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Large print Scrabble and easy-to-see word games

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Large print Scrabble is the standard game with bigger letters, a board that turns, and tiles that stay put. This guide shows what you get, who it suits, and what to try if you would rather improve the set you already own.

Letter tiles scattered on a word game board
Suzy Hazelwood / Pexels

What is large print Scrabble?

It is a full Scrabble set made easier to see: a board with a built-in turntable, 100 large print tiles, four large racks, a cloth bag, and a large print rules booklet. The Amazon listing says it was designed in association with RNIB, the UK sight loss charity, and that the tiles carry Braille labels.

The board has pegs or raised edges that hold each tile in place, so a bump does not scatter the words. It is for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and up. Because it plays by the standard rules, our rules guide and scoring guide still apply.

How big is the print?

On the RNIB shop listing, the tile letters are 55 point, the tile numbers are 25 point, the words on the board are 16 point, and each plastic tile is 2.4 cm square. The board measures 37 by 37 cm.

Shops quote the gain over a standard set differently. One says the tiles are 25 percent larger, others say over 40 percent. Use the measurements above and not the percentages, and check the listing for the retailer you buy from.

Who it suits

It suits anyone who finds standard tiles hard to read or fiddly to pick up. That includes older players, people with low vision, and families playing across generations. The sight loss charity Henshaws points readers to RNIB's large print and Braille version of Scrabble.

If sight loss is more severe, RNIB also sells tactile games such as magnetic Ludo, draughts, and backgammon. Its games and gaming page is a good place to start.

Which option should you choose?

Buy the large print set if the print itself is the problem. Choose a cheaper fix if you only struggle with reading upside down, scoring, or glare.

OptionWhat it fixesWhat stays the same
Large Print ScrabbleBigger letters on tiles, board, and racks; a board that turns; tiles held in placeYou need a whole new set
Turntable for your own boardReading words from the wrong sideThe print stays standard size
Large-print score bookReading and writing scoresBoard and tile print
Online score keeper on a tabletScores you can zoom in onBoard and tile print
Bananagrams Big LetterLarge tiles, no board to readIt is a different game
Super Big BoggleA bigger 6 by 6 gridIt is a different game

Easier reading with a standard set

A turntable stops anyone reading upside down or leaning across the table. The large print set already has one built in, so this is for a standard board you own.

A large-print score book

A large-print score book gives you bigger boxes to write in and easier totals to read.

For something free, our online score keeper runs in a browser, so you can open it on a tablet and zoom in. Our printable score sheet can also be enlarged with your browser's zoom before you print.

Other word games with bigger pieces

Bananagrams Big Letter has large, easy-to-read tiles and no board. It is a race to build your own word grid, so it is not Scrabble, but it uses the same skills.

Henshaws also names Super Big Boggle as a word game made easier to see. You race a timer to find words in a grid of letters.

For more ideas, see our games like Scrabble guide, or our word games for seniors.

Where to buy it in the UK

Amazon UK, the RNIB shop, Essential Aids, Masters Traditional Games, and John Adams all list it. Stock and delivery vary, so check before you plan a game night around it.

The RNIB shop and Essential Aids both offer VAT relief to eligible buyers, such as people with a long-term illness or disability. Read each shop's eligibility rules before you order.

Practical tips

  • Light: play somewhere well lit, with a lamp that points at the board and not into anyone's eyes.
  • Contrast: a plain, dark tablecloth makes light tiles easier to pick out.
  • Glasses: keep reading glasses on the table.
  • Pace: agree house rules before you start, such as more time for each turn.

Common questions

Is there a large print version of Scrabble?

Yes. Large Print Scrabble has a rotating board, large racks, and 100 large print tiles. The Amazon listing says it was designed with RNIB.

How big are the tiles in large print Scrabble?

The RNIB shop lists each tile as 2.4 cm square, with 55 point letters and 25 point numbers. Other listings give slightly different tile sizes, so check the retailer's page.

Can I buy large print Scrabble without VAT?

Possibly. The RNIB shop and Essential Aids both offer VAT relief to eligible buyers. Each shop sets its own checks, so read their rules first.

Does large print Scrabble have Braille?

The Amazon and John Adams listings say the tiles carry Braille labels. RNIB also offers print, Braille, and audio instructions to download from its shop page.

Do the tiles stay in place on the board?

Yes. The board has pegs or raised edges that hold the tiles, so they stay put when the board turns or is knocked.

Can I make my own Scrabble set easier to see?

Yes. Add a turntable, play under good light on a plain dark cloth, and use a large-print score book. Our guide to Scrabble sets compares the other editions.

Can I keep score on a tablet?

Yes. Our online score keeper works in a browser, so you can open it on a tablet and zoom in.

Related: Which Scrabble set should you buy? · Gifts for Scrabble lovers · Score keeper · Printable score sheet · Rules