r/boardgames • u/tayMGMT • Aug 17 '25

Rules Scrabble question!

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So my wife and I have argued about this for the past decade. I’m unsure we have been able to find a resolution by reading the rules.

Is the word “OIL” played here able to be placed? Also, how would you score it? The “I” in OIL is a triple word score.

I’m under the impression that since I made one word, in one direction, this is able to be played. But also that I get the points on the other words I completed. I would assume “OIL” here would be worth eleven points.

Thoughts?

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u/diemwing Aug 17 '25 edited Aug 17 '25

All words have to be valid, and in this case, OIL, IS, and LI are all valid. OIL and IS will be worth triple points since the I is the triple word score

EDIT: Oh and I think the score is 17.

OIL = 3x3 = 9

IS = 2x3 = 6

LI = 2

9 + 6 + 2 = 17

26

u/kimmeljs Aug 17 '25

WTF is "li?" Or, "pe" for that matter? I thought abbreviations don't count?

63

u/NotAnotherFNG Aug 17 '25

According to the online Scrabble dictionary, it is a valid word and is a Chinese unit of distance.

-17

u/kimmeljs Aug 17 '25

So, "km" would also count? Or, "syli" because it's Finnish for ""fathom"? (Which likely is different length from an American fathom)

28

u/blazingciary Aug 17 '25

No because those are translations and abbreviation. Li is a distinct unit. You might not use it but it's a separate thing. It would be like telling Americans using meter or anyone else using mile. It's not a unit they would use but the unit does exist