Top Tips for Using the Scrabble + WordsWithFriends Dictionary to Win

Ultimate Guide to the Scrabble + WordsWithFriends Dictionary Rules### Introduction

Competitive word games like Scrabble and Words With Friends (WWF) rely on shared dictionaries to determine which plays are legal. Although they look similar at first glance, the two games use different word lists, update cycles, and rule nuances that change strategy and challenge. This guide explains the dictionaries behind each game, how they differ, how to check whether a word is allowed, and practical tips for both casual and tournament players.

Which dictionaries do they use?

• Scrabble (English-language editions): Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD) is commonly used in North American casual play, while the Collins Scrabble Words (CSW) — formerly SOWPODS — is used in most international tournaments and play outside North America.
• Words With Friends: TWL/WWF word list (its proprietary word list derived from various public sources), which is close to the North American TWL (Tournament Word List) but not identical; Zynga maintains and updates it independently.

Key differences between Scrabble and Words With Friends dictionaries

How each list is compiled and updated

• Collins (CSW): Compiled from multiple major dictionaries and corpus data; maintained by Collins and the World English-language Scrabble Players Association. Updates add new valid words and sometimes remove archaic forms.
• TWL/OSPD: Managed by NASPA (North American Scrabble Players Association). TWL is the tournament standard and is compiled from major dictionary sources with editorial curation; OSPD is a consumer-friendly version.
• Words With Friends: Zynga curates its list, incorporating many entries from public sources and updates based on internal decisions, player feedback, and content policies.

Common discrepancies and surprises

• Words allowed in CSW but not in TWL (and vice versa). For example, some slang or newly coined terms might appear in one list earlier than the other.
• Plurals and conjugations: Some verb forms or pluralized nouns are present in one list but absent in another.
• Proper nouns: Generally disallowed in Scrabble and WWF, but some brand-derived terms slip into lists over time.
• Abbreviations and hyphenated words: Treated differently across lists; most hyphenated forms are split or excluded.

How to check a word during play

• Scrabble casual/tournament: Use the official TWL or CSW lookup tools (NASPA or Collins websites) depending on the match rules.
• Words With Friends: Use the in-app dictionary or reliable third-party compiled WWF lists. Note Zynga’s in-app challenge mechanism will accept or reject plays per its own list.
• Offline practice: Use recent versions of OSPD, Collins, or reputable online word-checkers that specify the source list.

Challenge rules and etiquette

• Scrabble (tournaments): Challenges follow strict rules (e.g., phantom challenges, time penalties) and use the official tournament list agreed upon before the match.
• Casual Scrabble: House rules vary—some allow free challenges, others use a strike system.
• Words With Friends: The app resolves challenges automatically based on its dictionary. In friendly games, dispute resolution is simply per the app’s decision.

Strategy adjustments depending on the list

• Tile values and distributions: WWF’s different tile values change the relative worth of letters (e.g., if Q or Z are scored different, their effective value vs. blank tiles changes).
• Vocabulary focus: CSW’s broader inclusion means learning obscure two- and three-letter words and archaic forms is more valuable in international play.
• Defensive play: When playing opponents who use different lists, be conservative with bingos (7-letter plays) that rely on marginal words that may not be accepted in the other list.

Practical tips and tools

• Memorize high-utility two-letter words for each list (CSW differs from TWL lists).
• Use word-study apps that let you toggle between TWL/CSW/WWF to practice list-specific vocab.
• Keep a small printed cheat sheet of acceptable two- and three-letter words for offline sessions.
• For competitive play, always confirm which list is in force before the game begins.

Examples of list-specific words

• Two-letter words: Know which short words are allowed in TWL vs CSW. (Lists differ; practice both sets.)
• Obscure inflections: CSW often permits older or rarer conjugations that TWL/WWF might omit.

Updating and staying current

• Follow NASPA and Collins announcements for TWL and CSW updates.
• Track Zynga’s Words With Friends updates via app release notes or the official site for in-app dictionary changes.
• Use community resources (forums, word-study groups) to learn newly accepted words quickly.

Conclusion

Knowing which dictionary is in play makes the difference between a winning move and a challenged word. Scrabble tournament play typically uses TWL (North America) or CSW (international), while Words With Friends uses a Zynga-maintained proprietary list. Practice list-specific short words, track updates, and confirm rules before competitive matches to avoid surprises.