Mom and I have been playing the game a lot recently, and I noticed something I do. When I consider using a blank tile, I try to make it represent a low-value letter (like a vowel, or T or R, etc). I do this because I think that if I make it represent a higher value letter (like B or P or H) then it’s a waste, but I know that either way, I still get no points for the tile.
Does it make any sense to think this way? Especially when I know that no matter what I still don’t get points for the tile. I will, however, make a point of not putting a blank on a double/triple spot.
Anyone else do this, too?
Oh and just to brag, I’ve won the last 3 games with a 313, 275, and a 325.
Hmm, your way sounds a little odd to me. I simply use the blank tiles in a way that most benefits me whether as an E or Z, whether a plain square or triple letter score. Generally I will hold on to them until I have a chance for a 7 or 8 letter word. I hold them until I can’t get at least 10 points without it.
that’s the way I always did it, but I did find that it was most commonly used as a T, S, R, or something like that; of course, those are among the most common letters.
What I used to try to do was to attach it to a word going one way and also make a word going the other - i.e.: if “log” goes across, I’d try hard to use as a C and make ‘clog’ and something, or else at least as an “s” to make soemthing.
I simply use the blank to make the highest scoring word… generally holding on to it until I can make a seven letter word. I would be loathe to use a blank for less than 40 points. I don’t care if the blank is on a double or triple square or is an E or Z.
True, if placed on a blank square, then you will receive no points. But, then again, it’s not like you are penalized either. So, I don’t see what it is that you’re wasting.
But, like others have mentioned, I find it best to save them for that knockout 7-letter word, or even that 8-letter bomb.
As is usually the case, the Doper consensus is correct. Don’t play the blank unless it spells a 7-letter word, or allows you to get WAY more points than you otherwise could… 40+ at the minimum.
We need to have an online Doper Scrabble tournament, as has been discussed on a few occasions.
And yeah, when I do use the blanks, I try to use it to a good advantage. I rarely manage to make 7 or 8 letter words, although I did on Tuesday (GUILDER, blank for the D), but I do try to save them up for moves that will earn big points.
