How to Play NYT Strands

Strands is the New York Times' daily word-search puzzle. Find every theme-related word hidden in a 6×8 grid, including one special spangram.

The rules

• The board is a 6×8 grid of 48 letters.
• Connect adjacent letters in any direction — including diagonals.
• Words can change direction, but no letter is used twice in a word.
• Every letter on the board belongs to exactly one answer.
• Theme words turn blue; the spangram turns gold.
• There's no wrong-answer penalty.

How the hint system works

For every three valid non-theme words (4+ letters) you find, you earn a hint. Using a hint highlights the letters of one theme word — a nudge, not a full giveaway.

Beginner strategy

1. Decode the theme first; it tells you what category to look for.
2. Hunt the spangram early — finding it usually unlocks the rest.
3. When stuck, farm non-theme words to bank hints.

Want help with today's board? See today's Strands hints.