How to Play NYT Strands — Rules, Tips & Strategies

NYT Strands is a daily word-search puzzle with a twist. Find theme words hidden in a letter grid by connecting adjacent letters. The Spangram spans edge-to-edge and reveals the theme. On TECHi daily hubs, answers use the same tap-to-reveal spoiler strip as Wordle and Quordle before the full write-up.

Rules

• An 8×6 grid of letters hides a daily theme.
• Find all theme words by connecting adjacent letters (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
• The Spangram spans edge-to-edge and sums up the theme.
• Words must be at least 4 letters long.
• All letters will be used — no leftovers.
• There is no wrong-answer penalty.

Strategies

• Find the Spangram first — it reveals the theme and splits the board.
• Look for common word patterns in the grid.
• Theme words cluster around the Spangram.
• Use hints if stuck — finding non-theme words earns you hint tokens.

Today's Strands Hints →

Yesterday's Strands Answers →