If you’ve added Strands to your daily puzzle lineup alongside Wordle, Connections, and The Mini Crossword, you already know how much of a brain-twister it can be. Created by The New York Times, Strands is a more complex spin on the traditional word search, demanding not just speed but strategy and a sharp eye. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned word sleuth, some days are just tougher than others—and that’s where a little help can go a long way.
How to Play Strands
Each Strands puzzle begins with a grid full of jumbled letters. Your objective? Find the theme words hidden in the grid. You can tap or drag across letters to form words and double-tap the last letter to submit your guess. When a correct theme word is found, its letters turn blue and are locked into place.
Even words that aren’t part of the theme can help. Every three valid non-theme words (of four or more letters) will earn you a hint—a scrambled theme word will light up on the board for you to solve.
Every letter in the puzzle is used once and only once. There’s no overlapping or reusing of letters.
One unique word in the puzzle is the “spangram.” It touches two opposite edges of the board and usually reveals the overall theme. It’s highlighted in yellow when you find it.
Today’s Theme and Hint:
Theme: “Back away slowly.”
Hint: Take heed
The theme implies a warning or danger, things that might make you instinctively back off.
Today’s Spangram:
WARNING
Full List of Today’s NYT Strands Answers:
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RATTLE
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HUFF
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HISS
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GROWL
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SNARL
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SPRAY
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STOMP
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SCREECH
These are all actions or sounds that serve as threats, things an animal (or a person) might do to signal, “Don’t come any closer.” The puzzle plays into that primal instinct to step away when you sense danger.