Q Without U Words
Scrabble's secret weapon — valid Q words that need no U tile.
The Q tile is worth 10 points — tied with Z for the highest face value in Scrabble. But Q almost always demands a U, and U tiles are in short supply. If you draw Q without a U, most players panic. Not you.
The words below are valid in NWL (North American) or CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) dictionaries and require no U tile at all. Memorize these and your Q will never strand you again.
Why Learn Q Without U Words?
There are only four U tiles in a standard Scrabble set. If they're all on the board or in your opponents' racks, your Q becomes a liability — unless you know these words.
QI (11 pts) is the most important: short, versatile, and easy to place. QAT and QOPH are essential for intermediate players. QWERTY (21 pts) is a spectacular play if you can ever build it on the board.