How to Play Words With Friends
New to Words With Friends? This complete beginner guide will teach you everything you need to know to start playing and winning.
Master the art of word building and strategic tile placement
Quick Overview
Words With Friends is a turn-based word game similar to Scrabble. Players take turns forming words on a 15×15 board using letter tiles. Each letter has a point value, and bonus squares multiply your score. The player with the most points at the end wins!
Step-by-Step Guide
1Start a New Game
Open Words With Friends and tap "New Game". Choose to play against a friend, random opponent, or practice against the AI.
Tips:
- •Connect Facebook to find friends
- •Try practice mode first to learn
2Understand Your Rack
You will receive 7 letter tiles. These are the letters you can use to form words. After each turn, you draw new tiles to replace the ones you played.
Tips:
- •Look for common word patterns
- •Balance vowels and consonants
3Place Your First Word
The first player must place a word that crosses the center star. Drag tiles from your rack to the board to form a valid word.
Tips:
- •The center star is a Double Word square
- •Longer words score more points
4Build on Existing Words
After the first word, all new words must connect to tiles already on the board. You can add letters to existing words or create new words that intersect.
Tips:
- •Add S to make plurals
- •Create parallel words for bonus points
5Use Premium Squares
Colored squares multiply your score. Place high-value letters on Triple Letter squares and aim for Double/Triple Word squares.
Tips:
- •TW = Triple Word (3x)
- •TL = Triple Letter (3x that letter)
6Submit Your Play
Tap the Play button to submit your word. If it is valid, you score points and draw new tiles. If invalid, try a different word.
Tips:
- •Invalid words are rejected automatically
- •Use our word finder if stuck
Understanding Scores
Letter Values
Each letter has a point value from 1-10. High-value letters include:
Premium Squares
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to improve your game quickly:
Not using premium squares
Solution: Always look for opportunities to land on colored bonus squares, especially with high-value letters.
Holding onto difficult letters too long
Solution: Learn words with Q, X, Z, J. Do not save them hoping for perfect spots - play them when you can.
Ignoring two-letter words
Solution: Memorize two-letter words like QI, ZA, XI. They are essential for parallel plays.
Playing the first word you see
Solution: Take time to explore all options. A longer or better-positioned word might score more.
Giving opponents easy TW access
Solution: Avoid placing tiles that give your opponent an easy path to Triple Word squares.
Pro Tips for Beginners
Swap Bad Tiles
Do not hold onto a bad rack too long
Try Parallel Plays
Form multiple words at once
Using Our Word Finder
Stuck on a difficult rack? Our free word finder can help you discover all possible words:
- 1Enter your 7 rack letters (use ? for blank tiles)
- 2Optionally add filters (starts with, ends with, contains)
- 3Click Find Words to see all valid options sorted by score
- 4Choose the highest-scoring word that fits the board!
Ready to Play?
Use our free tools to improve your game!