Strands, a game featured in the New York Times Games app, has recently moved out of beta and is gaining popularity among puzzle enthusiasts. While not as well-known as Wordle and Connections, Strands offers a challenging and entertaining experience for players. The rules for Strands involve finding theme words related to a specific topic by identifying hint words within the puzzle. The game has a unique element called the spangram, a special theme word that spans the entire puzzle and summarizes the puzzle theme.
To play Strands, players must use the theme of the day to look for words related to that topic. Once a theme word is identified, it will light up in blue and stay that way. Hint words are additional words found within the puzzle that provide clues to the theme words. Finding three hint words will reveal a theme word, and if players can’t unscramble it, finding three more hint words will highlight the letters of the theme word. The goal is to use every letter in the puzzle either in a theme word or the spangram, with theme words filling the entire board without overlapping.
Today’s Strands theme is “What a stud!” with a clue referencing Claire’s Accessories. Players can unlock in-game hints by finding words of four letters or more, such as BEER, BEERY, SORE, BONE, and LONE. These words will help reveal the theme words related to the puzzle. The answers for today’s Strands puzzle include NOSE, CHEEK, NAVEL, SEPTUM, EYEBROW, TONGUE, and EARLOBE. Additionally, the spangram for the day is PIERCING, which spans the entire puzzle from left to right.
Strands may not receive as much attention as other New York Times games, but its challenging gameplay and unique elements make it a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. With the game now featured in the official Games app, more players are discovering the thrill of unraveling theme words and hint words to complete the puzzle. By following the rules of the game and using the daily theme to guide their search for words, players can enjoy a satisfying and engaging experience with Strands.
In conclusion, Strands offers a refreshing and stimulating puzzle experience that sets it apart from other games like Wordle and Connections in the New York Times Games app. The unique rules and mechanics of Strands make it a challenging yet enjoyable game for players looking to test their word-finding skills. By utilizing the theme of the day and uncovering hint words within the puzzle, players can unlock theme words and complete the puzzle with finesse. With the addition of the spangram element, Strands provides an extra layer of complexity and excitement, enhancing the overall gameplay for fans of word puzzles.
