game that will test your vocabulary skills and strategic thinking abilities more than your ability to race against the clock, this one may not be the best choice.
But if you love trivia and want a word board game that is simple to learn and play, Bananagrams is the perfect option! With its simple gameplay and fast-paced nature, this one will have you hooked from the moment it starts! And with so many different ways to play Bananagrams, there’ll be something new for anyone who loves challenging themselves with word puzzles.
Pros And Cons
Suitable for all ages
Simple gameplay for all skill levels
Fast-paced and easy to learn, which is great if you love trivia
Many different ways to play
Can be easy to make mistakes
Final Thoughts
If you love trivia and are looking for a word board game that is simple to learn, Bananagrams may be a perfect choice. With its simple gameplay and fast-paced nature, this one is great for anyone who wants to enjoy a challenging word board game without getting too bogged down in rules or complicated gameplay.
Result
4.8
If you’re looking for a word board game that will test your vocabulary skills and strategic thinking abilities more than your ability to race against the clock, Bananagrams may not be your best option.
People Also Ask
What is the best word board game for two players?
If you’re looking for a word board game that can be enjoyed by two players, we recommend Scrabble. With its simple gameplay and easy-to-follow rules, this one will have you hooked from the moment it starts! And with so many different ways to play Scrabble, you’ll be able to challenge yourself every time!
What is the best word board game with a timer?
If you’re looking for affordable word board games that come with their own countdown timer, Bananagrams may be your perfect match. With this one, there are no extra pieces required, and it’s great for anyone who wants to enjoy a challenging word board game without getting too bogged down in rules or complicated gameplay.
What is the best word board game for kids?
If you’re looking for a word board game that is perfect for children, we recommend Big Boggle. With its large, colorful cubes and easy-to-follow gameplay, this one will have your little ones entertained from the moment they sit down to play! And with so many different ways to play Big Boggle, they can enjoy it again and again without getting bored.
What is the best word board game for adults?
If you’re looking for a word board game that is perfect for adults, we recommend Bananagrams. With its simple gameplay and fast-paced nature, this one will have you hooked from the moment it starts! And with so many different ways to play Bananagrams, there’ll be something new for anyone who loves challenging themselves with word puzzles.
What is the best word board game for family night?
If you’re looking for a word board game that is perfect for family night, we recommend Scrabble. With its simple gameplay and easy-to-follow rules, this one will have your whole family entertained from the moment it starts! And with so many different ways to play Scrabble, you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored.
Conclusion
Word board games are a great way to test your vocabulary skills and strategic thinking abilities. With so many different options available, there is sure to be a game that is perfect for you! In this article, we have recommended our top five-word board games and provided a brief overview of each one. We hope you enjoy playing them as much as we do!