NYT Crossplay Tile Distribution
NYT Crossplay uses a standard 100-tile pool based on Scrabble distribution. Knowing how many of each tile exist helps you predict what your opponents might hold and plan your plays accordingly.
Total tiles in the pool: 100
Complete Tile Distribution Table
| Tile | Count | Points | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blank | 2 | 0 pts | 2.0% |
| A | 9 | 1 pt | 9.0% |
| B | 2 | 3 pts | 2.0% |
| C | 2 | 3 pts | 2.0% |
| D | 4 | 2 pts | 4.0% |
| E | 12 | 1 pt | 12.0% |
| F | 2 | 4 pts | 2.0% |
| G | 3 | 2 pts | 3.0% |
| H | 2 | 4 pts | 2.0% |
| I | 9 | 1 pt | 9.0% |
| J | 1 | 8 pts | 1.0% |
| K | 1 | 5 pts | 1.0% |
| L | 4 | 1 pt | 4.0% |
| M | 2 | 3 pts | 2.0% |
| N | 6 | 1 pt | 6.0% |
| O | 8 | 1 pt | 8.0% |
| P | 2 | 3 pts | 2.0% |
| Q | 1 | 10 pts | 1.0% |
| R | 6 | 1 pt | 6.0% |
| S | 4 | 1 pt | 4.0% |
| T | 6 | 1 pt | 6.0% |
| U | 4 | 1 pt | 4.0% |
| V | 2 | 4 pts | 2.0% |
| W | 2 | 4 pts | 2.0% |
| X | 1 | 8 pts | 1.0% |
| Y | 2 | 4 pts | 2.0% |
| Z | 1 | 10 pts | 1.0% |
Key Distribution Insights
Most Common Tiles
E (12), A (9), I (9), O (8), N/R/T (6 each)
Vowels dominate. If you have 3+ vowels, you can likely form a valid word.
Rarest Tiles (1 each)
J, K, Q, X, Z
With only one copy each, holding these is a privilege. Play them on premium squares.
Blank Tiles (2)
Both blank tiles are wild cards worth 0 points.
Use them to complete high-value words — don't waste them on easy words you could form anyway.
Consonant Clusters
S (4), T (6), R (6), N (6) are workhorses.
S is especially valuable for extending words and scoring double plays.
Using Distribution to Play Smarter
- E probability: E is the most common tile (12%). In a 7-tile draw you have roughly an 85% chance of drawing at least one E.
- Q without U: Since there's only 1 Q and 4 U tiles, Q and U won't always pair. Learn Q-without-U words: QOPH, QATS, TRANQ.
- S hoarding: With 4 S tiles, S is more available than many players realize. Don't over-save it — use it to pluralize or make an S-word for a parallel play.
- Opponent reads: If many E tiles have been played, the remaining pool is consonant-heavy — expect your opponents to struggle for vowels.
More Crossplay Resources
Full point chart for every tile.
Point CalculatorCalculate exact scores with premium squares.
Strategy GuideMaster premium squares and round multipliers.
How to WinTop tips for a higher Crossplay score.