The best words with Q, Z and X in Scrabble

The Z, X and Q are the most valuable tiles in Scrabble, but also the trickiest to use. Here's how to make them pay off.

Words with Z

Short and handy: ZAP, ZOO, ZIT, ZED, ZINC. On a triple-letter square a Z rockets your score.

Words with X

OX, AX, EXIT, TAXI, BOX. The X pairs beautifully with vowels on either side.

Words with Q

In English the Q often (not always) needs a U: QUIZ, QUEEN, QI (a great U-less play!). Learn the short Q words to escape a stuck rack.

Want to practise placing these letters? Try puzzle mode and look for the highest-scoring play.