Matches can have different scoring modes depending either on how you set up the match or the match limitations in a Public Multiplayer game.
AUTOMATIC scoring only permits you to spell valid words that exist in the SCRABBLE dictionary to be spelled. If the word does not exist, you can’t spell it.
CHALLENGE scoring, on the other hand, allows you to spell ANY word, regardless of whether it exists in the dictionary or not. However, this also means that any word may be challenged by your opponents as well.
After you confirm your spelled words, a Challenge timer appears. If any player suspects one or more of your words may not exist, they can issue a challenge before the timer runs out. All of your words are then checked, and penalties are issued based on the outcome.
One of the following will occur after the outcome:
- SUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE:
This means one or more words do not exist. The player’s tiles are sent back to their tile rack and their turn is immediately skipped.
- FAILED CHALLENGE:
This means all of the player’s words exist. The opponent who issued the challenge will immediately skip their next turn. This is a cumulative penalty, meaning if an opponent keeps issuing and losing challenges, they may end up automatically skipping multiple turns in a row.
Quick Play matches that are setup for Challenge scoring do not support AI.