I believe you can get word making gadgets to help with the longer words that no one has ever heard of
There are several on the internet.
This one's probably a good one:
http://www.scrabblecheat.com/
There is one problem with the cheat programs. It is fairly obvious when someone is using one, as their vocabulary suddenly explodes to something greater than the Encyclopaedia Brittanica! Also it takes the personal interest away from the game.
My tips for playing a good game are:
Learn all the 2 letter and 3 letter words you can.
If you cannot make a decent score with a word, play a tactical move and don't leave the Triple Score squares easily available.
Learn some of the names of gases and elements.
Learn some obscure words such as yttrium and others that use a multi consonant form.
Always try to combine your word with another already down so you score both words, or sometimes even more.
Try to use high scoring letters on the triple letter square, 3 x 8 is obviously better than 3 x 1, and the square can only be used once!
Finally, play regularly with different people.
Most of all enjoy it!
