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MUZJIKS
The word for Russian peasants can make you rich in points.
Image Courtesy of Elizabeth Johnston/HowStuffWorks.com
Muzjiks are Russian peasants -- or so they were called under the tzar (another handy word to know). In Scrabble, "muzjiks" gives you the highest possible opening play. Put the "z" on the double letter square for an initial score of 39. All opening plays score a double word -- that makes 78. Add 50 for a bingo, the use of all seven letters in your rack. With a total of 128, you're off to a terrific start.
