The opening move in Scrabble is unique: the center star square counts as a double-word score, but no other premium squares are in reach. Your goal is to score well while not handing your opponent an immediate triple-word lane.
What makes a good opening word?
A strong opening word: (1) scores at least 20 base points on the DWS, (2) is placed horizontally to open the fewest premium lanes, and (3) leaves you with a balanced rack for turn two.
High-scoring opening words
MUZJIKS (Russian peasants) is statistically the highest-scoring non-bingo opening possible in English Scrabble at 58 points on the DWS.
Placement strategy: Place your word so the highest-value tile hits the center star or a double-letter square. The double-word multiplier applies to the whole word, so even modest words score well.
Should you always go for the highest score?
Not always. A high-scoring opening that dumps two consonants and keeps AEIOU on your rack often leads to a weak turn two. Consider rack leave: the tiles you keep matter as much as the points you score. Strong players sometimes choose a slightly lower-scoring opening to retain tiles for a potential bingo on turn two.