Word Study
Getting Started
Advanced Word Study
GETTING STARTED
If you’re serious about playing competitive Scrabble, get used to the idea of learning a substantial amount of new vocabulary. For more about the word lists in the charts below (and on word study in general), read this POST. Also see this POST on the Scrabble lexicon.
I’ve grouped lists into Beginner and Intermediate categories. The first list in the Beginning table contains only 8 two-letter words. Use it to get your feet wet. Posts with study tips and commentary are linked under each of the two tables. Other related posts can be located using the category list in the right-hand side column or by taking a look at archived posts.
Beginner Word Lists
LEVEL | FILE | WORDS | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|---|
Beg 1.1 | TWOS JQXZ | 8 | All two-letter words that contain J, Q, X or Z. |
Beg 1.2 | TWOS Left | 93 | All remaining two-letter words (i.e. TWOS not included in JQXZ list). Combined two-letter words list (i.e. all 101 TWOS): TWOS ALL (101) List (JQXZ words first, then remaining) TWOS ALL (101) Alpha (alphabetical) TWOS ALL (101) Cat (by category). |
Beg 1.3 | THREES JQXZ | 89 | All three-letter words that contain J, Q, X or Z. Combined three-letter word lists (i.e. all 1015 THREES): THREES ALL (1015) Alpha (alphabetical) |
Beg 1.4 | Q No QU | 22 | All words with Q, but no QU combination |
Beg 1.5 | VOWEL DUMPS Short | 89 | 2 – 5 letter words that are at least 70% vowels. |
Beginner Word Lists: Selected Posts & Study Notes
TWOS JQXZ, TWOS Left Hooks, TWOS Left Visual, THREES JQXZ, Q No QU, Vowel Dumps Short (1 of 4, 2 of 4, 3 of 4, 4 of 4). If you think you’ve got the 2s down, test yourself by going HERE. Go HERE to test yourself on two-letter word front and back hooks.
Intermediate Word Lists
LEVEL | FILE | WORDS | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|---|
Int 2.1 | THREES Left | 926 | All remaining three-letter words (not included in other lists). Combined three-letter word lists (i.e. all 1015 THREES): THREES ALL (1015) Alpha (alphabetical) |
Int 2.2 | FOURS JQXZ | 269 | All four-letter words that contain J, Q, X or Z. |
Int 2.3 | VOWEL DUMPS Long NOTE: This file contains all remaining VOWEL DUMPS. | 43 | 7 – 8 letter words that are at least 70% vowels (there are no 6 letter words that are 70% vowels). |
Int 2.3 | VOWEL DUMPS IU | 288 | 4 – 5 letter words with 2 Is; 6 letter words with 3 Is; 3 – 5 letter words with 2 Us; 6 letter words with 3 or more Us. |
Int 2.3 | VOWEL DUMPS 6 | 311 | 6 letter words with 4 vowels. |
Int 2.3 | VOWEL DUMPS 8 | 202 | 8 letter words with 5 vowels.. |
Int 2.4 | SEVENS Stems 01 – 03 | Seven-letter Type I words with TISANE, SATIRE, and RETAIN as stems. | |
Int 2.5 | FIVES JQXZ | 697 | All five-letter words that contain J, Q, X or Z. |
Intermediate Word Lists: Selected Posts & Study Notes
ADVANCED WORD STUDY
Although many of these tools are mentioned elsewhere on this site, if you’ve made it this far, it’s time to check them out (if you haven’t already): ISC, John Chew’s Scrabble Page, LeXpert, Metagrams, Quackle, and Zyzzyva (If you think I’ve missed an “essential” tool, email me or post a comment).
The Cheat Sheet
Hooks
Alphagrams
Bingo Stems
The Cheat Sheet
I realize that not all Scrabble players memorize definitions. Despite assurances that I’d get used to going definition-less, it hasn’t happend yet. If I’m going to learn a word, then I want to know what it means. In that spirit, here are Note Sheets (words, hooks, definitions, and a blank column for notes) for all the words on the Cheat Sheet: 2s, Short JQXZs, 3s, Short Vowel Dumps, I & U Dumps, TISANE+?, SATIRE+? and RETAIN+?. The Cheat Sheet is a good prerequisite for advanced word study (and is a review of what has already been covered the Getting Started section above). It has a total of 1813 words (significantly more if you study these lists carefully and learn plurals, other derivatures, and other related words while you’re at it). Here are some hook grids (just for good measure): 2s Blank, 2s Filled, 2s Full, 3s Blank, 3s Filled and 3s Full. Here is a link to the Cheat Sheet itself.
Hooks
A very good player once told me that one of things that most effectively improved her game was a careful study of the 3-letter word to 4-letter word hooks. After thinking about this for a few minutes, it makes perfect sense. There are only 1015 three-letter words, and there are numerous front and back hooks, so knowing these hooks will often result in a hook for a bingo or a great parallel play. [Files to be insterted]
Alphagrams
Some players swear by alphagrams. I’m reserving judgment until I have more experience. Regardless of their utility, alphagrams aren’t a lot of fun without a general knowledge of the words one is attempting to alphagram. The first few files in the table below are designed to increase familiarity with the underlying words before focusing on the alphagram lists.
LN | FILE | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
7s | Top 1000 7s Alpha | Top 1000 7s Note Sheet (based on probability), sorted alphabetically |
7s | Top 1000 7s Prob | Top 1000 7s Note Sheet (based on probability), sorted by probability |
7s | Top 5000 7s Alpha | Top 5000 7s Note Sheet (based on probability), sorted alphabetically |
7s | Top 5000 7s Prob | Top 5000 7s Note Sheet (based on probability), sorted by probability |
7s | Alphagram Quiz — Top 1000 7s, Form 1 | Alphagram Quiz Sheet, Top 1000 7s (based on probability), random order, Form 1 |
7s | Alphagram KEY, Top 1000 7s, Form 1 | Alphagram KEY, Top 1000 7s (based on probability), random order, Form 1 |
7s | Alphagram Quiz — Top 1000 7s, Form 2 | Alphagram Quiz Sheet, Top 1000 7s (based on probability), random order, Form 2 |
7s | Alphagram KEY, Top 1000 7s, Form 2 | Alphagram KEY, Top 1000 7s (based on probability), random order, Form 2 |
Bingo Stems
Top 100 6-letter Bingo Stems (from Mike Baron’s Scrabble Workbook)
Other 6-letter Bingo Stems
Top 100 7-letter Bingo Stems (from Mike Baron’s Scrabble Workbook)
Other 7-letter Bingo Stems
Go HERE for an explanation of Bingo Stems
Although you can use Zyzzyva (or a similar program) to create your own mnemonics, a quicker approach is to use what other folks have come up with and shared. John Chew’s Scrabble Page and Metagrams are both great sources. Click HERE for a grid of Mike Baron’s Top 100 6-Letter Bingo Stems (with definitions of the 6-letter stems and the associated mnemonic).
[Note: I will fill these grids out as I make my way through the Bingo Stems]
Top 100 6-letter Bingo Stems (from Mike Baron’s Scrabble Workbook)
# | WORD | DEFINITION | MNEMONIC | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TISANE | a ptisan (a tea of herbs or barley) [n –S] */s | TUCKSHOP WIZ FIXES MEDICINAL BEVERAGE | |
2 | SATIRE | the use of derisive wit to attack folly or wickedness [n –S] : SATIRIC [adj] */s | BAD SPEECH REVIEW – FLAMING WIT | |
3 | RETAIN | to keep possession of [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | SMUG WIFE KEEPS THE CHILDREN | |
4 | ARSINE | a poisonous gas [n –S] */s | POISON MIGHT KILL OFF THRIVING CHILD | |
5 | SENIOR | a person who is older than another [n –S] */s | OLD MVP JOGS WITH A CRUTCH | |
6 | STERNA– | STERNUM, a long, flat supporting bone of most vertebrates [n] */l | MAN WORKING OUT DEVELOPS THICK BONE | |
7 | TOE-SIN | NA | IS TO MARCH WITH PLAIN BOOT WAX | |
8 | –ORATES– | ORATE, to speak formally [v] b/* | ADAMANT PREACHERS CALLED BRAGGARTS | |
9 | REASON | to derive inferences or conclusions from known or presumed facts [v –ED, –ING, –S] t/s | BIG LECTURES TRIUMPH | |
10 | INSERT | to put in [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | WOMEN SHOVED STUCK FLAGPOLE | |
11 | TONERS– | TONER, one that tones (to give a particular tone (a sound of definite pitch and vibration) to) [n] as/* | HARD PECKS OF BIG TOUGHMAN | |
12 | –EASTER | a wind or storm from the east [n –S] f/ns | CHRIST BACK UP; GOD WILL FIX MAN | |
13 | AIDERS– | AIDER, one that aids (to help (to give assistance to)) [n] r/* | HELP FIX TRUCK BOMB? NIVER! | |
14 | RAINED | RAIN, to fall like rain (drops of water condensed from atmospheric vapor) [v] bdgt/* | DAMP RAINS BROUGHT HAVOC | |
15 | LESION | to cause an abnormal change in the structure of an organ [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | TUMOR? PAGE SKILFUL DOCTOR | |
16 | TORIES | TORY, a political conservative [n] s/* | BUNCH OF OLD GRUMPS | |
17 | TOILES– | TOILE, a sheer linen fabric [n] e/* | PREZ GOT CAUGHT HAVING MONICA | |
18 | SERIAL | a literary or dramatic work presented in successive installments [n –S] */s | A CHANGEABLE TV DRAMA (JAWS?) | |
19 | NAILER | one that nails (to fasten with a nail (a slender piece of metal)) [n –S] */s | VEXES SPOCK MIGHTILY | |
20 | –ALIENS– | ALIEN, to transfer to another, as property [v] */* | SPOCK’S FOXY VW BUG HOLDS TO FORM | |
21 | I-ON-SEA | NA | *MIMIC ATOP GRAVEL | |
22 | SALTIE | a deep-sea vessel sailing the Great Lakes [n –S] */rs | FIZZ BLOCKS DRIVING SHIP | |
23 | RETAIL | to sell in small quantities [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | CHUMP-Y LENDER TURNS BUCKS | |
24 | RETIES– | RETIE, TIE, to fasten with a cord or rope [v] */* | SHACKLED MAZE PREVENTS ESCAPE | |
25 | ENTIRE | the whole of something [n –S] */s | IN GREAT CHUNKS | |
26 | SAD-TIE | NA | CURES WOVEN GLUM | |
27 | –ATONES– | ATONE, to make amends or reparation [v] */* | TIP CUP – RID GUILT | |
28 | SOLATE | to change to a fluid colloidal system [v –ATED, –ATING, –ATES] i/ds | FRIZZING VIBES HENPECKED ME | |
29 | OR-ALES | NA | AM: THE HANDSOME, PM: THE DOGFACED | |
30 | I-SAT-ON | NA | MEN ELECT A GREEK REBEL | |
31 | SAINED | SAIN, to make the sign of the cross on [v] */* | BRAVE FELT CRAMPED | |
32 | DORIES | DORY, a flat-bottomed boat [n] */* | MEAN WAVES TOPPLE BOATS | |
33 | GAINER | one that gains (to acquire (to come into possession of)) [n –S] */s | FAT PREZ WATCHED ELEVEN BALL GAMES | |
34 | LISTER | a type of plow [n –S] bgk/s | CHIEF JOB: MAKING UP LISTS | |
35 | ENTERS– | ENTER, to come or go into [v] crtv/* | CONVEX PORTALS GUIDE WAY | |
36 | –SALTER | one that salts (to treat with salt (a crystalline compound used as a seasoning and preservative)) [n –S] p/ns | MUCKED UP BEST OF PUDDING – VILE WHIFF | |
37 | –TIRADE | a long, vehement speech [n –S] */s | SHARP TALK BY AN ANGRY VAMP | |
38 | SILENT | making no sound or noise [adj –LENTER, –LENTEST] : SILENTLY [adv] */s | UNCLE SPEAKING NO WORD | |
39 | DIALER | one that dials (to manipulate a calibrated disk) [n –S] */s | CALL UP YOUR BRAVEST G.I. | |
40 | LADIES | LADY, a woman of refinement and gentle manners [n] */* | DIMPLED VENUSES HURT BOYS | |
41 | DATERS– | DATER, one that dates (to determine or record the date of) [n] */* | NEWLY BETROTHED FEMME PICKED VEIL | |
42 | SNIDER– | SNIDE, maliciously derogatory [adj] */* | WIMP KVETCHING ABOUT WIFE | |
43 | ADORES– | ADORE, to love deeply [v] */* | FIRM TRUST; VIVID GLOW | |
44 | SERINE– | an amino acid [n –S] e/s | RIVAL HAD SIX DYNAMIC HANDS | |
45 | SEEN-IT | NA | EXPERT CHEWS VEG, FEELS REDEEMED | |
46 | LATENS– | LATEN, to become late (coming or occurring after the expected time) [v] p/* | RUDE COP GAVE HIM A TICKET | |
47 | STANED– | STANE, to stone (to pelt with stones (pieces of concreted earthy or mineral matter)) [v] */* | PUT A LIGHT ROCK OVER ME | |
48 | TENAIL | tenaille (an outer defense) [n –S] */s | KEEPS MOVER GRUFF | |
49 | TEINDS– | TEIND, a tithe [n] */* | GLUM TURK PAYS TEINDS | |
50 | DESIRE | to wish for [v –SIRED, –SIRING, –SIRES] */drs | ZEALOUS FANS CRAVED TOP BALLGAME | |
51 | –SENATE | an assembly having high deliberative and legislative functions [n –S] */s | CHIMPS JIGGLING DIRT | |
52 | –LEARNS– | LEARN, to gain knowledge by experience, instruction, or study [v] */* | GO, MIND, KEEP TRACK! | |
53 | SENITI | a monetary unit of Tonga [n SENITI] */* | WE KEEP BANK OF TONGA VAULT LOCKED | |
54 | ORIENT | to adjust in relation to something else [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | JUST SNUG PUB CULT | |
55 | –TRAINS– | TRAIN, to instruct systematically [v] s/* | GLOBAL CHOO-CHOO PUMPS AQUA STEAM | |
56 | STRIDE | to walk with long steps [v STRODE, STRIDDEN, STRIDING, STRIDES] a/rs | BRISK CHAP RUNS OVER HERE | |
57 | INTROS– | INTRO, an introduction [n] */* | HUGGING PAL FACE TO FACE | |
58 | SANDER | one that sands (to smooth by rubbing with an abrasive) [n –S] */s | WHIZ-KID’S FLIGHT: SPRUCED LUMBER | |
59 | OATIES* | NA | *MONOPOLIZED MIKE | |
60 | STORED– | STORE, to put away for future use [v] */* | HE PUT AWAY ONE BOTTLE OF MILK | |
61 | TODIES | TODY, a West Indian bird [n] */* | MAJOR CHUTZPAH FOOD | |
62 | OILERS– | OILER, one that oils (to supply with oil (a greasy liquid used for lubrication, fuel, or illumination)) [n] bcmt/* | DUMP CRUD, GOBS, TONS | |
63 | ANI-TOE | NA | *SOME ANIS CLIMB | |
64 | STEROL | a type of solid alcohol [n –S] */s | COMPLETED FIVE WHIFF JOBS: AAH! | |
65 | TENIAE– | TENIA, a tapeworm (a parasitic worm) [n] */* | LABS AMASS LARVA | |
66 | TEARIE* | NA | *PERSONAL LAMENTATION | |
67 | NEROLI– | a fragrant oil [n –S] */s | SEAPORT | |
68 | RANEES– | RANEE, rani (the wife of a rajah) [n] */* | LOOK DOWN ON COMMON GROTTO | |
69 | SOIGNE | carefully done [adj] */e | A JEW BELCHED PROUDLY | |
70 | ARIOSE | characterized by melody [adj] */* | *PAN BAD VOICE | |
71 | DETAIN | to hold in custody [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | I’D VISIT FRUMP | |
72 | SINGER– | one that sings (to utter with musical inflections of the voice) [n –S] */s | WE LOVE THE CRAZY POP SOUND OF BOY GEORGE | |
73 | EASIER | EASY, not difficult [adj] */* | *LET MAID WIPE FLOOR | |
74 | EOLIAN | pertaining to the wind [adj] a/* | STAR PARKA | |
75 | RESALE | the act of selling again [n –S] p/s | HOCKEY TICKET DID GET EXPENSIVE | |
76 | –UNITER– | one that unites (to bring together so as to form a whole) [n –S] */s | GRABBED MORE VOTES | |
77 | –SOILED | SOIL, to make dirty (unclean (free from dirt or stain)) [v] */* | DRIBBLED MILK ON MY PARKA | |
78 | STEREO– | to make a type of printing plate [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | VANDALS MARK MAHARAJA’S TV | |
79 | LINERS– | LINER, a commercial ship or airplane [n] a/* | KEPT ABOVE MIG | |
80 | ALE-ROT | NA | LURCH, GUV! PUFF BUDS | |
81 | ENTOIL | to entrap (to trap (to catch in a trap (a device for capturing and holding animals))) [v –ED, –ING, –S] */s | A CHAP GUARDS A VW | |
82 | GARNET | a mineral [n –S] */s | WONDROUSLY PUFFY MINERAL | |
83 | EASING | EASE, to give rest or relief to [v] cflt/* | BOOK ON COMFORT: GULP OUZO | |
84 | OIL-SAT | NA | NEXT BUG CRAMP | |
85 | TINIER | TINY, very small [adj] */* | MAN CHANGED A VW FLAT | |
86 | ATE-SOD | NA | RIN TIN TIN BIT CLIPPING | |
87 | SNORED– | SNORE, to breathe loudly while sleeping [v] */* | CIVIL WHIMPER BURSTED | |
88 | ELITES– | ELITE, a socially superior group [n] pv/* | POSH FOLKS GOVERNED COMPLEX | |
89 | INMATE | one who is confined to an institution [n –S] */s | RELAXING BY HIS CELL DOOR | |
90 | –NEATER | NEAT, being in a state of cleanliness and order [adj] */* | SLICK RV, RIGHT? | |
91 | LANOSE | lanate (covered with wool) [adj] */* | PITCHER | |
92 | GREATS– | GREAT, a distinguished or outstanding person [n] */* | HAVING PERSONALITY | |
93 | ATTIRE | to clothe (to provide with clothing) [v –TIRED, –TIRING, –TIRES] */ds | CAP, SCARF, AND BELT | |
94 | TRONAS– | TRONA, a mineral [n] */* | MINUTE COPY | |
95 | TUNERS– | TUNER, one that tunes (to put into the proper pitch) [n] */* | OLD PIANOS BECOME RIGHT | |
96 | –PRAISE | to express approval or admiration of [v PRAISED, PRAISING, PRAISES] u/drs | APPROVED MEN WATCH US | |
97 | DOE-RAN | NA | CLIMB UP GRID | |
98 | SUITER– | a suitcase holding a specified number of suits (sets of garments) [n –S] */s | GROOM HOLDS OFF ON PVQ COMBO | |
99 | OALIES* | NA | *CON DEBATING | |
100 | ALDERS– | ALDER, a shrub or small tree [n] */* | FIR’S THORNS PRICKLED TWO BUMS |
[NOTE: This section is under construction]