Question: What two letters are worth ten points in Scrabble?
Show answer
Q and Z.
In the game of Scrabble, a board game cherished by word enthusiasts around the world, each letter tile is assigned a specific point value. These point values are based on the rarity of the letters and the challenge involved in incorporating them into words on the board. The majority of the English alphabet’s letters, which are used frequently in the language, have lower point values. However, some letters, due to their infrequency in everyday vocabulary or the challenge they present in forming words, are assigned higher point values.
In Scrabble, the letters “Q” and “Z” are each worth a hefty 10 points, the highest individual tile score in the game. Both these letters are less common in the English language compared to others. Given their high point values, they can be game-changers when played, especially if they are placed on special squares like the Double or Triple Letter scores, or even better, the Double or Triple Word scores.
The challenge, of course, is that “Q” and “Z” are not easy letters to fit onto the board, particularly “Q,” which is often reliant on having the letter “U” nearby for English words. As a result, experienced Scrabble players often strategize on how to optimize these letters or, conversely, how to stymie their opponents from utilizing them effectively. The significant point value of “Q” and “Z” adds an element of strategy and excitement to the game, as players seek to maximize their scores while navigating the intricacies of the English language.
