UK Scrabble champion math teacher reveals the 2-letter words experts use to win

At 61, a math teacher turned Scrabble strategist stunned the UK tournament scene by taking the top spot in the UK Open’s highest division, outscoring opponents by roughly 1,000 points. Natalie Zolty clinched victory in Reading on Jan. 9 after a string of wins, finishing 12 out of 15 games ahead of some of the country’s best, including veteran Gary Oliver.

The decisive play that sealed the championship was the unusual word “zendiks,” a term for heretics or nonbelievers — a reminder that in competitive Scrabble knowledge of obscure vocabulary can be the difference between a near miss and a title.

From classroom to crossword triumph: how Zolty rose to the top

Zolty, a Solihull math teacher and mother, started taking Scrabble seriously about 17 years ago after connecting with other players online. What began as a hobby grew into a disciplined study practice. Rather than relying on instinct alone, she treats Scrabble almost like a scientific problem: cataloging valuable words, drilling anagrams and refining board strategy.

Her performance in Reading wasn’t a fluke. Over the course of the tournament she consistently converted tough racks into high-scoring plays and used strategic bonuses to create a steady lead. Facing experienced competitors, she said, required more than a large vocabulary — it demanded tactical patience and planning.

Daily drills and study habits that shape a champion

Zolty’s preparation blends focused study with everyday routines. She spends hours each day memorizing words and runs through dozens of anagram drills while doing routine tasks like watching television. The repetition helps make tricky letter combinations second nature during the pressure of a timed match.

• Targeted vocabulary lists: She prioritizes words based on game value rather than general usage, learning dictionary entries that translate into points.
• High-volume anagram practice: Zolty says she regularly practices hundreds of anagrams to speed recognition of playable patterns.
• Game simulations and scoring: Studying how to build toward bingos and double- or triple-word scores is a daily focus.

Why two-letter words matter in competitive Scrabble

One of Zolty’s key pieces of advice for players aiming to improve is to master two-letter words. Official tournament play accepts a long list of two-letter words — useful because they let you attach to existing tiles and exploit premium squares while conserving your rack.

The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (6th Edition) includes 107 legal two-letter words. These short entries can frequently turn a marginal position into a scoring opportunity and are relatively quick to memorize compared with long-word lists.

Top two-letter words that often change the game

• ZA (11 points) — a go-to for placing the Z on a double- or triple-letter to generate big value.
• QI (11 points) — lets you use the high-value Q without needing a U.
• AX (9 points) — handy when an X can’t make a longer word.
• XU (9 points) — another X option to exploit tight spaces.
• XI (9 points) — great for getting X on premium squares.
• JO (9 points) — useful in cramped boards where J would otherwise be stuck.
• EX (9 points) — flexible and often fits across openings.
• OX (9 points) — simple but frequently high-value.

Practical tournament tactics from a champion

Zolty’s in-game advice focuses less on flashy plays and more on consistent scoring habits that compound across a match. Below are the core tactics she emphasizes for players climbing the ranks.

• Keep one-point tiles on your rack: Letters like E, A and I can combine to form “stems” that help you land bingos — using all seven tiles for a 50-point bonus.
• Aim for multiple bingos per game: At higher levels, players try to hit two or three bingos each match. Zolty says she averages about 2.5 bingos per game, which adds up quickly.
• Don’t fear swapping tiles: Exchanging a rack and losing a turn can be the smart move when your letters offer no good plays — continuing with a poor rack often makes things worse.
• Watch for hooks: Single letters that attach to the front or back of words can unlock turns. Common hooks include adding an “s” for plurals; less obvious hooks (for example, putting an “h” before “airline” to form “hairline”) can surprise opponents.
• Think ahead after every play: When your opponent lays down a word, scan possibilities for what can be added to its beginning or end — you may be able to flip the board in your favor.

More women at the table: a call for broader participation

Zolty has noticed the competitive scene remains male-dominated and hopes her success will inspire more women to compete. Beyond awards and rankings, she highlights Scrabble’s mental benefits: it’s a game that sharpens vocabulary, pattern recognition and strategic thinking, useful at any age.

For casual players and serious contenders alike, her message is simple: invest in the basics, practice often, and don’t underestimate short words. In tournament play, small gains compound into championship-winning margins.

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.