Strands is a new online word game by The New York Times that is currently in beta testing. Similar to Wordle and Connections, Strands requires players to find hidden words within a grid of letters without a list of words provided. The game is reminiscent of old-fashioned Word Find books, making it both fun and frustrating for players. The goal of the game is to find hidden theme words by uncovering three words of four letters or more, which then reveal one of the theme words. The June 18 Strands puzzle theme is “It’s right under your nose,” with clues related to Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds.
Players can seek assistance with the Strands puzzle by finding any words they can within the grid. The answers for the Strands puzzle include words like “PENCIL,” “WALRUS,” “HANDLEBAR,” “HORSESHOE,” and “TOOTHBRUSH.” Additionally, there is a special theme word called the spangram, which spans the entire puzzle and summarizes the theme of the puzzle. In the case of the June 18 Strands puzzle, the spangram word is “MUSTACHE.” Players must use every letter on the board to complete the puzzle, ensuring that all theme words fill the entire board without overlapping.
To play Strands effectively, players should use the theme of the day to search for words related to that specific topic within the grid. Once a theme word is identified, it will light up in blue and remain visible. Hint words are also helpful in providing clues to the theme words. Finding three hint words, each containing at least four letters, will result in the game revealing a theme word. If players struggle to unscramble the theme word, they can find three more hint words to prompt the game to highlight the letters of the theme word in order. The ultimate goal is to uncover all theme words and the spangram by strategically locating related words within the grid.
As the Strands game is still in beta, players may experience improvements and updates before its full release. The nature of the game, which challenges players to find hidden words without a word list, adds an element of excitement and difficulty. Utilizing clues provided within the puzzle, such as references to famous personalities like Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds, can help players progress through the game. By following the rules and strategies outlined for playing Strands, players can enhance their word-finding skills and enjoy the fun and challenge of this New York Times word game.
