J is worth eight points and Z is worth ten in standard tile values, so even short, simple words built around either letter tend to score well. JAZZ, QUIZ, and their many derivatives are reliable go-to options once you're holding one of these tiles.
Strong J words
Strong Z words
Why JAZZ and its relatives are so useful
JAZZ itself is short, common, and instantly recognizable, which makes it one of the most reliable J plays available. Its extended family, JAZZY, JAZZED, JAZZING, JAZZIER, all stay useful as your rack and the board change, since they let you adapt the base word to fit whatever space you've actually got.
Z words beyond the obvious ZOO and ZERO
Once you move past the everyday Z words, QUIZ-based words and their extensions, QUIZZED, QUIZZER, QUIZZES, are consistently strong plays, especially since they also use a Q, another high value letter, in the same word.
Holding a J or Z with nowhere to play it
Both letters are worth enough that it's usually fine to hold one for a turn or two while you wait for a good spot, rather than forcing a weak play just to get rid of it. If nothing's coming together, run your rack through our Word Unscrambler to double check you're not missing an option.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is J worth in Scrabble?
Eight points in the standard North American tile set.
How many points is Z worth?
Ten points, tied with Q as one of the two highest value letters in the standard set.
What's a reliable word to play when I draw a J?
JAZZ and its close relatives, JAZZY, JAZZED, JAZZING, are short, common, and dependable across a wide range of board positions.
Are there good Z words besides ZOO and ZERO?
Yes, words built around QUIZ, like QUIZZED and QUIZZER, are strong options and happen to combine Z with another high value letter, Q.
Should I hold onto a J or Z tile if I don't have a great play right now?
Often yes, especially early in the game. Both letters are valuable enough to be worth waiting a turn or two for a genuinely strong placement.
Related reading
The Highest Scoring Scrabble Words, By The Numbers
We calculated tile values across our entire dictionary to find the genuinely highest scoring Scrabble words at seven and eight letters, not just the usual repeated examples.
ScrabbleEvery Two Letter Scrabble Word: The Complete List
The complete list of two letter words valid in our word game dictionary, essential for parallel plays and tight endgame positions in Scrabble and Words with Friends.
ScrabbleWords With Q But No U: A Real List For Word Games
Every word in our dictionary containing Q without a following U. Essential knowledge for Scrabble and Words with Friends when U isn't available.