How to Play NYT Strands
Master the daily word puzzle game with our step-by-step tutorial
▶️Get Today's HintsWatch: How to Play NYT Strands - Visual Tutorial
Table of Contents
What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is the New York Times' latest daily word puzzle game that launched in March 2024. It challenges players to find hidden words within a 6x8 grid of 48 letters, all connected by a common theme.
- •A new puzzle is released every day at midnight Eastern Time
- •Each puzzle has a unique theme that connects all the words
- •Your goal is to find all theme words and the special Spangram
- •Free to play without requiring a NYT subscription
Basic Rules & Gameplay
The Game Board
- •6 columns × 8 rows = 48 letters total
- •All letters must be used to complete the puzzle
- •Each letter can only be used once
Finding Theme Words
- •Words must be at least 4 letters long
- •Connect letters in any direction: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal
- •Letters must be adjacent (touching) to form a valid path
- •Words cannot overlap - each letter belongs to one word only
The Goal
- •Find all theme words (usually 5-8 words)
- •Discover the Spangram
- •Use every letter on the board to complete the puzzle
What is a Spangram?
The Spangram is the most important word in every Strands puzzle. It's a special theme word that summarizes the entire puzzle and has unique characteristics.
Spangram Characteristics:
- ★Touches two opposite edges of the board (top-bottom or left-right)
- ★Describes or summarizes the puzzle's theme
- ★Can be one word or two words combined
- ★Highlighted in yellow when found (regular words are blue)
Example:
Theme: "Things that wrap"
THATSAWRAP
Other words: CELLOPHANE, FOIL, SCARF, SHAWL, STOLE
Hints System Explained
How to Earn Hints
- 1.Find any non-theme word of at least 4 letters
- 2.Every 3 non-theme words = 1 hint
- 3.The hint bar turns black when ready to use
How Hints Work
- •Hints highlight letters (blue outline) of one theme word
- •You still need to unscramble and connect the letters yourself
- •Use hints strategically - save them for when you're truly stuck
Pro Tips & Winning Strategies
Master these strategies to solve Strands puzzles faster and more efficiently.
1. Start with the Theme Clue
The theme is your biggest hint. Read it carefully and brainstorm related words before you start searching the grid. Think broadly about different interpretations of the theme.
2. Hunt for the Spangram First
The Spangram often reveals the puzzle's theme most clearly. Look for words that could span from edge to edge - they're usually 8-12 letters long and describe the overall theme.
3. Scan for Common Prefixes and Suffixes
Look for letter combinations like 'ING', 'TION', 'PRE', 'UN', or 'ED'. These can help you spot longer words more quickly and give you a starting point.
4. Use All Directions
Don't limit yourself to horizontal or vertical searches. Words can go diagonally, curve around, or zigzag through the grid. Train your eyes to see paths in all directions.
5. Work from the Edges
Letters on the edges of the grid are often easier to work with since they have fewer adjacent letters. This can help you find words faster and narrow down possibilities.
6. Look for Uncommon Letters
Letters like Q, X, Z, and J appear less frequently. When you spot them, they're likely part of a theme word. Use them as anchor points to build words around.
7. Think Category-Wide
If the theme is "US States," don't just think of famous states. Consider all 50 states, including less common ones like Delaware or Wyoming. Think comprehensively within the theme.
8. Save Hints for Strategic Moments
Don't use hints immediately. Try solving on your own first. When you do use hints, start with vague ones to maintain the challenge. Save specific hints for when you're completely stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NYT Strands free to play?
Yes, NYT Strands is completely free to play. You don't need a New York Times subscription to access the daily puzzle. Simply visit the NYT Games website or use our interactive version.
What time does the new puzzle come out?
A new Strands puzzle is released every day at midnight (12:00 AM) Eastern Time. We typically update our hints and answers within 1 hour of the puzzle release.
What is a Spangram in Strands?
The Spangram is a special theme word that touches two opposite sides of the board (top-bottom or left-right). It describes the overall puzzle theme and is highlighted in yellow when found.
Can the Spangram be two words?
Yes, the Spangram can be two separate words combined into one, like 'THATSAWRAP' or 'STAINREMOVAL'. It's written without spaces in the grid.
How many theme words are there usually?
Most Strands puzzles contain 5-8 theme words, plus one Spangram. The total varies depending on the daily puzzle, but typically ranges from 6-9 words total.
What counts as a valid word?
Valid words must be at least 4 letters long and exist in the English dictionary. All letters must be connected in a continuous path (adjacent horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
Do I lose points for using hints?
No, you don't lose points for using hints in the official NYT version. However, achieving a 'Perfect' completion requires solving the puzzle without using any hints.
Can words overlap in Strands?
No, words cannot overlap. Each letter on the board can only be used once across all theme words. Every letter must be part of exactly one word to complete the puzzle.
Is there a Strands archive?
Currently, there's no official NYT archive for past Strands puzzles. However, you can use our Strands Archive page to access all past puzzle answers and hints.
How do I share my results?
After completing the puzzle on the NYT site, click the share button. This copies your results to the clipboard in an emoji format without revealing the answers, perfect for sharing on social media.