Is SHEQEL a valid word?

SHEQEL is the monetary unit of Israel, more often spelled SHEKEL in English. The word list accepts both spellings, and SHEQEL has two plurals, SHEQELS and SHEQALIM. The Q sits in the middle with an E after it, which is unusual and easy to overlook, so many players never see it. With the Q and a 4-point H, SHEQEL scores well, and the two E tiles help balance a rack.

Before any bonus squares: S 1 + H 4 + E 1 + Q 10 + E 1 + L 1 = 18. On a double-word square that's 36, on a triple-word 54, and every letter bonus under one of these tiles is applied first.

Later in the game, put the Q on a 3L square and SHEQEL is worth 38 before any word bonus.

Place that one tile so it also forms a word in the other direction and both words score.

Swap any one letter of SHEQEL and these are still words:

No other word in the list uses exactly the letters S, H, E, Q, E and L.

SHEQEL is the money of Israel, also spelled SHEKEL. Its plurals are SHEQALIM and SHEQELS.

• Q without U

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Tileside checks words against the North American list, the NASPA Word List 2023. Your group's chosen dictionary always wins.

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