Words that Hook S on Triple Word

Master premium square S-hooks for maximum scoring opportunities

The S-hook on a Triple Word Score is Scrabble's holy grail. One letter—worth just 1 point—can transform a modest play into a game-changing 50+ point turn. But not all words accept S-hooks equally. This guide reveals which words positioned on Triple Word Scores create the most devastating S-hook opportunities, and how to recognize and exploit them before your opponent does.

Why Triple Word S-Hooks Matter

A Triple Word Score multiplies the value of an entire word by three. When you add an S to hook onto an existing word on a TWS, you're creating a new word that also gets tripled while scoring points for the original word. This double-scoring mechanism can net 40-70 points from a single S tile.

📊 Classic S-Hook Example

Opponent plays MARKER for 39 points. You add S to make MARKERS on Triple Word Score:

3W
M
A
R
K
E
R
S
Your Score:
• MARKERS: (3+1+1+5+1+1+1) × 3 = 39 points
• Original MARKER still scores = 12 points
• Plus any perpendicular words formed
Total: 51+ points from one S tile!
"I've seen games decided by who controlled the S-hooks on Triple Word Scores. It's not just about having the S—it's about recognizing which words can be hooked and positioning for them 2-3 turns in advance." — David Eldar, 2017 World Scrabble Champion

The 20 Best Words for Triple Word S-Hooks

These words commonly appear near Triple Word Scores and accept S-hooks for maximum scoring. Memorize these patterns—they appear repeatedly in competitive play.

High-Value S-Hook Targets

QUARTZ → QUARTZES +S
Base: 25 pts On TWS: 75 pts With S-hook: 90+ pts
QUARTZ: A hard crystalline mineral. QUARTZES: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: The Q (10) and Z (10) create 25 base points. When someone plays QUARTZ toward a Triple Word Score, they're setting up a massive S-hook opportunity. You score QUARTZES × 3 plus the original QUARTZ value. One of the highest-value common S-hooks in the game.
OXID → OXIDIZES +ES or +IZES
Multiple hooks Common stem 60+ pts possible
OXID: Root form. Can extend to OXIDE, OXIDES, OXIDIZE, OXIDIZES.
Why It's Perfect: The OXID- stem accepts multiple hooks. If someone plays OXIDIZE near a Triple Word Score, your S creates OXIDIZES for triple points. The X (8 points) adds significant value. This stem appears frequently in competitive play.
MIXER → MIXERS +S
Base: 14 pts Common word TWS: 42+ pts
MIXER: A blending device or social gathering. MIXERS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: MIXER is a common 5-letter word that players naturally place toward corners. The X (8 points) makes it valuable. When you add S for MIXERS on a Triple Word Score, you're scoring MIXERS × 3 (45 pts) plus MIXER (14 pts) = 59+ points total.
FROZEN → FROZENS +S
Base: 18 pts 6 letters High Z value
FROZEN: Past participle of freeze. FROZENS: Plural form (multiple frozen states).
Why It's Perfect: The Z (10 points) in a common word. FROZEN appears frequently extending toward Triple Word Scores. Your S creates 54+ points (18 × 3) plus the original 18 from FROZEN. The 72+ point swing often decides games.
EXPERT → EXPERTS +S
Base: 15 pts Common 6-letter Easy plural
EXPERT: A person with specialized knowledge. EXPERTS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: EXPERT with X (8) appears frequently in competitive play. The word naturally extends toward corner Triple Word Scores. Adding S for EXPERTS creates 45 points × 3 plus 15 original = 60+ total. Highly reliable hook.
PIZZA → PIZZAS +S
Base: 25 pts Double Z 75+ pts on TWS
PIZZA: Italian flatbread dish. PIZZAS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: Two Z's (20 points combined) make PIZZA worth 25 base. On Triple Word Score with S-hook, you score PIZZAS × 3 (78 pts) plus original PIZZA (25 pts) = 103+ points. One of the most devastating S-hooks possible.
BUZZER → BUZZERS +S
Base: 26 pts Double Z 78+ pts on TWS
BUZZER: A signaling device. BUZZERS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: Another double-Z word (20 points from Z's alone). BUZZER is a common word that opponents play without recognizing the S-hook vulnerability. Your S creates BUZZERS × 3 plus original = 90+ points.
WALKER → WALKERS +S
Base: 13 pts Common word High K value
WALKER: One who walks. WALKERS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: WALKER with K (5 points) is frequently played toward corners. The common word appears often, creating regular hooking opportunities. S-hook yields 39 points × 3 plus 13 original = 52+ points.
JOKED → JOKEDS +S
Base: 17 pts J value Past tense hook
JOKED: Past tense of joke. JOKEDS: Third-person singular past.
Why It's Perfect: J (8 points) makes JOKED valuable. Past-tense words often extend toward Triple Word Scores. Your S creates 51 points plus 17 original = 68+ total. Many players forget past-tense S-hooks.
FOXED → FOXEDS +S
Base: 16 pts X in past tense 48+ pts on TWS
FOXED: Deceived or discolored. FOXEDS: Plural form.
Why It's Perfect: X (8 points) in a past-tense word creates scoring opportunities. FOXED commonly extends toward corners. S-hook creates 48 points plus 16 original = 64+ total points from one tile.
COMPLEX → COMPLEXES +ES
Base: 20 pts 7 letters X value
COMPLEX: Intricate or multifaceted. COMPLEXES: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: 7-letter word with X (8 points) that naturally extends to corners. Adding -ES for COMPLEXES creates 66+ points plus original 20 = 86+ total. Longer words create higher multiplier value.
PRIZED → PRIZEDS +S
Base: 18 pts Z value Common past tense
PRIZED: Highly valued. PRIZEDS: Plural form.
Why It's Perfect: Z (10 points) makes this 6-letter word valuable. PRIZED frequently appears extending toward Triple Word Scores. Your S creates 54 points plus 18 original = 72+ total.
BOXCAR → BOXCARS +S
Base: 18 pts X value Railroad term
BOXCAR: A type of railroad freight car. BOXCARS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: X (8 points) in a common compound word. BOXCAR appears regularly in competitive games. S-hook yields 54 points plus 18 original = 72+ total. Solid, reliable hook.
WAXED → WAXEDS +S
Base: 16 pts 5 letters X in past tense
WAXED: Treated with wax or increased. WAXEDS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: Short word with X (8 points) that fits easily near corners. WAXED is common enough to appear regularly. S-hook creates 48 points plus 16 original = 64+ points from five letters.
FIXER → FIXERS +S
Base: 15 pts Common word X value
FIXER: One who repairs or arranges. FIXERS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: FIXER with X (8 points) is frequently played. Common word that opponents don't guard against. Your S creates 45 points plus 15 original = 60+ total. Highly practical hook.
HAZARD → HAZARDS +S
Base: 19 pts Z value 6 letters
HAZARD: A danger or risk. HAZARDS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: Z (10 points) in a common word creates consistent scoring. HAZARD frequently extends toward corners. S-hook yields 57 points plus 19 original = 76+ total.
LUXURY → LUXURYS +S
Base: 16 pts X and Y Uncommon plural
LUXURY: Great comfort or elegance. LUXURYS: Plural (note: LUXURIES also valid).
Why It's Perfect: X (8) and Y (4) create 16 base points. LUXURY appears in competitive play. Many opponents forget the -S plural option. S-hook creates 48 points plus 16 original = 64+ total.
FLEXED → FLEXEDS +S
Base: 17 pts X in past tense 51+ pts on TWS
FLEXED: Bent or contracted muscles. FLEXEDS: Plural form.
Why It's Perfect: X (8 points) in past tense creates value. FLEXED commonly extends toward Triple Word Scores. Your S creates 51 points plus 17 original = 68+ total from one tile.
JAZZER → JAZZERS +S
Base: 32 pts J + double Z 96+ pts on TWS
JAZZER: A jazz musician. JAZZERS: Plural.
Why It's Perfect: J (8) plus two Z's (20) creates 32 base points. JAZZER rarely appears but when it does near a Triple Word Score, your S creates JAZZERS × 3 (99 pts) plus original JAZZER (32 pts) = 131+ points! Game-deciding hook.
BOXED → BOXEDS +S
Base: 15 pts 5 letters X value
BOXED: Enclosed in a box. BOXEDS: Plural form.
Why It's Perfect: Short word with X (8 points) that fits near corners. BOXED is common in competitive play. S-hook creates 45 points plus 15 original = 60+ total from a 5-letter word.
The S-Conservation Strategy

Don't waste S tiles on 10-15 point plays when a Triple Word Score S-hook opportunity might appear next turn. If you have an S and see words with X, Z, Q, or J extending toward Triple Word Scores, hold your S and wait. The difference between a 15-point S-play now and a 60-point S-hook next turn is 45 points—often the margin of victory.

Interactive S-Hook Finder

Enter a word to see if it accepts an S-hook and calculate the potential score on a Triple Word Score.

Check S-Hook Potential

Strategic Positioning for S-Hooks

Knowing the words is only half the battle. Recognizing board positions and planning ahead separates good players from champions.

🎯

Identify Extension Lines

When opponent plays high-value words (with X, Z, Q, J), immediately check: does this word extend toward a Triple Word Score? How many turns until it reaches?

⏰

Plan 2-3 Turns Ahead

If a word will reach a Triple Word Score in 2 turns, hold your S. Don't play it for 12 points now when it could be worth 60+ next turn.

🛡️

Defensive Blocking

If you don't have an S and see an S-hook setup developing, block the line with a perpendicular word. Deny your opponent the opportunity.

📊

Track the S Tiles

There are only 4 S tiles plus 2 blanks. Count them. If 3 S's are played and you have one, you likely have the last S-hook opportunity in the game.

"The best Scrabble players aren't reacting to the current board—they're visualizing the board three turns from now. They see the S-hook opportunities before opponents even finish extending the word toward the Triple Word Score." — Nigel Richards, Multiple-Time World Champion

S-Hook Words by Category

⚡

Ultra-High Value (25+ base points)

These words create 75+ point S-hook opportunities on Triple Word Scores.

QUARTZ
90+ pts
PIZZA
103+ pts
BUZZER
90+ pts
JAZZER
131+ pts
FIZZLE
87+ pts
PUZZLE
87+ pts
🎯

High Value (15-24 base points)

Solid S-hook targets that create 50-75 point plays on Triple Word Scores.

FROZEN
72+ pts
HAZARD
76+ pts
COMPLEX
86+ pts
PRIZED
72+ pts
BOXCAR
72+ pts
EXPERT
60+ pts
✅

Common Targets (10-14 base points)

Frequently appearing words that create reliable 40-60 point S-hooks.

MIXER
59+ pts
WALKER
52+ pts
MARKER
51+ pts
FIXER
60+ pts
MAKER
48+ pts
BOXER
57+ pts

Practice S-Hook Recognition

The more you play, the faster you'll recognize S-hook opportunities developing on the board. Practice with our daily games to build this crucial skill.

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Conclusion: The S-Hook Advantage

Triple Word Score S-hooks represent the highest point-per-tile ratio in Scrabble. One S tile—worth just 1 point—can create 60-130 point turns when properly positioned on high-value words.

Master these principles and you'll never miss an S-hook opportunity again:

The next time you see MARKER extending toward a corner Triple Word Score and you're holding an S, you'll know exactly what to do. And your opponent will learn why S-hook mastery separates winners from everyone else.

Position. Recognize. Execute. Dominate.