Words With Friends vs. Scrabble: Key Differences Every Player Should Know
Words With Friends and Scrabble are the two most popular crossword-style word games in the world. At first glance, they appear nearly identical: both involve placing lettered tiles on a grid to form words, with premium squares that multiply scores. However, beneath the surface, there are significant differences that affect strategy, scoring, and which words are valid. If you play both games, understanding these differences is essential for performing your best in each.
Board Layout
Both games use a 15x15 grid, but the placement of premium squares is completely different. In Scrabble, the premium squares follow a symmetrical pattern with triple-word scores in the corners and along the edges. Words With Friends rearranges these premium squares, placing them in different positions that create unique strategic opportunities.
The most notable difference is that Words With Friends places triple-letter squares closer to the center of the board, making it easier to score big with high-value tiles early in the game. Scrabble's layout, by contrast, rewards players who can reach the edges and corners of the board with long words.
Tile Point Values
Several letters have different point values in each game. Here are the most significant differences:
| Letter | Scrabble Points | WWF Points | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | 2 | 2 | Same |
| G | 2 | 3 | +1 in WWF |
| H | 4 | 3 | -1 in WWF |
| J | 8 | 10 | +2 in WWF |
| K | 5 | 5 | Same |
| M | 3 | 4 | +1 in WWF |
| Q | 10 | 10 | Same |
| V | 4 | 5 | +1 in WWF |
| X | 8 | 8 | Same |
| Z | 10 | 10 | Same |
The J tile is notably more valuable in Words With Friends (10 points vs. 8 in Scrabble), making J words even more important in WWF strategy.
Dictionary Differences
This is perhaps the most impactful difference for competitive players. Scrabble uses the TWL (Tournament Word List) in North America and SOWPODS internationally. Words With Friends uses its own proprietary dictionary, which is generally more permissive than TWL.
Several words that are valid in Words With Friends are not accepted in Scrabble, and vice versa. For example, some proper nouns and informal words that Scrabble rejects may be playable in Words With Friends. This is why WordSolve offers separate solvers for each game — using the wrong dictionary could lead you to play an invalid word or miss a valid one.
Tile Distribution
The number of each tile in the bag differs slightly between the two games. Words With Friends has 104 tiles compared to Scrabble's 100. The distribution of individual letters also varies, which affects the probability of drawing certain combinations and should influence your strategy.
Bingo Bonus
Both games reward players for using all seven tiles in a single turn, but the bonus amount differs. Scrabble awards a 50-point bonus for a seven-tile play (called a "bingo"), while Words With Friends awards a 35-point bonus. This means that bingo plays are relatively more valuable in Scrabble, and you should invest more effort in finding them.
Strategic Implications
Given these differences, here are the key strategic adjustments you should make when switching between games:
In Words With Friends, the repositioned premium squares mean that controlling the center of the board is more important than in Scrabble. High-value tiles like J and Z can score enormous points when combined with the centrally-located triple-letter squares. Focus on playing high-value tiles on premium squares rather than saving them for the edges.
In Scrabble, the 50-point bingo bonus makes seven-letter words significantly more valuable. Competitive Scrabble players often sacrifice short-term points to keep a "bingo-friendly" rack (tiles that are likely to combine into a seven-letter word). This rack management strategy is less critical in Words With Friends, where the smaller bonus makes bingos relatively less impactful.
Which Game Should You Play?
Both games are excellent choices for word game enthusiasts. Scrabble has a longer history and a more established competitive scene, with official tournaments sanctioned by the North American Scrabble Players Association (NASPA). Words With Friends offers the convenience of mobile play and a more casual atmosphere, making it perfect for playing with friends and family across distances.
Many dedicated word game players enjoy both games and use tools like the WordSolve Word Finder to practice and improve in each. Our tool supports both Scrabble and Words With Friends dictionaries and scoring systems, so you can always find the best play for whichever game you are playing.
For more game-specific strategies, check out our high-scoring Scrabble words guide and our complete strategy blog.