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◆ The New York Times

Strands Hints, Answers & Strategy Guide

Find themed words in a 6×8 letter grid.

Strands is the New York Times' themed word search: a grid of 6 columns by 8 rows hiding a set of theme words plus one "spangram" that stretches across the board and captures the theme. Every letter is used exactly once, and a fresh puzzle drops daily. TECHi keeps spoiler-safe hints and today's spangram and answers, yesterday's solution, and an evergreen guide to how it works.

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Jump straight to today's (September 20, 2026) hintsCheck yesterday

◆ Three pages, one game

Pick your moment.

Open today’s hints when you are solving now, jump to yesterday if you missed a day, or use the guide when you want rules and strategy.

Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.

Recent Strands answers
DatePuzzleAnswer
Sat, Sep 19, 2026Strands #930Theme words: ARRR, AVAST, HEARTIES, MATEY, SAVVY, YOHOHO. Spangram: TALKLIKEAPIRATE.
Fri, Sep 18, 2026Strands #929Theme words: AGREEMENT, CONTRACT, COVENANT, PACT, TREATY. Spangram: LETSMAKEADEAL.
Thu, Sep 17, 2026Strands #928Theme words: BLONDIE, MUTTS, PEANUTS, PICKLES, ZIPPY, ZITS. Spangram: THEFUNNYPAGES.
Wed, Sep 16, 2026Strands #927Theme words: BRIGHT, FLASHY, JAZZY, STRIKING, VIBRANT, VIVID. Spangram: EYECATCHING.
Tue, Sep 15, 2026Strands #926Theme words: ANCHOR, BOLT, BRACKET, HINGE, JOIST, KNOB, NAIL, SCREW. Spangram: HARDWARE.
Mon, Sep 14, 2026Strands #925Theme words: EXCLAIM, FREEZE, GASP, RECOIL, SHUDDER, START. Spangram: THAT’S SHOCKING.
Sun, Sep 13, 2026Strands #924Theme words: AGENT, ASSET, COUNTERSPY, MOLE, OPERATIVE, PLANT. Spangram: UNDERCOVER.
Sat, Sep 12, 2026Strands #923Theme words: DETACH, DISENGAGE, FREE, LIBERATE, RELEASE, UNLOOSE. Spangram: LET IT GO.
Fri, Sep 11, 2026Strands #922Theme words: BARGE, BRIDGE, DOCK, LIGHTHOUSE, PIER, SHIP. Spangram: ON THE WATERFRONT.
Thu, Sep 10, 2026Strands #921Theme words: CROWN, LAURELS, MEDAL, PENNANT, PRIZE, TROPHY. Spangram: WE HAVE A WINNER.
Wed, Sep 9, 2026Strands #920Theme words: ARBOR, BOWER, CANOPY, GAZEBO, PAVILION, PERGOLA. Spangram: SUN AND SHADE.
Tue, Sep 8, 2026Strands #919Theme words: CUBBY, DESK, EASEL, GLOBE, MARKERS, WHITEBOARD. Spangram: BACK TO SCHOOL.
Mon, Sep 7, 2026Strands #918Theme words: AGREE, COMPROMISE, NEGOTIATE, SETTLE, SHARE. Spangram: MEETMEHALFWAY.
Sun, Sep 6, 2026Strands #917ADEQUATE, ALRIGHT, AVERAGE, MEDIOCRE, OKAY; spangram NOTHINGSPECIAL.

◆ Strategy

How to Win at Strands

Strands is easiest when you treat the spangram as the anchor. Find small theme words first, then use their shape to locate the long phrase.

Use the theme literally

The clue usually points to the answer family. List possible theme words before scanning the grid.

Hunt edges and corners

Long answers often bend around the board. Check edge letters when a theme word seems to stop too early.

Save hints for dead ends

A hint is most valuable after you have narrowed the theme, because one revealed word can unlock the spangram.

◆ FAQ

Strands questions, answered

What is a Strands spangram?
The spangram is the long theme answer that spans the board and ties the other words together.
Should I solve the spangram first?
Usually no. Shorter theme words often reveal the direction and shape of the spangram.

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Every other game we cover, updated on the same midnight ET clock.