Breaking the Game

The Depths of Scrabble Strategy

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CSW Preendgame #15

Score: 326-368
Pool: AABCGILSTU

Opponent’s options: Plays using the B at j10, a few TWS plays (not many)
Candidate plays: WHORE/WHERE h11 (45), COHERE h10 (45), HEX 12c (35)
Potential plays on next turn: Same options

Subgoal: Maximize your odds of scoring enough points to outscore your opponent over the next two turns

Resolution: In Diagram 33, many players would reflexively play WHORE, allowing you to play the H next turn for a big score. However, in this situation you are better off reversing this sequence and first playing HEX 12c 35. This allows you to play HERO, WHORE, or plays from the C at a10 next turn. In this case, the HEOR combination has a lot more potential to improve than the X, which has limited scoring potential on this board.

reendgame Database

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