12 Strategies to Win Words with Friends Every Time

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Ah, Words With Friends (WWF) ... it’s all fun and games until your opponent sticks an “X” tile on the triple-word space. How are you supposed to get the upper hand in all of your match-ups and come out on top? There’s no need to worry—we’ve put together plenty of tips, tricks, and strategies to help you win at WWF. How many points is the word “victory” worth, again?

1

Arrange words in parallel lines.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As the game starts, commit to playing your first few words in either horizontal or vertical lines. That way, you can create new words by intersecting letter tiles with existing rows or columns. [1]
    • If you played the words “LAYER” and “ZESTY” 2 rows apart horizontally, you could play the word “YES” between the central letters on a future turn.
    • Playing in parallels can also help you control the board better, since it prevents your opponent from playing longer words. [2]
    2. Advertisement
2

Limit most words to 4 or 5 letters.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Long words are great, but they create lots of opportunities for your opponent to scoop up double and triple bonuses, which are found toward the outside of the board. Short, 4- or 5-letter words help keep gameplay centralized, and help you better control the point margins. [3]
3

Play high-value letters strategically.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for strategic ways to fit these high-value letters into your future plays, using what’s on the board as a starting point. For an even bigger bonus, memorize words that have multiple high-value letters in them, like: [4]
    • X and J: JINXED, JUKEBOX, JINX
    • X and Z: ZAX, ZAXES, OXIDIZE
    • Z and J: JEEZ, JAZZ, MUZJIK
    • “J,” “Q,” and “Z” are worth 10 points, and are the most valuable tiles in the game. “X” is a close runner-up, and is worth 8 points. [5]
    2. Advertisement
4

Use high-value, 2-letter words.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Word length doesn’t matter in WWF—it’s the point value that counts. 2-letter words can pack a big punch when they include high-value consonants. These short words are easy to tack onto existing words; plus, they can get you a whole lot of points if you arrange them over the right power-up spaces. Try words like: [6]
    • QI
    • XI
    • JA
    • JO
5

Build off “R” if you have tons of vowels.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Inspect the game board for any “R” tiles in play that could possibly be transformed into a new word. There are plenty of vowel-heavy words that only have a single “R” in them, like:
    • ARIA
    • AERIE
    • UREA
    • EERIE [7]
    2. Advertisement
6

Extend words with suffixes and prefixes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Maybe your opponent played the word “BOX” to capitalize on the “X” letter bonus. Transform their play into even more points by adding a prefix or suffix to the word, like “UN-,” “-ED,” “-ER,” or “-ES.” Prefixes and suffixes are a great way to turn your opponent’s own gameplay against them! [8]
    • Prefixes: A-, AN-, CO-, DIS-, EX-, IN-, NON-, POST-, PRE-, UP-
    • Suffixes: -ACY, -AL, -ISM, -IST, -MENT, -SHIP, -SION/TION
7

Add hooks to the end of existing words.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take words like “BOSS,” “ERGO,” “CHIN,” “CURE,” and “ACHE”—they all can stand on their own, but they all can be turned into more powerful, high-value words. [9] Take a closer look:
    • “BOSS” + “Y” = BOSSY (originally worth 7 points, now worth 10 points)
    • “ERGO” + “T” = ERGOT (originally worth 6 points, now worth 7 points)
    • “CHIN” + “E” = CHINE (originally worth 10 points, now worth 11 points)
    • “CURE” + “R” = CURER (originally worth 8 points, now worth 9 points)
    • “ACHE” + “D” = ACHED (originally worth 9 points, now worth 11 points)
    • Note: These point calculations only factor in the base value of the tiles. With power-up spaces like DL, TL, DW, and TW, hooks have limitless potential to net you more points.
    2. Advertisement
8

Save your “S” letter tiles.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Letter “S” tiles are really easy to tack onto existing words, giving you the entire point value of that word (plus the “S”!), along with the point value of the new word you created. [10]
    • Maybe your friend played “KNOCK” horizontally from a TL to a DL space, earning them a whopping 32 points. Create a totally new word like “MOLDS,” sticking the “S” at the end of “KNOCK” and building your new word vertically. Not only will you get 33 points from “KNOCKS,” you’ll also get points for playing “MOLDS”!
9

Memorize “U”-less words that start with “Q.”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are plenty of WWF-permissible words that include “QI,” “QA,” or other non-QU combos. The next time you get a “Q” in your hand, try playing one of these words: [11]
    • QOPH
    • QWERTY
    • QADI
    • QAT
    2. Advertisement
10

Learn a few vowel-less words.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Words like “CRYPT,” “RHYTHM,” and “SCRY” have got you covered. [12] WWF even accepts some onomatopoeia words, like “HMM,” “BRR,” and “SHH.” Here are a few other words you can commit to memory for later:
    • PFFT
    • PSST
    • TSK
    • CRWTH(S) [13]
11

Go for triple-word bonuses.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are 3 different kinds of bonuses that are close to the center of the board: DW (Double Word), DL (Double Letter), and TL (Triple Letter). These bonuses are pretty good, but they’re nothing compared to the TW (Triple Word) bonus, which is found 8 total times toward the 4 outer corners of the board. Whenever possible, snag a TW combo to really amp up your score. [14]
    • For example, the word “ZAPS” could earn you 34 points when played between a DW and TL space, but could earn you 51 points when played between a TW and TL space.
    • Be strategic with TW spaces, though! Don’t play a word on a TW tile if it gives your opponent easy access to the exact same power-up.
    2. Advertisement
12

Block off your opponent’s openings.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep a close eye on the power-up squares near the new words that you play. Does your new word give your opponent a free shot at a TW space, or does it block them off from any good opportunities? Always play with your opponent’s score in mind, rather than your own score. [15]
    • For instance, you wouldn’t want to play the word “GHOST” right next to a TW square. Your opponent could easily tack on an “-S” and pick up the triple-word bonus!
13

Check the tile bag.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Think of the tile bag as a snapshot of the letters that currently are and aren’t in play. Not sure if your opponent is going to surprise you with a high-value letter like “J,” “Q,” or “Z”? Pull open the “tile bag” built into your game and see what tiles haven’t been played yet. [16]
    • For instance, there is only 1 “Q” tile given out in a single WWF game. If you don’t have a “Q,” there’s no “Q” played on the board, and there’s no “Q” in the tile bag, you can assume that your opponent might have a high-value word/combo up their sleeve in an upcoming turn.
    • The tile bag can also help you brainstorm potential words to play in future turns. If you’d like to play the word “FAXES” but are missing an “S” tile, check the tile bag and see how many “S” tiles are leftover. If there are a lot of “S” tiles left in the bag, there’s a good chance you might pick one up during your next turn.
    • Just keep in mind that your opponent can use this feature, too!
    2. Advertisement
14

Overlay your game with a cheating program.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Win-Words-with-Friends-Every-Time-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cheating programs like “Words Cheat” process information from your current WWF game, like the letters you have, and suggest high-value words that you can play. Some apps even analyze the letters/words that are currently in play on the game board. [17]
    • Android Cheating Apps: Words With Friends Cheat (by Scabby Apps) and Word Breaker (by Firecracker Software)
    • iOS Cheating Apps: Cheat for Words With Friends and Cheat Master for Words Friends
    • For less overt cheating, pull up a word finder site like https://scrabblewordfinder.org/ to see which words you can make with the tiles in your hand.
    • Take a little extra time to make your play if you’re using a cheating program. If you keep playing high-value words in a really short span of time, your opponent may start to catch onto your wily ways.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Try a defensive strategy during your next game! Focus on stealing and blocking off your opponent’s opportunities rather than making huge, aggressive plays.
        Thanks
      • Hold onto blank tiles if you get them—they can add a lot of versatility to your potential plays. Just keep in mind that they aren’t worth any points, and can’t be used to replicate high-value tiles like “J” and “Z.”
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Play Charades: Rules, Gestures, & More
      How to
      Make Crossword Puzzles
      Beat Wordle Every Time: The Best 5-Letter Words & Tricks
      How to
      Play Boggle
      How to Set Up and Play Bananagrams
      How to
      Solve the Water Jug Riddle from Die Hard 3
      6 Helpful Hints for Solving Riddles (with Examples to Answer)
      9 Helpful Tricks to Finish a Crossword Puzzle
      How Does Quordle Work? Game Rules, Settings, & More
      How to
      Unscramble Words
      How to
      Solve a Cryptic Crossword
      How to
      Solve Anagrams Effectively
      How to
      Make up a Riddle
      How to
      Play the Elephant Game
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://scrabblewordfinder.org/tips-to-win-at-scrabble
      2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g19731948/scrabble-tricks/
      3. ↑ https://11points.com/analytics-found-ultimate-scrabble-strategy-not-thought/
      4. ↑ https://scrabblewordfinder.org/tips-to-win-at-scrabble
      5. ↑ https://www.wordunscramble.io/articles/words-with-friends-letter-values
      6. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/gaming/a29329172/scrabble-tips/
      7. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g19731948/scrabble-tricks/
      8. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g19731948/scrabble-tricks/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8v9H1C7uOQ
      1. ↑ https://wordunscrambler.me/5-tips-to-score-better-in-wwf
      2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g19731948/scrabble-tricks/
      3. ↑ https://scrabblewordfinder.org/tips-to-win-at-scrabble
      4. ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/28926/17-vowel-free-words-acceptable-words-friends
      5. ↑ https://zyngasupport.helpshift.com/hc/en/63-words-with-friends-2/faq/10539-how-do-i-earn-points/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8v9H1C7uOQ
      7. ↑ https://wordunscrambler.me/5-tips-to-score-better-in-wwf
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM7vaRB7vi4&t=0m11s

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,519 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement