How to play Letter Tiles: strategy for higher scores

Letter Tiles rewards more than a big vocabulary. Where you put your tiles matters as much as which words you know.

The rules

Each player has seven letter tiles. Take turns placing tiles in one straight line to make words that join those on the board, crossword-style. The first word must cover the centre star. Every word formed must be real. Score the points on your tiles, with bonus squares doubling or tripling a letter (2L, 3L) or a whole word (2W, 3W). Using all seven tiles in one turn earns 35 bonus points. Then refill your rack from the bag.

Put big letters on letter bonuses

A Z or Q is worth 10. On a 3L square that’s 30 points from one tile. Look for spots where your best letter lands on a letter bonus.

Score two ways at once

When a tile sits next to others, it can form a word across and a word down in the same turn, and you score both. Placing a high-value letter where it counts twice is one of the strongest plays in the game.

Know your short words

Two-letter words like OX, AX, OF, BY and MY let you squeeze tiles into tight spaces alongside other words. They’re how good players turn small gaps into big scores.

Watch the word bonuses

3W squares near the edges can triple a whole word. Opening a route to one gives your opponent a chance too, so think twice before placing a tile that lets them reach it.

Keep a balanced rack

A good rack has two or three vowels and a mix of common consonants. If you’re stuck with seven consonants or too many of one letter, Swap them. Losing one turn is often better than several weak ones.

Finishing the game

When the bag is empty, the first player to use all their tiles ends the game and gains the points on the other player’s remaining tiles. In the last few turns, try to play out your high-value letters first.