
Strands is a new daily puzzle from the New York Times, offering a fresh twist on classic word searches. In this game, you’ll need to find hidden “theme words” in a grid of letters. It can be challenging, so if you’re stuck, check out the answers and hints below to help you out.
How to Play NYT Strands
- Find Theme Words: Look for words related to the puzzle’s theme hidden in the grid of letters. Drag or tap letters to form words, and double-tap the last letter to confirm your word. Correct words will be highlighted in blue and removed from the grid.
- Use Non-Theme Words: If you find words that aren’t related to the theme but are at least four letters long, they’ll earn you hints. For every three non-theme words you discover, you’ll get a hint revealing letters from one of the theme words.
- Complete the Grid: Every letter in the grid is used to spell out the theme words with no overlap. Each letter is used exactly once.
- Find the Spangram: Each puzzle includes a special theme word (or words) that spans from one side of the grid to the opposite side. When you locate this spangram, it will be highlighted in yellow.
The aim is to solve the puzzle efficiently while using as few hints as possible.
Hint for Today’s Strands Puzzle
Today’s theme is “Not just for poking.” Here’s a clue to help you out: ___ sticks.
Today’s NYT Strands Answers
- Spangram: STICKS
Here are the answers for today’s puzzle:
- MEMORY
- CONTROL
- HOCKEY
- SWIZZLE
- CINNAMON
- LICORICE