How to Layout a Scrabble Board

Pick your first seven letters and form your first word. If you have the first turn, try to form a "root" word such as "late" and "best." These are words that letters can be added to, to form longer words.

Focus on forming words that reach the bonus squares on the board. You will place your words either horizontally or vertically using a letter or letters of a word that is already placed on the board. As you form and place your words, keep in mind that the value of your tiles is literally double or tripled by using the letter and word bonuses.

Look for connections. Rather than struggle to form words using just the tiles on your rack, try to form words using both your tiles and the words already on the board.

Save the blank tile for the chance to layout a double or triple word bonus or a 7 letter word.

Learn as many valid "QU" words as possible. You should also learn several many two and three letter words such as "AA" and "XI," "LEK" and "PHT."

Play defensively by placing your tiles in such a way that you block your fellow players from using bonus squares.