Scrabble is a word game for 2-4 players. It can be played in 45-90 minutes, although this time is greatly dependant on the skill and pace of the players. Scrabble is a game for anyone 8+, although it is important to make sure that each player can form basic words and understands the concepts of game play. For some children, this is younger than 8, for others, it might take a bit longer.

Each player starts the game by drawing a tile. The player that draws closest to the letter “a” goes first. The players then draw 7 tiles which they place on a slate in front of them. Starting with the first player and moving clockwise, each player attempts to form a word with the tiles they have on their slate and the tiles already played on the board. The first player must form a word entirely out of tiles from their own hand, but subsequent words must be formed with at least one letter provided by a word already on the board. Once a player has made a word, they score points depending on the location and value of the letters played. Each letter has a number value in the corner, based on rarity and difficulty in playing the letter. These points are summed up and any special squares are factored in. They then draw new letters to increase their hand back to seven tiles and the next player begins. The game ends when all the tiles have been played, or all players can no longer form another word. The player with the highest score wins.

Scrabble is a game of tactics and word prowess. While it is essential to be able to look at jumbled letters in your hand and figure out the most effective word to spell, it is also key to use the words already on the board, as well as the bonus spots on the board to your full benefit. There are various “bonus” squares situated around the board, varying from “Triple Letter Score”, where the letter played on that square scores 3x the points, to “Double Word Score”, where the entire word played over that square scores double points. These squares add a very tactical element to the game. You might have a strong word with a good place to put it, but if it puts your opponents in a situation to score double or triple points, it might not be such a good play.

It is extremely important to have a strong vocabulary to be successful at scrabble. Knowledge of obscure (but real) words will do wonders for a player stuck with a hand of what would be “bad” tiles to the average player. Practice is also an essential element to strong play. I find that my standard word is typically only four letters long, while others I might play with are often creating five and six letter words. These are not words I am unfamiliar with, but I have not played very many times, and just don’t see the potential. There is a vast level of depths at which one can play Scrabble, from casual and family oriented, to serious and very deep. Some players will play words as “leaders”, creating space and location for even more powerful words. These are tactics I have certainly not mastered, although they are quite simple with practice.

Scrabble is a simple, mind-exercising game. I have found that it works very well in teaching children spelling and expanding their vocabulary, as well as strengthening current English levels. Scrabble is also played at the highest levels, with world championships played each year with cash prizes. I would recommend Scrabble to anyone with young children as an educational and challenging alternative to simpler games, or to anyone with non “Euro” gaming friends as an excellent alternative. While there may not be a “theme” to Scrabble, it has many of the same traits its Euro-relatives possess. Thinking, planning ahead, and player interaction are essential to a strong Scrabble player. These same things are part of most Euro games.

My Rating: 7/10

Hi Josh,

Do you really find that kids are interested in playing Scrabble? In our experience they don't enjoy the game and find their options very limited and simply give up playing. It just doen't fit their current expectations and abilities. Crossword Pyramids is a better choice.

Shillking

My dude plays scrabble. He's 7, and I've competed in tournaments. We use the following handicap:

At the start of each turn, he may discard and draw 1 tile.

He is not penalized for incorrect words and challenges.

He multiplies his score by 10.

Now, his spelling vocabulary is small. He often cannot find more than a three letter word, and ends up passing. As time goes on, the handicap will lessen.

What is the best score he has managed?

I don't know his best, but he breaks 300. The hardest thing playing him is since he does such small words (Although he did play CHESTS once), there is very little to build on. Games often end up quite short due to running out of places to build.

I have found that children who are taught (forcibly sometimes) to commit to giving an honest effort into playing have enjoyed Scrabble very much. I have seen it used in English classes very effectively. I believe the trick is to give kids an alternative that is very unappealing, then Scrabble becomes a favorable alternative. I have found the same thing with adults: Scrabble is not a game many are immediately good at (esp. males). This causes much frustration and a lack of desire to play again. As I said in the review, the more you practice it, the better you get and the better of a game it becomes. Esp with children, you have to focus on their accomplishments and help them develop. It is not a competitive game but more of a learning tool. Alternative scoring methods such as giving one point for each letter in a word no matter what else is out there helps keep kids from getting "blown out" if that's a concern.

You're probably a bit biased there. I'll continue playing Scrabble until I chance upon someone who has bought CP and can show me why I'm wrong.

Try Scrabble Dominoes for kids. I've played it since I was 6 or 7 and have fond memories of it.

I grew up playing scrabble. I have fond memories of my family playing this game from a young age. I started to play when I was 9 or 10. It remains one of my favorite games to this day.

Yeah it is challenging for children to play, but it is good for building vocabulary and also for mental development.

Hi everybody, scrabble is an engaging game. I am trying to get good at it. I dont know how many of you are pros but for a starter like me there is a very good scrabble helper like the one at http://www.wineverygame.com. Try it out. You will get much better at your game.

That sites 2-letter-word list is not up to date. "QI" is recently legal, as well as others.

It's there now. (Said he, five months later...)

we used to play scrabble at school for english was the best way to learn new vocabulary! i havent played it since then thought except i tried playing it online with yahoo games it would allow words that dont even exist because americans make it up, yet perfectly normal words like 'colour', 'mum' etc arent allowed, plus everday australian words arent ok, so i refuse to play online because of this!

So, what is the implication of availability of online scrabble helper( http://www.wineverygame.com/). Does this mean that kids pretty much test their ability to use online resources while playing scrabble?

Just wanted to point out that www.WordGamesCentral.com has abetter scrabble helper than winEvryGame.com