How to Buy the Perfect Scrabble Set

Your Guide to buying the best Scrabble

Overview

Scrabble is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by millions all over the world for decades. Whether you're a fan of the classic game or just looking for a fun way to spend time with the family, a Scrabble board game can provide hours of entertainment. To make sure you find the right game, this buying guide provides an overview of the different types and features of Scrabble board games, and offers tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.

Key features

  1. Number of Players: How many players will be playing the game? Scrabble is typically played by 2-4 players, but there are 5 and 6-player editions available as well.
  2. Game Board Design: Do you prefer a classic design, or one with a more modern look? Some versions of Scrabble feature a raised game grid which helps to keep the tiles in place during play.
  3. Tile Distribution: Does the game come with a tile bag? Are the tiles made of wood or plastic? What is the size of the letter tiles?
  4. Storage: Does the game come with a storage box? How big is the box? Will it fit on your bookshelf or game closet?
  5. Bonus Features: Does the game come with any bonus items, such as a timer, score sheets, or penalty chips? Are there any special rules or features?

See the most popular Scrabble on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Educational - Playing Scrabble provides educational benefits including sharpening spelling and word skills, reinforcing language knowledge, and improving problem-solving and strategy.
  • Multi-generational - Scrabble is suitable for all ages and makes a great family game. It is simple enough for young kids to play and challenging enough to keep adults interested.
  • Portable - Scrabble is a highly portable game that can be taken and played almost anywhere.
  • Social - Scrabble is a great game for playing with friends and a great way to meet new people in an entertaining and stimulating atmosphere.
  • Endless Fun - The game of Scrabble offers endless replay value in that it is never the same game twice.

Cons

  • Difficult for younger players: Scrabble can be difficult for children or younger players to understand, as it requires knowledge of English language rules, including spelling and grammar.
  • Length of Time: Depending on how many players are in the game and how experienced they are, a Scrabble game can take a long time to finish.
  • Lack of Interactivity: Scrabble can be quite a passive game; players are not competing directly against each other, but against the board and rules.
  • Highly Competitive: Although Scrabble can be a fun game, it can also be highly competitive.

Best alternatives

  1. Word Up!- an educational word game designed to help players increase their word knowledge
  2. Bananagrams- a fast-paced anagram game where players use tiles to build crossword grids
  3. Hangman- a classic game of word guessing where players try to guess the hidden word before the hangman is completed
  4. Word on the Street- a fast-paced game of tug-of-words where players try to capture the most words in the street
  5. Balderdash- a game of bluff where players try to guess the definitions of made-up words
  6. Boggle- a classic game of letter searching where players try to make as many words as possible in a limited time
  7. Lexigo Rush- a fast-paced game of letter matching where players try to make as many words as possible with the given letters

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Dictionary - Used to verify words when playing Scrabble.
  • Letter Tiles - The primary game pieces, available in a variety of colors.
  • Tile Racks - Used to hold the tiles in order to allow easy selection by players.
  • Tile Bag - Holds the tiles during the game.
  • Playing Board - A specialized board used to form words.
  • Scorekeeper - A board used to keep track of players points.
  • Timer - A device used to keep track of how much time each person has.

Common questions

  1. What is the best version of Scrabble?
    The best version of Scrabble to buy depends on individual preference. Some people prefer a classic version that sticks to the original rules, while others may like a more modern version that includes different scoring systems or bonus tiles.
  2. What is the difference between the classic Scrabble and the deluxe Scrabble?
    The classic version of Scrabble is the classic game with no bonuses or special tiles. It includes the original board size, tile racks, letter bag, and rules. The deluxe version includes additional features such as an extra board, tiles with special powers, and different scoring systems.
  3. Does Scrabble come with additional pieces?
    Depending on the version, Scrabble can come with additional pieces such as extra tiles, bonus tiles, or a larger board size.
  4. Can Scrabble be played with more than two players?
    Yes, Scrabble can be played with up to four players.
  5. Can I buy a travel version of Scrabble?
    Yes, there are several travel versions of Scrabble available to buy. These versions usually include a smaller board size, tiles, and racks.

Trivia

In 2018, Scrabble fans from around the world descended on Liverpool, England, for the first ever World Scrabble Championships. The event was a huge success and featured some of the best players from across the globe competing for the title. One of the most memorable moments of the tournament came when the eventual champion, Nigel Richards, won a game in just 18 seconds! He managed to outplay his opponent by playing the word "braconid" - the longest legal word at the time - and earned himself the title of World Champion. It just goes to show how quickly a game of Scrabble can turn, and how important strategy and quick thinking can be when playing the game. Source: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/56006/2018-world-scrabble-championships-were-total-game-changer

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.