Strategy for words starting with X
X is one of the four premium tiles in Scrabble, worth 8 points. Words starting with X are scarce, which is exactly why learning them gives you an outsized edge — when you draw a X you usually need a place to dump it quickly, and the best place is a double- or triple-letter square at the start of a fresh word.
Every word on this list is valid in the French dictionary and sorted by Scrabble score so the best opportunities sit at the top.
When to play a X-word
Premium tiles lose value fast if they sit in your rack for multiple turns. If you can play X on a double-letter square, you bank 16 points from a single tile — already more than most full plays of common tiles. Hold the X only if you can reach a triple-letter square within one or two turns; otherwise dump it.
Words starting with X are especially powerful when they hook off a vowel already on the board. Scan the board for floating vowels in the second column or row of a triple-word lane — those are the squares where X-words score the most.
Common patterns to memorise
Two-letter words starting with X are the foundation of every Scrabble game. If you can play a two-letter X-word parallel to an existing word, you often score two or three short words in a single turn, each contributing to your total.
Three- and four-letter X-words form the bulk of mid-game scoring. Look for ones ending in common hook letters (S, E, R, D) so you can extend them on a later turn.
Frequently asked questions
- How many words start with the letter X?
- This page lists every French word in our dictionary that begins with X. The total is shown directly under the page heading, and entries are ranked by Scrabble point value.
- What is the highest-scoring word starting with X?
- The highest-scoring entries sit at the top of the grid. Because X is worth 8 points on its own, even short X-words score well — especially when the X lands on a double- or triple-letter square.
- Can I use these in Words With Friends?
- Yes. Every word starting with X on this page is valid in both Scrabble (French) and Words With Friends.
- Are there two-letter words starting with X?
- Yes — two-letter X-words are the most common bridge plays in Scrabble. Browse the top of this list for the shortest entries and learn the ones you don't already know.