You don’t get two goes in a row

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.

Other Articles

Edge the Endgame

At the very end of the game, give some careful thought not just to what you want to do but also to what your opponent might do. It’s useful if you have been tile-tracking – crossing every letter off a prepared list as it is played so that you know… Read More

Play to the Board

Some players start every turn by looking at their rack, working out a word on it they would like to play, then looking for somewhere to play it. You do certainly need to look at your rack, but at the same time, look at the board. See what letters are… Read More

The letter T

The T is in that select club with N and R of being one of the best consonants for making bonus words. Not quite in the class of the S but probably the next best. The T is more versatile than the N or R, not so dependent on an… Read More