I don't know how this shit works either, as evidenced by the fact that I've so far lost by at least 100 points to everybody I've played with. I literally don't know how to score those crazy multiple points. Typically what happens is I spell the word XENOPHOBE and get 8 points, then Samir spells the word CAT and get 78 points. I don't know why.
But English is my second language, so if you wanna feel good about yourself and beat up a foreigner, go ahead: I'm mdegrell.