Scrabble is one of those games that’s exciting from the word go. It’s always different as no two games will have the same words or letters used repeatedly. When it’s played for the first time, it’s really addictive and the desire to become a better player motivates people to play regularly.

But, where do you go once you’ve reached a particular level. You can’t just play and expect to win every game. Here are some hints that can help you improve your game to a great extent.

Be thorough with the two-ers and three-ers

The two and three letter words are extremely useful tools in setting up some great words or bonus squares. There are loads of them, but if you persevere and learn them all, you’re one step closer to becoming a better player.

Be stingy with the bonus squares

At no point should you willingly give up a bonus square to your opponent. A high-level consonant could dramatically shift the tide against you. Allowing your opponent to take the bonus square is tantamount to digging your own grave. A fifty-point lead could easily become a 25-point trail to you if you make any major faux pas.

Trade letters

If you feel your letters aren’t too great and there are a lot of great ones in the bag, trade them in for new ones or make a word that will get rid of most of the bad ones even if the points are low. It’s better play to dispose of non-moving letters in low-scoring words than keeping them and biting your nails in the latter stages of the game. Don’t trade in any Ss or blanks though.

Think Twice Before Playing Any Move

Most players will look at the letters they have on their rack and play the move that fetches them the most points. Then, after a while, when they land up with bad letters, they hit a roadblock which they mostly don’t recover from. The truth is that every move shapes the following move. So, after a play, it’s more important what’s left on your rack than what’s on the board. The number of vowels and consonants should be roughly equal. Using most of them on one move leaving nothing for the next is a big mistake. It’s always better to plan your rack and change it according to your move, not the other way around.

Have a Sportive Attitude

Whenever you enter a game, it should be on a positive note – not over-confident, not pessimistic. If you start a game thinking you’re going to lose, you probably will. You should never give up half-way through the game. Losing your self-confidence is equivalent to letting go of opportunities that you would have otherwise converted in your favor. Keep the enthusiasm and spirit strong till the end of the game. You may end up finding a winner if you stay positive and think calmly.

Similarly, you shouldn’t play a game in a haughty manner taking it for granted that you’ll over. It’s not over till it’s over. Don’t fool around in the middle of the game. It could cost you the game. You may let go of an opportunity that you would have easily spotted had you been alert.

Scrabble can be mastered by anyone if they keep in mind the basics and are willing to do the hard work required to get to the top. Follow these tips and you’re one step closer to becoming a pro.