NYT Games Guide
Last reviewed: February 16, 2026Best Words for NYT Crossplay: High-Scoring Tiles & Combos
The highest-scoring words and tile combinations for NYT Crossplay. Learn which 2-letter, 3-letter, and bonus-tile words give you the biggest scoring advantage.
The best words for NYT Crossplay combine high-value letters (J, Q, X, Z worth 8-10 points each) with bonus tile positions. Top scoring words include QI and ZA (2-letter plays using Q and Z without needing U), JINX, QUIZ, and JAZZ for triple-letter setups, and any 7-letter word for the rack-clearing bonus.
Definition
What is Crossplay Scoring?
Crossplay assigns unique point values to each letter tile, different from Scrabble. Points are earned based on tile values plus any bonus squares (double/triple letter or word). Playing all 7 tiles in one turn earns a significant bonus.
Overview
Scoring in Crossplay is not just about knowing long words. It is about knowing which words maximize the unique tile values and bonus squares on the Crossplay board. This guide covers the highest-impact words, from 2-letter power plays to 7-letter rack-clearers, calibrated specifically for Crossplay's scoring system.
Key Strategies
- High-value letter combinations (J, Q, X, Z plays)
- Essential 2-letter words for parallel scoring
- Triple word score setups and combos
- 7-letter bonus word strategies
- Words removed from Crossplay dictionary
Quick Tips
- QI is the most valuable 2-letter word because Q is worth 10 points and does not need U.
- Place J, X, Z on double or triple letter tiles for maximum single-tile value.
- Memorize all valid 2-letter words to unlock parallel scoring on tight boards.
- Seven-letter words earn a bonus -- hold your rack for these when possible.
- Check Cross Bot after games to see which high-scoring words you missed.
Scoring benchmarks
Quick Facts
~100
Valid 2-letter words
30+
Q-without-U words
350-400 pts
Avg. winning score
Crossplay tile analysis
Essential 2-letter words for Crossplay
Two-letter words are the foundation of advanced Crossplay play. They let you build parallel to existing words, scoring for every intersection. The most valuable 2-letter words in Crossplay include QI (the life force concept from Chinese philosophy, scoring 10+ points for just two letters), ZA (slang for pizza, leveraging the high Z tile value), XI (the 14th Greek letter), and JO (a Scottish term for sweetheart). Beyond the high-value plays, common 2-letter words like AN, AT, BE, DO, and IS let you squeeze words into tight board positions where longer plays will not fit. Learning all roughly 100 valid 2-letter words should be your first study priority.
Q-without-U words you need to know
The Q tile is worth 10 points in Crossplay, but waiting for a U tile wastes turns. Learn these Q-without-U words to deploy Q immediately: QI (2 letters, always playable), QOPH (a Hebrew letter), QADI (an Islamic judge), QANAT (an irrigation tunnel), QINTAR (Albanian currency), and TRANQ (short for tranquilizer). Not all Q-without-U words valid in Scrabble are accepted in Crossplay's modified NWL23 dictionary, so test new ones carefully. QI alone covers most situations because it fits anywhere on the board.
Triple word score setups
The highest single-turn scores in Crossplay come from landing a high-value letter on a bonus tile while the word itself crosses a triple word score square. For example, placing JINX so the J lands on a triple letter tile and the word crosses a triple word score can yield 100-plus points in a single turn. The key is patience: hold your high-value letters until the board opens a bonus tile path rather than spending them on open-board plays for 15-20 points. Scan the board at the start of each turn for bonus tile opportunities before considering any word.
Seven-letter bonus words
Playing all 7 tiles from your rack in one turn earns a 40-point bonus in Crossplay, added after any board multipliers. These rack-clearing plays are rare but game-changing, often worth 80-150 total points. To maximize your chances, keep your rack balanced (2-3 vowels, 4-5 consonants) and learn common 7-letter word patterns. Prefixes like RE-, UN-, and OUT- plus suffixes like -ING, -TION, and -NESS help you spot rack-clearers. When you have 6 tiles that could form a word and one awkward letter, consider exchanging that one tile rather than playing a short word, preserving your chance at the bonus next turn.
Words not in the Crossplay dictionary
Crossplay uses a modified version of the NWL23 word list, which means some words valid in Scrabble or Words With Friends will be rejected. The NYT removed certain offensive words and some uncommon terms. If a word you expect to work gets rejected, do not waste time retrying it. Instead, have backup words ready. Common rejections include some archaic terms and certain informal abbreviations. Cross Bot sometimes flags words that would have been valid, which helps you learn the dictionary boundaries over time.
Endgame scoring tactics
The last 10-15 tiles of a Crossplay game require different strategy than the opening and midgame. With fewer tiles remaining, you can deduce what your opponent holds and play accordingly. If you suspect they have the Z but no high-value bonus tiles are open, do not create openings. Focus on scoring steadily with medium-value words while keeping the board tight. When you are ahead, play defensively to run out the tile bag. When behind, look for any remaining bonus tile opportunity, even if it means a riskier play that could backfire.
Key Takeaway
The most valuable Crossplay skill is not vocabulary size but positional awareness. A 3-letter word played on a triple word score with a high-value tile can outscore a 7-letter word played on open board. Learn to match your word choice to the board state.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-scoring word in Crossplay?
The highest single-word scores come from combining high-value letters (Q, Z, X, J) with triple letter and triple word score bonus tiles. A well-placed 7-letter word using bonus tiles can score 150+ points.
Is QI valid in NYT Crossplay?
Yes, QI is valid in Crossplay and is one of the most valuable 2-letter words because the Q tile is worth 10 points and does not require a U.
What 2-letter words work in Crossplay?
Most standard 2-letter words from the NWL23 dictionary are valid, including QI, ZA, XI, JO, KA, and approximately 100 others. Not every Scrabble-valid 2-letter word is accepted.
How many points do you need to win Crossplay?
Winning scores typically range from 350-400 points in competitive games. Games between experienced players often come down to a 20-30 point margin.
Are proper nouns allowed in Crossplay?
No. Like Scrabble, Crossplay does not accept proper nouns, abbreviations, or hyphenated words. Only common English words from the NWL23 dictionary are valid.
What is the 7-letter bonus in Crossplay?
Playing all 7 tiles from your rack in one turn earns a significant point bonus on top of the word's base score. This is one of the highest-impact plays in the game.
Written by
Connections Hintz Editorial Team
Our team solves every NYT puzzle daily and publishes verified hints within minutes of each reset. With 500+ puzzles analyzed across Connections, Wordle, Strands, Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, and Letter Boxed, we specialize in spoiler-free guidance that helps you solve puzzles on your own.
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