Don’t do these moves:
1. Play a word that leaves the tile in front or in back of a word with a DL, TL, DW or TW score if it’s possible. Some words it’s not possible but for others it is.
2. Give your opponent an opportunity at a Triple word score. These are the big point plays and unless you’re going to get 30 or more points don’t do it. The board is designed to give up points while opening yourself to give up even more. Consider what you could give up, consider the risk and more importantly, consider not making that move. Next time you lose, look at the board and see who gave up more TW plays. Yes, you gave them up because there is always a lower scoring alternative that in the end puts you ahead.
3. Play a vowel next to a DL or TL or worse a DW or TW. This gives your opponent the perfect opportunity to play a high point value consonant in two different directs for two words. A 10 point J could be played for two words and 4o plus points with just two tiles. It’s not worth 5 extra points for that play.
4. Play a J, Z, Q, X, S or wild card for less than 3o points – This isn’t always realistic but this should always be your goal and how you approach your next play with these letters. There is always a double or triple play that can turns these letters into big points.
5. This tip you should do. Use letters that don’t spell two letter words such as the C and V. There are no two letter word combinations for these letters. Other letters don’t spell words in one direction or the other. Such as K, you can spell KA or Ki but nothing else. Consider playing these letter to prevent your opponent from playing off them. It’s a great opportunity to get a high score while blocking your opponents path to a TW or TL.
6. To keep the score close and low keep the tiles in bunches and don’t spell long words out from the main grouping. Just as many points can be earned by playing for multiple words off the existing tiles. Let your opponent make the mistake of opening the board up to big plays.
* These are recommendations. If you have a big point play or know that a player can’t make an offensive move then by all means break the general rule and go for it.