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Which Scrabble set should you buy?
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For most UK families, the best Scrabble set is the standard one with wood tiles. Every edition plays the same game, so what you are choosing is the board, the tiles, the size, and the extras.
What is the same in every set
A standard English set has a 15 by 15 board, 100 tiles, four racks, and a bag. The tiles are 98 letters and 2 blanks, and the rules do not change from one edition to the next. Super Scrabble and Junior are the exceptions, and they are covered below.
You can check the letter counts on our tile values page and the full rules on our rules page.
Scrabble editions compared
Pick the row that matches how you will play, then read that section for detail.
| Set | Best for | What is different |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | A first family set | The standard board, tiles, and racks |
| Wood tiles | Families who want a second way to play | Wood tiles, plus a Together mode |
| Travel | Trains, holidays, and pubs | Compact format for 2 to 4 players |
| Retro tin | A shelf or a gift | 1950s styling, wooden racks and tiles, tin box |
| Large print | Easier reading | Larger, clearer print |
| Super Scrabble | Long games for keen players | 200 tiles and a 21 by 21 board |
| Junior | Children from age 6 | Made for children, two-sided board |
| Turntable | Anyone who already owns a set | Spins the board, so nobody reads upside down |
Classic
The Classic set is the standard family box: board, 100 tiles, and four racks. Choose it if you want the usual game and nothing extra. It may be low in stock, so check before you plan around it.
With wood tiles
This Mattel Games set has wood tiles and two ways to play: Classic and Together mode. Together mode is collaborative, and the Amazon listing mentions 56 goal cards. It is the simplest place to start for most families.
Travel sets
Travel Scrabble is a compact set for 2 to 4 players, made for trips. Pick it if the game will spend more time in a bag than on a table. Regular players can also look at the Deluxe Travel Edition.
Retro tin
The Retro edition is a collector's tin with wooden racks and tiles. One UK retailer describes chunky wooden tiles and a 1950s-style board. It suits someone who wants a set that looks good on a shelf, or a gift for a long-time player.
Large print
Large Print Scrabble is the same game with clearer, larger print. The Amazon listing describes a board with a built-in turntable, 100 large print tiles, and four large racks. Masters Traditional Games, a UK retailer, says the tiles are 25 percent larger than standard and the board squares have raised edges. Our large print guide covers lighting and other ways to make play easier.
Super Scrabble
Super Scrabble has a 21 by 21 board and 200 tiles, twice the standard number. It suits groups who finish a normal game and want another. For a first set, a standard board is the better fit. See our Super Scrabble page for how it works.
Junior
Scrabble Junior is made for ages 6 and up and has a two-sided board. It is a way to bring children into word games before they take on the full game. Mattel's UK range also lists a My First Scrabble set.
Should you upgrade a set you already own?
Often a turntable is enough. A wooden turntable lets you rotate the board, so nobody has to read letters upside down or lean across the table. One UK retailer says its turntable fits all standard boards but not the extra large edition, so measure first if you own Super Scrabble.
If your old box is missing tiles, see how to replace lost Scrabble tiles before you buy a whole new set.
What about Deluxe and Prestige editions?
Deluxe and Prestige editions add a rotating board and a raised grid that holds the tiles in place. The game is the same. They usually cost more, and they make good gifts for regular players.
One UK maker lists its Prestige edition with a wooden box frame, a turntable, wooden tiles and racks, and a raised grid. We have no product card for the Deluxe edition, so check the listing for exact contents before you buy. Our luxury Scrabble sets guide covers the Prestige edition and its alternatives. For more ideas, see our gifts for Scrabble lovers.
How to choose
Start from who is playing: a wood or Classic set for a family, travel for trips, large print for easier reading, Junior for children, and Super Scrabble for long evenings. For a gift to display, look at the Retro tin or a Prestige edition.
Whichever set you pick, our score keeper works with it. If you want a different kind of word game, try our guide to games like Scrabble.
Common questions
Which Scrabble set is best for families?
For most families, the Mattel wood set is the simplest place to start. The Classic set is the standard choice. Either has a board, 100 tiles, and four racks.
What is the difference between Scrabble Deluxe and Classic Scrabble?
Deluxe editions add a rotating board and a raised grid that holds tiles in place. The rules and the tiles are the same as in the Classic game. If you only want the rotating board, a turntable adds it to a set you own.
What comes in a standard Scrabble set?
A standard English set has a board, 100 tiles, four racks, and a bag. The tiles are 98 letters and 2 blanks. See our tile values for the full list.
What is the best Scrabble set for travelling?
Travel Scrabble is a compact set for 2 to 4 players, made for trips. Regular players can also look at the Deluxe Travel Edition.
Which Scrabble set is easiest to read?
Large Print Scrabble has large print tiles and racks and a board with a built-in turntable. A wooden turntable also helps with a standard set, as nobody has to read upside down.
What age is Scrabble Junior for?
Scrabble Junior is made for ages 6 and up. It is a way to bring children into word games before the full game.
Does a Scrabble turntable fit every board?
One UK retailer says its turntable holds all standard boards but not the extra large edition, so Super Scrabble may not fit. Check the size listed on the product page before you buy.
What if my old set is missing tiles?
See lost a Scrabble tile before buying a whole new set. Our score keeper works with any set, so it will keep working with the one you have.
Related: Gifts for Scrabble lovers · Large print Scrabble · Score keeper · Rules · Tile values · Super Scrabble