The New York Times Strands puzzle is a daily word search game where players must find a group of words that have something in common. Each game features a six by eight grid of letters, and players receive a clue to help identify the theme of the words. In addition to the theme words, players must also find a special word called a spangram, which links two opposite sides of the board. Finding three valid words of at least four letters unlocks a hint button that highlights the letters of one of the theme words.
The difficulty of the Strands puzzle varies from day to day, with some puzzles requiring players to fill in missing words in a phrase or identify synonyms or homophones. Players must be on their toes and ready for surprises from the puzzle creators. In order to win the game, players must connect letters vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to form the theme words and spangram. Once a word is discovered, it remains highlighted in blue, while the spangram is highlighted in yellow. Touchscreen players can double tap the last letter to submit their guess.
Today’s Strands theme hint is “Rolling in the aisles” with an additional clue of “Supermarket sections.” The spangram for today’s puzzle is “GROCERY STORE,” and the other theme words are “DAIRY, BAKERY, FROZEN, SEAFOOD, PRODUCE, and MEATS.” By piecing together words like “DIARY” and “BACK” to unlock “MEATS” and finding “BAKERY” which led to “SEAFOOD,” players can complete the grid and solve the puzzle. Using hints and strategically identifying words can help players successfully complete the Strands puzzle.
Players who are looking for help with the Strands puzzle can visit the blog for hints and solutions to upcoming games. By being aware of the daily clues and answers, players can improve their chances of successfully completing the game. The goal of the Strands puzzle is to find a group of words that share a common theme and identify the spangram that links two opposite sides of the board. By connecting letters in various directions and using hints when needed, players can enjoy a challenging and engaging word search experience.