We’ve mentioned in a few of these tips that it is not a good idea to place a vowel next to a premium square, or to open up a space where your opponent can get a high-scoring bonus.
But why does it matter so much? Surely, you may wonder, I am just as likely to be able to use the space as my opponent.
There is one simple fact you must remember – after you, it’s your opponent to go next. So he or she is always going to get the first chance to use any gold-plated opportunities you create.
Admittedly, if your opponent can’t use it, then the worry transfers to them. They may feel they have to play for a low score, or use letters they would rather hold on to, to stop you using the space next time.
But it’s a high-risk strategy on your part to rely on that. Chances are, if you open easy chances, you will be the one to lose out in the long run.
By Barry Grossman
Barry is a leading UK Scrabble player and winner of several tournaments. He is the author of Scrabble for Beginners (Chambers), Need to Know Scrabble, Scrabble – Play to Win and The Little Book of Scrabble Trickster. He has also contributed to numerous other books on the subject of words and word-games, has been a series champion of Channel 4’s Countdown, and has written four comedy series for BBC Radio 4. He lives in Hertford.All opinions expressed on this blog are those of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company, HarperCollins.
