You heard it here: the Chinese word “qi” is found as a noun in English dictionaries and it’s a valid Scrabble word, too. “Za”? Well, that’s slang for one of America’s favorite foods, also a noun in the dictionary and strategy used to win Scrabble games. When the two-letter words qi and za were added to the official Scrabble dictionary, the change led some Scrabble players to say the game’s scoring system needed an overhaul. But the rules were there to stay, and given the high point potential for any word involving a “q” or “z,” players had to adjust their tactics.
Qi and za were some of the 3,300 words added to the fourth edition of the official Scrabble dictionary in 2006. As such, you might not think they’re acceptable if you’re using an older printed copy of the dictionary. Using them in a game might also lead to a dispute as to what they mean. Here’s the full history and definitions of these two words so you can be prepared to defend your position.
Qi: Scrabble Word and Definition
Qi is a viable Scrabble word and it’s the only two-letter word you can play with Q in Scrabble or Words With Friends. Played on its own (and not accounting for bonus squares or other words you form), the word “qi” is worth 11 points in Scrabble.
Qi is defined as the vital force that is inherent in all things, according to Chinese thought. You can also use the plural, “qis.” It’s the force that’s manipulated by acupuncture. Qi is a word you might be used to spelling “chi,” but the qi version has gained currency. Chi also denotes a letter of the Greek alphabet, so it remains valid in Scrabble. You might also want to keep “ki” in mind, which is an allowed Scrabble word that means qi and can also be used in plural as “kis.” If you’re challenged about using qi, be prepared with that explanation.
Za: Scrabble Word and Definition
According to Hasbro’s official Scrabble dictionary, the definition of za is that it’s a term for pizza. You can also use the plural, “zas.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary agrees and notes that it’s a slang term. The Oxford Living Dictionary online places an apostrophe in front, ‘za, to show it’s an informal, shortened term for pizza. The origin of za is from around the year 1968 when students in the Unites States began to use it.
Scrabble Tactics for Qi and Za
Scrabble players gained a new tactic when beginning to use q and z tiles with these two words. It’s not easy to make words with q without using u, and qi allows you to make an 11-point word wherever there is an open “i.” If the spot has a double or triple letter or word score, you rack up serious points.
Even better, look for a corner with an I on each arm and place your q to score 22 points. If you have an “a”, you could likewise score 22 points in a corner where there is an a on each arm.
If you are on the defense, it would be best to avoid moves that would create these corners, especially if q or z have not yet been played. Also, be wary of leaving a double or triple word score spot open to the right of a z or q. Your opponent could easily make a big score with an a or i.
If you have a a and there is a corner with an “i” on each arm, look for the chance to make these words to further build your score: qi, “faquir(s),” “quindar(s),” “quintar(s),” “quivut(s),” “quindarka.”