Play word games online against other players

Play a turn-based word game online on a shared 13 × 13 board. Each player has a nine-tile rack and seven turns to build a higher score. You can return to a game from the selection screen rather than play every turn in one sitting.

Start and resume an online game

1. Choose your preferred Language before starting.
2. Press Start New Online Game on the game selection screen.
3. Make your opening move while the game looks for an opponent. You may also pass or exchange on this first turn.
4. Use Back to return to your game cards. Each card shows the players, scores and whose turn it is. Recent move details help you recognise the game.
5. Open the card to continue when it is your turn.

Who will you play?

Matching prefers the same dictionary, followed by British and American English pairings. Other language pairings become eligible after the 24-hour matching period if a better human match is unavailable. An unmatched game may be filled by a bot using your dictionary, so not every online game necessarily has a human opponent.

Can players use different languages?

Yes. You can play English words while your opponent plays French words, or German words while your opponent plays Spanish words. Each move is checked against the dictionary of the player making it. Read the cross-language word game guide for examples and matching details.

Score and finish

Words, side words and bonus squares contribute to your score. Playing, passing and exchanging each use one turn. The higher score wins once both players finish their seven turns, or if consecutive opposing passes end the game earlier. A win against a human opponent earns three credits; a completed draw earns one credit for each player.

Want to play without waiting for a match? Choose a local bot game or Practice Mode.

Choose your matching language

Open Language on the game selection screen. Beneath the dictionary choices, use “Allow online games with players using different dictionaries?” Choose Yes to allow other languages, or No to keep matching within your language. British and American English are grouped together as English. This default is saved to your account and applies to new online games without asking again. Existing games keep their original matching choice. Cross-language pairing requires both players to allow it and becomes eligible after the 24-hour matching period. If no suitable human is found after 24 hours, a bot using your dictionary can join.