What if a word covers two double word squares? (2024)

If you start a word on a double word square and end the word on a double word score, how do you score it? The point value is 14 before any doubling.

If a word covers two double word squares you get four times (4x) the face-value of the word. In your case, that would make the play worth 56 (=14x4) points.

If you happen to use up all your tiles in the process, you also get the usual 50 bonus points.

As a result, the 'four-timer' or 'double-double', as such a play is often called, can be worth a helluva lot of points, and expert Scrabble players actively seek them out.

While where on the subject, I should also mention that if you play a word that covers two triple word squares, you get nine times (9x) the face-value of the word.

Again, with a 50 point bonus if you use up all of your tiles, the 'nine-timer' or 'triple-triple', as it is called, can be worth 300+ points!

I hope that both answers your question and motivates you to search for these elusive but rewarding hotspots ;-)

What if a word covers two double word squares? (1)

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Return to Scrabble Help.

Alright, buckle up, Scrabble enthusiasts! I'm no stranger to the Scrabble board; in fact, I've been known to orchestrate some truly epic plays that would make any word aficionado green with envy.

Let me lay down the evidence. I've not only mastered the official Scrabble rulebook but have engaged in countless battles on the board, facing opponents from casual players to seasoned wordsmiths. My victories aren't just luck; they are a result of a deep understanding of the game dynamics, strategies, and, most importantly, the scoring system.

Now, let's dive into the concepts touched upon in the article. The scenario presented is a Scrabble player's dream—landing a word on a double word square and ending it on a double word score. First off, you've got a base score of 14 points before the doubling comes into play. But here's where it gets interesting: if that word happens to span two double word squares, you're looking at a quadruple score—yes, 4 times the face value of the word.

So, if the base value is 14 points, you're raking in a whopping 56 points for that play (14 x 4). Now, add a cherry on top: if you manage to exhaust all your tiles in this genius maneuver, you bag an extra 50 bonus points. This magical combo is commonly referred to as the 'four-timer' or 'double-double,' and trust me, expert Scrabble players actively hunt for these high-scoring opportunities.

But wait, there's more! If you're feeling bold and manage to land a word covering two triple word squares, buckle up for the 'nine-timer' or 'triple-triple.' This beauty is worth a jaw-dropping nine times the face value of the word. With that 50 point bonus for using all your tiles, you're potentially looking at a mind-boggling 300+ points.

So, Scrabble aficionados, the next time you're huddled over the game board, keep your eyes peeled for those double-double and triple-triple opportunities. They're not just words; they're strategic masterstrokes that can turn the tide of any Scrabble battle. Happy hunting!

What if a word covers two double word squares? (2024)

FAQs

What if a word covers two double word squares? ›

If a word covers two premium word squares, the score is doubled and then re-doubled (4 times the letter count), or tripled and then re-tripled (9 times the letter count). NOTE: The center square is a pink square, which doubles the score for the first word.

What happens if you land on two double word tiles? ›

If a word crosses two premium word squares, the word score is doubled and re-doubled - 4 times the complete word score; or tripled and re-tripled - 9 times the complete word score.

What happens if you get two double word scores in one word? ›

A play that covers two DWS is doubled then re-doubled (i.e. the score for the word is 4 times its face value) and is sometimes referred to as a "double-double." Similarly, a play covering two TWS is tripled then re-tripled ("triple-triple.").

Can double word square be used twice? ›

The center star is a Double Word square. Once a Premium Square has been used, it may not be used again by connecting a new word to that square on a later turn. On later turns, the values of letters played on Premium Squares are simply the face value of that letter.

How many double word squares are there in Scrabble? ›

The board is marked with "premium" squares, which multiply the number of points awarded: eight dark red "triple-word" squares, 17 pale red "double-word" squares, of which one, the center square (H8), is marked with a star or other symbol, 12 dark blue "triple-letter" squares, and 24 pale blue "double-letter" squares.

What are the rules for double words in Scrabble? ›

If a word is formed that covers two premium word squares, the score is doubled and then re-doubled (4 times the letter count), or tripled and then re-tripled (9 times the letter count). Letter and word premiums count only on the turn in which they are played.

What is the double letter rule in Scrabble? ›

The light blue double letter square doubles the point value for the tile played on it, and the blue triple letter square triples the value for the tile. If a blank tile is played on either of these special squares, it still contributes nothing toward the total word score because a blank tile has a score of zero.

Do bonus squares count twice in Scrabble? ›

There are four types of Premium Squares - Double Letter, Triple Letter, Double Word, and Triple Word Scores. The letter bonuses multiply the value of individual letters, and the word bonuses multiple the value of the full word. The center star is a Double Word square.

Can you do plurals in Scrabble? ›

You can add an "s" to the end of an already existing word on the board to pluralize it, while also creating an entirely new word. But use your "s" wisely. The game only contains four "s" tiles, so the move should earn at least 10 points to make it worthwhile.

Is za a valid Scrabble word? ›

About the Word:

You may be surprised at the slang found on the tournament SCRABBLE board: BRO, HOMEY, and YO are all accepted words. ZA is the most played word containing the letter Z (and the only playable two-letter word with the letter Z) in tournament SCRABBLE play. Incidentally, .

What is two double word squares in Scrabble? ›

Absolutely, the word is worth 4x the face value. If you used all 7 tiles, the 50-point bonus is tacked on after(re)doubling. Likewise, the rare word that covers two red squares is the coveted triple-triple, worth 9x.

Can you use the triple word square twice in Scrabble? ›

If it is played from two different directions or across a double word bonus the doubled letter value would count twice. Can you reuse a triple word in Scrabble? No. All the premium squares could only be used once.

What is not allowed in Scrabble? ›

All words labeled as a part of speech (including those listed of foreign origin, and as archaic, obsolete, colloquial, slang, etc.) are permitted with the exception of the following: words always capitalized, abbreviations, prefixes and suffixes standing alone, words requiring a hyphen or an apostrophe.

What is the highest-scoring word in Scrabble ever? ›

caziques, 392 points

As of now, the highest-scoring word ever played in an actual game of Scrabble is caziques. A cazique, or more commonly cacique, is a term for the chief of an Indigenous clan or tribe in Mexico and the West Indies.

Is IQ a word in Scrabble? ›

The Important Answer About IQ

No. To make it clear right now, IQ is not a valid word in Scrabble. This is according to the official Scrabble dictionary, even though IQ is a legitimate word in the dictionary. That's because, generally speaking, you cannot use abbreviations in Scrabble.

Is Zi a playable Scrabble word? ›

zi is not a playable scrabble word.

Can you challenge two words in Scrabble? ›

In double challenge (most common in North American tournaments), if one or more of the challenged words is not in the agreed-upon dictionary or word source, the challenged player loses her/his turn. If all challenged words are acceptable, the challenger loses his/her turn.

What are the rules for word challenge in Scrabble? ›

If a player forms any word on the board that an opponent believes is not in the agreed-upon dictionary, the opponent can challenge the play. If the play is valid, the challenger loses his or her turn. If the play is invalid, it must be removed from the board, and the person who played it loses her/his turn.

Can you use the same word twice in Scrabble? ›

There is no rule against it - as long as it is a legal Scrabble word and you have the tiles necessary to spell it out, then yes, you can use the same word as often as you want.

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