SCRABBLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - SCORING

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How do you score a play that covers two Triple Word Score squares simultaneously?

This is known as playing a “Triple-Triple.” To compute the total score for the play first add up the values of the individual tiles, counting the Double Letter Score bonus if it’s applicable. Then multiply by NINE. If all seven tiles of the player’s rack have been used for this play, then add an extra 50 points. Example: For the play of CRAZIEST, where the C and T are placed on Triple Word Score squares, with the Z falling on the Double Letter Score, using no blanks, the score is 3 + 1 + 1 + (10 x 2) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 29 X 9 = 261 pt. + 50 pt. = 311 pt. Actually, this play is the current single highest-scoring acceptable play in National Scrabble Association Club or Tournament history. It was played in 1996 at a SCRABBLE club in Michigan.

When do bonus squares increase the score of a play in SCRABBLE?

The bonus is only scored for the player who originally covers the bonus square, and only for the one turn. Subsequent turns that use a letter already covering a bonus square don’t score the bonus points. For example, suppose FAZE is placed with the Z on the Double Word Score square and scores a total of 32 pt. If someone later adds an S to form FAZES, the Double Word Score is NOT counted.

How do the remaining or unplayed tiles in SCRABBLE affect scoring?

When the game of SCRABBLE ends, each players' total is reduced by the sum of his or her unplayed letters. In addition, if a player used all letters, the sum of the other players' unplayed letters is added to that player's score.