TWOS JQXZ
Note: The comments are about the TWOS JQXZ file (Beginner, 1.1).
The 8 words on this list will yield more benefit per word that any other list you’ll learn.
The first word is AX. Here are the hooks:
AXE to ax (to work on with an ax (a type of cutting tool)) [v AXED, AXING, AXES]
FAX to transmit and reproduce by electronic means [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
LAX not strict or stringent [adj LAXER, LAXEST]; a vowel articulated with relatively relaxed muscles [n –ES]
MAX to reach the upper limit [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
PAX a ceremonial embrace given to signify Christian love and unity [n –ES]
RAX to stretch out [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
SAX a saxophone [n –ES]
TAX to place a tax (a charge imposed by authority for public purposes) on [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
WAX to coat with wax (a natural, heat-sensitive substance) [v –ED, –ING, –ES] : WAXABLE [adj]
ZAX a tool for cutting roof slates [n –ES]
Sure, these are three-letter words, but you’re going to have to learn them anyway, so you might as well start to get familiar with them as hooks. Notice that AX takes a E as a back hook (AXE). Of the front hooks, PAX, RAX and ZAX are probably unfamiliar. Think PAX Romana, the rack (as in “Not the Rack!”), and Dr. Suess (a north-going ZAX and a south-going ZAX). The other front hooks should be familiar, although you may not have realized they were acceptable Scrabble words (e.g. FAX, LAX, MAX).
EX is a verb (EXED, EXING, EXES). It’s front hooks are:
DEX a sulfate used as a central nervous system stimulant [n –ES]
HEX to cast an evil spell upon [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
KEX a dry, hollow stalk [n –ES]
LEX law [n LEGES]
REX an animal with a single wavy layer of hair [n –ES]; king [n REGES]
SEX to determine the sex (the property by which organisms are classified according to reproductive functions) of [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
VEX to annoy (to be troublesome to) [v VEXED or VEXT, VEXING, VEXES]
It doesn’t have any backhooks. VEXT is a handy word to know (it’s one of those “surprise” hooks that you don’t expect – a T on the back of VEX).
A JO is a sweatheart, and no individual who knows what’s good for them would want two of them, so a plural here is out of the question (in other words, *JOS is not an acceptable play). JOES, however, is (i.e. JOE, as in an “everyday” JOE, does take an S). JO has no front hooks, and most of it’s back hooks are familiar (except JOW):
JOW to toll (to collect or impose a toll (a fixed charge for a service or privilege)) [v –ED, –ING, –S]
OX is another X word with numerous hooks:
BOX to put in a box (a rectangular container) [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
COX to coxswain (to steer a racing rowboat) [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
FOX to outwit (to get the better of by superior cleverness) [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
GOX gaseous oxygen [n –ES]
LOX to supply with lox (liquid oxygen) [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
POX to infect with syphilis [v –ED, –ING, –ES]
SOX SOCK, a knitted or woven covering for the foot [n]
VOX voice [n VOCES]
OXO containing oxygen [adj]
OXY containing oxygen [adj]
Oxygen shows up quite a bit in these definitions (GOX, LOX, OXO, OXY). The message here (as you work your way through the two-letter X-word hook lists) is that X is a fairly versatile high-point tile (the other high point tiles – J, Q, Z are generally more difficult to play). You need to be careful about playing letters that combine with X to form tw0-letter words around DW and TW bonus squares because your opponent may be able to make a parallel play with words like AX, EX or OX in one direction and OX, AX, EX, XI or XU (or longer words) in the other direction, thereby earning a 4 or 6 multiple on the X tile – see the Strategy page for more on Scrabble strategy.
QI was added, along with ZA and other words, in the OWL06. There were a number of players that felt adding these words was “damaging” to Scrabble because it facilitates Q and Z plays (but left the point values for these tiles unchanged). An article appeared in the The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), of all places, about the addition of QI and ZA: WSJ Scrabble Article.
The are three more JQXZ two-letter words: XI, XU and ZA. XI, the Greek letter, should be familiar. It’s important to remember that XU (a monetary unit of Vietnam) DOES NOT take an S. ZA has already been mentioned above (as a front hook of AX).
That’s it for the first list (Beginniner 1.1, TWOS JQXZ). It’s just 8 words, but it’s a start (and if you’re going to learn just 8 Scrabble words, these 8 are the words to learn).
