Words With Q
Words With Q
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Mastering Q Words
The letter Q is worth 10 points in Scrabble, making it one of the most valuable letters in word games. However, Q is also one of the trickiest letters to play because it almost always requires a U to follow it in common English words.
Knowing Q words—especially Q words without U—is essential for competitive Scrabble and Words With Friends players. A well-placed Q word can turn the game in your favor, especially when combined with premium squares like Double or Triple Word Score.
This guide covers the most important Q words with and without U, organized for easy memorization and strategic gameplay.
Q Words With U
These are the classic Q words that follow traditional English spelling patterns with QU. Organized by word length:
4-Letter Q Words
5-Letter Q Words
6-Letter Q Words
7+ Letter Q Words
Q Words Without U - Game Changers!
These are the most important words to memorize for competitive Scrabble. Q without U words can save you from being stuck with a Q tile and often create unexpected high-scoring opportunities.
Essential 2-Letter Q Word
The vital life force in Chinese philosophy. This is THE most important Q word to know!
3-Letter Q Words Without U
An evergreen shrub, leaves are chewed as a stimulant
Plural of QI
4-Letter Q Words Without U
An Islamic judge
A Muslim leader or chief
Plural of QAT
The 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet
5-Letter Q Words Without U
Plural of QADI
Plural of QAID
An irrigation tunnel
Plural of QOPH
Short for tranquilizer
6+ Letter Q Words Without U
Plural of QANAT
A monetary unit of Albania
A monetary unit of Albania
Standard keyboard layout
Variant spelling of shekel (Israeli currency)
Plural of TRANQ
Plural of QINTAR
Plural of QINDAR
Plural of QWERTY
Pro Tip: Memorize at least QI, QAT, QADI, and QAID. These four words alone can save you from being stuck with the Q tile in most situations!
Q Strategy for Scrabble
1. Always Know Q Without U Words
Memorizing Q without U words is non-negotiable for competitive play. At minimum, know QI and QAT. These two words alone will get you out of most tight situations.
2. Don't Hold Q Too Long
While Q is worth 10 points, holding it for too long waiting for the perfect play can hurt your game. If you have a decent Q word opportunity (even for 15-20 points), consider taking it rather than waiting for a huge play that may never come.
3. QI Is Your Best Friend
QI is the most versatile Q word because it's only 2 letters. You can often play QI parallel to another word, scoring points for both words. It's also easy to add an S to make QIS.
4. Look for Hooks and Extensions
Many Q words can be extended with common suffixes. For example: QAT → QATS, QADI → QADIS, TRANQ → TRANQS. Keep an eye out for opportunities to build on existing Q words.
5. Premium Squares Are Key
With Q worth 10 points, premium squares make a huge difference. A Q on a Triple Letter Score is worth 30 points! Combine with a Triple Word Score and you can rack up massive points.
Advanced Tip: If you draw Q early in the game, consider holding onto it only if you also have a U or know there are still U tiles in the bag. Otherwise, play it quickly with a Q without U word to maintain tile flow.
Want More Q Without U Words?
Visit our comprehensive guide dedicated exclusively to Q words that don't need U, with even more examples, strategies, and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common Q word without U?
QI is the most common and useful Q word without U. It's a two-letter word worth 11 points in Scrabble and is accepted in all major word game dictionaries. QI refers to the vital life force in Chinese philosophy.
How many points is Q worth in Scrabble?
Q is worth 10 points in Scrabble, making it one of the highest-value letters in the game (tied with Z). This makes Q words extremely valuable for scoring, especially when played on premium squares.
Can you play Q without U in Scrabble?
Yes! There are many valid Q without U words in Scrabble, including QI, QAT, QADI, QAID, QOPH, QANAT, TRANQ, QINTAR, QINDAR, and more. Learning these words is essential for competitive Scrabble play.
What are some high-scoring Q words?
High-scoring Q words include QUIZ (22 pts), QUICHE (21 pts), UNIQUE (16 pts), OPAQUE (18 pts), QUINOA (15 pts), and QUALITY (19 pts). Q without U words like QI (11 pts) and QAT (12 pts) also score well for their length.