Strands is a lesser-known game in the New York Times Games app that has recently moved out of beta. While not as popular as games like Wordle and Connections, Strands offers a unique and challenging puzzle experience. The rules for playing Strands involve finding words related to a theme, with the goal of uncovering all the theme words and a special spangram that spans the entire puzzle. Players can also unlock in-game hints by finding hint words that provide clues to the theme words.
In order to play Strands, players must use the theme of the day to search for words related to that topic. By clicking or dragging the letters in order, they can submit their guesses for theme words. Finding hint words that are at least four letters long can provide additional clues to unlocking theme words. The ultimate goal is to find all the theme words and the spangram, using every letter on the board in either a theme word or the special word that summarizes the puzzle theme.
Each day, a new theme is provided for the Strands puzzle, along with clues to help players uncover the theme words. By finding and unlocking hint words, players can progress through the puzzle and ultimately solve the entire board. The answers for the Strands puzzle are based on the theme of the day, and players must identify all the theme words, as well as the spangram that stretches across the entire puzzle board. The completion of the puzzle requires players to utilize all the letters in the board to form the theme words and spangram.
One of the recent Strands puzzles had a theme related to “Boots and Saddles,” with words like “DUEL,” “HORSE,” “BOUNTY,” “COWBOY,” “OUTLAW,” “SALOON,” and “SHERIFF” as answers. The spangram for that particular puzzle was “WESTERNS,” reflecting the overall theme of the puzzle. By following the clues and hints provided in the game, players can work through the puzzle and uncover all the theme words and the spangram. Strands offers a variety of themes and challenges for players to enjoy, making it a unique and engaging addition to the New York Times Games app.
