Do You Want to Make Scrabble More Interesting?

I'll cut straight to the chase. Most people that play Scrabble with any regularity know the ins and outs of Scrabble - how to get more points, how to use those two-letter words, where to strategically place words, all of that. I've even written an article about how to play it defensively talking about where to put words, what letter spaces to block and how to utilize the Scrabble board to your advantage (and to others' disadvantage). Now let's make this game a little more interesting.

I have three ideas on ways to take Scrabble to the next level... are you ready?

Play Scrabble in a foreign language

If you and your opponents are fluent in another language, try playing the game in that language. I'm sure it would make for interesting words to play it in Spanish or in French. The only problem with this is that you can't account for the accents or special characters seeing as how Scrabble is made for the English language. You could still challenge a player with the foreign language version - just this time, you have to challenge them on the meaning of the word. I know there would be challenges with playing using a foreign language for a number of reasons. One that comes to mind is that in certain languages two or three words can equal one word of English. How do you account for that in Scrabble? Perhaps that would be half of the fun... coming up with words and phrases that fit your seven letter tiles.

Play Scrabble lightning fast

Instead of using the timer that comes with the game, each player has 30 seconds to put down a word. No more, no less. After that, if no word has been put down the player loses their turn. It's as simple as that. The timer you get now lasts I think it's 90 seconds if I'm not mistaken; it just shows how much I use it. I can't even find the timer anymore. Anyway, this will help you and your opponents stay on your toes and think of words as quickly as possible... not to mention make the game go super-fast.

Play Scrabble without adding the score until the end

Normally the points are added up throughout the game and every player is aware of where they stand. Let's change that, because there are some instances where that doesn't make the game fair. If a person is way ahead, then they may get lax and not put down valuable words and that makes the game worse for everyone. My suggestion: don't add anyone's points until the end of the game. You'll still record the points as normal, however. I think doing it this way keeps the game honest and competitive. Every hand is valuable, every turn important, every letter you replace a bold decision. That's how I believe Scrabble should be played, not paying attention the points you have or even the points that the other people have... it's all about being best at every turn; and may the best person win.