🎯 Get Daily Word Tips!
Join our WhatsApp channel for Wordle hints, word game strategies & puzzle solutions!
Join Free →Q Words Without U
Never let a Q tile ruin your Scrabble game again
The Q Tile Problem (And Solution)
Getting stuck with a Q tile and no U is one of the most frustrating experiences in Scrabble. The Q is worth 10 points—great when you can use it, but it costs you 10 points if it's stuck on your rack at game end!
The good news: There are 30+ valid Q words that don't require U. Memorizing these words transforms the Q from a liability into an asset. QI alone appears in most expert games because it's short, easy to play, and scores 11 points.
Essential Q-No-U Words to Memorize
The single most important Q word. Means "life force" (same as chi). Playable almost anywhere.
Hebrew letter. Fantastic when you have O, P, H available.
Arab marketplace. Ends with Q—unusual and useful.
Stimulant plant. Easy with common letters.
Complete Q-Without-U Word List
All valid Q words that don't need U, sorted by length:
| Word | Letters | Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| QI | 2 | 11 | The vital life force in Chinese philosophy (also spelled chi or ki) |
| QAT | 3 | 12 | Shrub chewed as stimulant in Arabia/Africa |
| SUQ | 3 | 12 | An open-air marketplace in Arab countries |
| QOPH | 4 | 18 | The 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet |
| QADI | 4 | 14 | An Islamic judge who interprets religious law |
| QAID | 4 | 14 | A Muslim judge (variant of qadi) |
| QATS | 4 | 13 | Plural of qat - an Arabian shrub |
| QERE | 4 | 13 | A marginal reading in Hebrew Bible (SOWPODS) |
| SUQS | 4 | 13 | Plural of suq - marketplaces |
| WAQF | 4 | 19 | An Islamic endowment of property (SOWPODS) |
| QORMA | 5 | 16 | A type of mild curry dish (also korma) |
| QANAT | 5 | 14 | An underground irrigation tunnel |
| QADIS | 5 | 15 | Plural of qadi - Islamic judges |
| QAIDS | 5 | 15 | Plural of qaid - Muslim judges |
| QIBLA | 5 | 16 | The direction of Mecca for Muslim prayer |
| TRANQ | 5 | 14 | Short for tranquilizer |
| FAQIR | 5 | 17 | A Muslim or Hindu holy man (also fakir) |
| WAQFS | 5 | 20 | Plural of waqf (SOWPODS) |
| QINTAR | 6 | 15 | Albanian monetary unit (1/100 of a lek) |
| QINDAR | 6 | 16 | Variant spelling of qintar |
| QWERTY | 6 | 21 | Standard keyboard layout (SOWPODS only) |
| QIVIUT | 6 | 18 | The soft undercoat of the musk ox (SOWPODS) |
| TRANQS | 6 | 15 | Plural of tranq |
| FAQIRS | 6 | 18 | Plural of faqir |
| SHEQEL | 6 | 18 | Ancient Hebrew unit of weight/currency |
| QAWWALI | 7 | 19 | Sufi devotional music from South Asia |
| QINTARS | 7 | 16 | Plural of qintar |
| QINDARS | 7 | 17 | Plural of qindar |
| QIVIUTS | 7 | 19 | Plural of qiviut (SOWPODS) |
| SHEQELS | 7 | 19 | Plural of sheqel |
Note: Some words are only valid in SOWPODS (UK/International). Check your game's dictionary before playing.
Q Strategy Tips
- Play Q early when possible — Don't wait for the "perfect" play. A 20-point Q word is better than holding it and never using it.
- Position for premium squares — QI on a Triple Letter Square scores 31 points. On a Double Word with TL, even more!
- Watch for I and A tiles — These letters combine with Q for QI, QAT, and QAID. Keep one handy when you draw Q.
- Consider exchanging late — If you're stuck with Q and no plays, exchanging just Q might be better than passing.
- Learn QOPH variations — QOPH, QADI, QAID, and QANAT all use common supporting letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all these Q words valid in Words with Friends?
Most are, but WWF has a slightly different dictionary. QI, QOPH, QADI, and QAID are valid. Some obscure words may differ.
What's the highest-scoring Q-without-U word?
QWERTY (21 base points) is highest in SOWPODS. In TWL, QINTAR/QINDAR variants combined with board multipliers can score 50+ points.
Can I use QI multiple times in a game?
Absolutely! There's only one Q tile, but you can form QI multiple times if the board position allows (creating QI as a new word in both directions, for example).
Why don't more English words have Q without U?
In English, Q traditionally represents a /kw/ sound requiring U. Q-no-U words are borrowed from Arabic, Hebrew, and Chinese where Q represents a /k/ or /q/ sound alone.