Keep in mind you don't have to get the starred squares in order. Don't get hung up on trying to get a square so much that you are not progressing on the board and your opponent is getting way ahead. Sometimes you are able to build off your words and move past a starred square to the next one, and then when the right letters come, get the one you passed. Also remember that it does you no good to be the first to the center if your final play doesn't give you more points than your opponent.