Scrabble Basic Game Rules_Eng.pdf, [page not specified]
Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook PDF pages. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 dispute regarding proper noun usage in Scrabble.
Key Insight: To avoid arguments, agree on a specific standard English dictionary before the first tile is drawn.
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Scrabble.
According to the Scrabble Official Rulebook (Scrabble Basic Game Rules), you may play any words listed in a standard English dictionary except those only spelt with an initial capital letter, abbreviations, prefixes and suffixes, and words requiring apostrophes and hyphens. While foreign words that have been absorbed into the English language are allowed, words that are inherently proper nouns—and thus require an initial capital letter—are excluded from valid play.
Example Play Situation
Alice plays the word 'TRAIN'. Bob challenges the word 'LONDON' because it is a proper noun. Since 'LONDON' is only spelt with an initial capital letter, the challenge is successful; Bob wins the turn and Alice must take back her tiles.
House Rules
[HOUSE RULE] Some players use an 'Open Dictionary' variant where players can look up any words they wish before playing them, which can be useful for learning new vocabulary.
Common Misconceptions
Proper nouns like names and places are allowed
All words found in a dictionary are valid
Foreign words are always prohibited
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Play words found in a standard English dictionary
Play words requiring an initial capital letter
Play foreign words absorbed into English
Play abbreviations
Play pluralised words
Play words with hyphens or apostrophes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for proper nouns in Scrabble?
No, words that require an initial capital letter are not permitted.
Can I play a person's name if it is in the dictionary?
No, if the word is only spelt with an initial capital letter, it is invalid.
Is it allowed to use abbreviations in a game?
No, abbreviations are specifically excluded from permitted words.
What if a word requires a hyphen or an apostrophe?
Those words are not accepted according to the official rules.
David Noah is a board game rules specialist and content creator who writes clear, dispute‑free guides for modern tabletop games. On this site, he focuses on answering the exact rules questions players argue about at the table, using official rulebooks, expansions, and tournament rulings as his primary sources. His goal is to turn confusing edge cases into simple, step‑by‑step explanations so you can spend less time debating and more time playing.
