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Can I start a Scrabble game using a one-letter word?
(A or I, for example)

by Lee

Or does the first word in a game have to be at least 2 letters long?

How to get 50 bonus points
in almost every game!

Hi Lee - The Official Scrabble Dictionary (well, there are two actually, but they both agree on this point) does not include any one-letter words. That is because, in official Scrabble tournaments, one-letter words are not allowed. Why?

At first they seem reasonable, because the rule about which words are allowed in Scrabble does not mention a restriction on word-length. However, the very first rule of play (at least on the cover of my old Scrabble set!) says this...

'The first player combines two or more of his letters to form a word and places them on the board...'

So this rule explicitly bans one-letter words from the opening play. And since after the opening play it isn't possible to play a one-letter word (since you have to place your tile next to at least one existing tile), they are ruled out altogether.

Hope that helps,

Comments for
Can I start a Scrabble game using a one-letter word?
(A or I, for example)

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one letter words
by: Anonymous

But you could play any number of one letter words from there on out...? making additional words with each one letter word and earning double points for the letter. O, what sweet divinity!

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