The Scrabble endgame begins when fewer than seven tiles remain in the bag. From this point, the game shifts from exploration to calculation. Both players have near-perfect information about what tiles exist, and the optimal plays become — in theory — computable.
The pre-endgame transition
Start thinking about endgame strategy when roughly 14 tiles remain in the bag. At this point, consider: what tiles are still unaccounted for? What is the score differential? Do you need to go out first, or can you win by controlling the final plays and benefiting from your opponent's stuck tiles?
Going out vs. maximising score
When you go out, you add the value of your opponent's remaining tiles to your score. But going out requires using all your tiles — and that may force suboptimal plays. Sometimes the better strategy is to play out slowly, scoring high on each remaining turn while your opponent burns tiles on the board trying to match you.
Calculation tip: In the final three turns, write down (or mentally note) every tile your opponent likely holds. Then calculate the maximum they can score from those tiles. If that maximum can't overcome your lead, play conservatively and don't open new lanes.
The stuck-tile bonus
When the game ends, any tiles remaining on a player's rack are subtracted from their score and added to their opponent's. A Q worth 10 points stuck on a losing rack is a 20-point swing — 10 lost by the holder and 10 gained by the winner. If you can manoeuvre to leave your opponent holding high-value tiles they can't play, those tiles are worth twice their face value.
Board closing tactics
Closing the board — filling open lanes so your opponent can't reach premium squares — is the main defensive tool in the endgame. Look for plays that simultaneously score and seal open TWS or TLS lanes. A play that scores 14 points and closes a TWS is often worth more than a 22-point play that leaves the board wide open.