This is my review of Collins Official Scrabble Words by aa vv.

This compilation of words approved by WESPA (The World English-Language Scrabble Players' Association) has a tantalisingly brief one-page introduction. It seems that "addios" and "ciaos" are no longer accepted, as was formerly the case, but "blingy" and "mwah" are now "playable". In the search for high scoring words, qin, coxib, boxty, juvie, soz and figh are all allowed, but what do they all mean? The main shortcoming of this book is that we are not told, but I suppose that it would be too thick to open if we were. Then, of course, there are the "7's" to note: neetroot, noilier and snotrag!

Perhaps of more use for the amateurish player like myself, is the revelation of all the two letter words permissible, from "aa" to "za". The book consists in fact of two lists in alphabetical order, five columns a page: firstly two to nine letters, then ten to fifteen for those in a higher league.

Using this book has enhanced my scores, although to learn from it one has to bend the rules and let everyone consult it, which can slow down the pace of the game!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars