Each April 13th, National Scrabble Day invites word lovers and board game enthusiasts to slow down, unplug from their devices, and rediscover the timeless joy of language—one letter tile at a time. More than just a pastime, Scrabble is a cultural icon, a mental workout, and a reminder that words have the power to connect, compete, and captivate.

The Origins of a Word Game Classic

The story of Scrabble begins during the economic hardship of the Great Depression. Alfred Mosher Butts, an out-of-work architect, used his love of language and puzzles to invent a game that blended chance with skill. He originally called it LEXIKO, then later changed it to Criss Cross Words. After facing repeated rejections from game manufacturers, Butts finally found a partner in James Brunot, who revised the rules and renamed it Scrabble. In 1948, the game was trademarked—and soon found its way into millions of homes.

By the early 1980s, Scrabble had gone from living room staple to television spotlight, with a game show adaptation hosted by Chuck Woolery. It hasn’t slowed down since. Whether in casual settings or international tournaments, Scrabble continues to sharpen minds and challenge vocabularies.

Why April 13th?

National Scrabble Day is celebrated on April 13th in honor of Alfred Mosher Butts’ birthday. It’s a chance to reflect on the enduring legacy of a game that grew from obscurity to worldwide acclaim, and a perfect excuse to dust off the board and start spelling.

Ways to Celebrate National Scrabble Day

Host a Scrabble Game Night
Gather friends, family, or coworkers and put your word skills to the test. Make it a tournament, offer prizes like dictionaries or word-themed mugs, and see who reigns supreme as the vocabulary champion.

Get Creative with Tiles
Use spare letter tiles for arts and crafts. People create everything from coasters and keychains to full wall mosaics using old Scrabble pieces. It’s a unique way to blend art and language.

Play Online or on Mobile
If an in-person game isn’t feasible, there are dozens of mobile apps and online platforms that let you play with people around the world. Whether you’re practicing against a computer or battling live opponents, the wordplay never stops.

Brush Up on Strategy
This is the perfect time to hone your skills. Learn the most useful two- and three-letter words, manage your tile rack strategically, and aim for those high-value bonus squares. Knowing how to stack multipliers and extend existing words can be the key to victory.

Learn the History
Take a moment to dive deeper into the story of Alfred Butts and the evolution of the game. It’s a compelling narrative of persistence, innovation, and how one idea transformed into a global phenomenon.

Fun Facts and Fascinating Trivia

• Highest Theoretical Score: The word oxphenbutazone can score over 1,700 points in a single play under perfect conditions.
• Covert Operations: During WWII, special Scrabble sets were sent to prisoners of war with hidden maps and tools to aid in escape efforts.
• Longest Word Played: In competitive settings, sesquioxidizing has been legally played—fitting snugly across the full board.
• Global Quirks: Nigeria’s “Speed Scrabble” challenges players to make moves in under 60 seconds, turning vocabulary into a race.
• Record-Breaking Board: The world’s largest Scrabble board was the size of a tennis court, with players using ladders to place tiles.
• Oddest Promotion: In the 1970s, a Scrabble-themed perfume called “Eau de Word” promised to boost word skills—unsurprisingly, it didn’t catch on.
• International Fame: Thailand’s King’s Cup tournament attracts over 7,000 players each year.
• Rule Debates: Short slang terms like “za” (for pizza) sparked intense debate before becoming officially recognized.
• Creative Expression: Artists have created entire cityscapes using thousands of Scrabble tiles, merging language with visual design.

A Timeless Game of Strategy and Expression

National Scrabble Day isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about celebrating creativity, quick thinking, and the love of language. Whether you’re a casual player who enjoys the occasional game or a tournament regular aiming for the next big score, Scrabble continues to offer something meaningful.

So put away the phones, gather some people you enjoy, and let the words begin. Whether you win or lose, every game is a story told one tile at a time.