QI Words: Nine Entries That Punch Above Their Weight
The entire QI-starting word list fits on a sticky note: QI, QIS, QINDAR, QINDARS, QINDARKA, QINTAR, QINTARS, QIVIUT, and QIVIUTS. Nine words. That's it. But these nine words have outsized importance in Scrabble because they let you play the Q tile without needing a U anywhere nearby. QI alone (the Chinese concept of life energy) scores 11 points for two letters and is one of the most played words in competitive Scrabble. QIS, its plural, adds an S for 12 points and often hooks onto existing board words for bonus scoring. Every serious player should have all nine committed to memory.
The longer QI-starters come from two distinct sources. QINDAR and QINTAR (with their plurals) are Albanian monetary units, subdivisions of the lek. QINDARKA is a variant form of the same currency. QIVIUT refers to the extraordinarily soft undercoat of the muskox, prized by Arctic textile makers as one of the warmest natural fibers on earth. QIVIUT scarves sell for hundreds of dollars, and the word itself is worth 19 base points in Scrabble. The practical challenge with these longer words is tile availability — you need specific letters alongside Q — but when they land, they're spectacular. One tip: if you draw Q early in a game, check whether you can build toward QINTAR or QIVIUT before settling for just QI.
For the full Q-without-U toolkit, pair this page with words starting with Q, which covers QAT, QADI, QOPH, and the rest. Also see words ending in QI for the reverse pattern, and words starting with Z for ZA — the other two-letter play that scores 11 points.
FAQ
Are all nine QI-starting words valid in Words With Friends?
QI and QIS are universally accepted across all major word game platforms including Words With Friends. The longer forms (QINDAR, QINTAR, QINDARKA, QIVIUT, and their plurals) are valid in Scrabble dictionaries but may not be recognized in every casual word game app. Always check your specific platform's dictionary. For more Q-tile strategies, see words starting with Q for the complete Q-without-U word list.
What is QIVIUT and why should I learn it?
QIVIUT is the soft, dense underfur of the muskox, used to make high-end knitted garments. In Scrabble, it scores 19 base points and uses the Q without a U. The plural QIVIUTS scores 20. Both are valid in TWL and SOWPODS dictionaries. It's one of the highest-scoring Q-without-U words that doesn't require a blank tile. Pair this knowledge with words ending in QI and words starting with Z for a full rare-tile toolkit.
When should I play QI versus saving tiles for a longer QI- word?
If you can land QI on a triple-letter square (31 points) or create a parallel play scoring 30+, take it immediately. Only hold out for QINTAR or QIVIUT if you already have most of the required tiles and see a clear board position for them within a turn or two. Holding the Q tile costs you rack flexibility, and two turns of mediocre plays while waiting adds up. For similar tile-timing advice with other high-value letters, check words starting with X.