I am obsessed with Words With Friends. It is basically Scrabble with a grid that is a bit different. I am not sure if the letter quantities and values are the same as Scrabble, but the game is played the same way.
I started playing WWF when I got my iPhone. I started with random people. But then I quickly realized many of my friends were playing. I also connected with a lot of people via Facebook and Twitter. I started to study the game and figure out how best to play. Yes, I found it a good competitive outlet.
The game has 104 ‘letters’ including two blanks. Each player gets seven letters per turn in which to make at least a two-letter word. Knowledge of these two-letter words is one of the keys to the game. The other main key is to use TRIPLE WORDS and LETTERS as much as possible (and to keep your opponent from using these bonus spots).
It is like a basketball game. Some of the time the game is close throughout and the endgame (the last 5 minutes of a basketball game) is the determinate. You must plan a few moves ahead to make sure you can finish with a win. Other times one can get out to a huge lead and then it makes sense to play defensively. Try to maintain the lead and not allow your opponent to score a big word. All game styles are fun.
The Q, J and Z are worth 10 points. The two-letter words that can be made with these letters are QI; JO and ZA.
The X is worth 8 points. It can be used in five different two-letter words – AX; EX; OX; XI and XU.
The K, V, C are worth 5 points, But only the K can be made into two-letter words – KA and KI. The V and C have no two-letter combos. I think they should be worth more points and also have at least one two-letter word possible. Not being able to make a two-letter word greatly hinders the play of these letters.
There are 13 Es; 9 As; 8 Os; 8 Is and 4 Us. All vowels are worth 1 point except the U, which is worth two points.
There are 5 Ss and they are worth a single point. But they are very valuable for making words plural. Save the S for the right play. Don’t waste it on a small point value.
It is wise to hold letters for the right opportunity and to realize that some of the time the biggest play is not always the best.
I continue to learn how to play.
I enjoy it,
