Strands — Find Theme Words and the Spangram in a Grid of Letters
Welcome to Strands, the viral theme-based word search game from the New York Times! In Strands, you are presented with a grid of letters. Your goal is to connect adjacent letters (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to find words that fit the secret daily theme. To make it even more exciting, every puzzle features a special "Spangram" — a theme word that touches both the left and right (or top and bottom) edges of the board.
How to Play Strands
Connect letters on the grid to uncover the theme words:
- Review the daily clue to understand the puzzle's theme.
- Drag or click adjacent letters (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to form words.
- Words that fit the theme will be highlighted in blue.
- Find the **Spangram** (highlighted in yellow), which describes the theme and spans the entire grid.
- Submit non-theme words to earn hints. Three non-theme words unlock one hint letter.
- Fill the entire board with words (no letters left over) to complete the level.
Strands Rules Explained
The Spangram Rule
The Spangram is the key word of the puzzle. It describes the theme and must touch two opposite sides of the grid (left-to-right or top-to-bottom). Finding the Spangram helps clarify what kind of theme words you should look for.
No Overlapping Letters
Once a letter has been used to form a theme word or Spangram, it is locked and cannot be reused for another word. When the puzzle is complete, every single letter on the board will be used exactly once.
Hint System
If you get stuck, find valid dictionary words that do not fit the theme. Finding three of these non-theme words fills your Hint meter, which reveals the starting letter and general layout of one of the remaining theme words.
Best Strands Strategy Tips
Analyze the Clue Carefully
The clue is your only hint about the theme. Think about synonyms, related categories, or common expressions associated with the clue before you start connecting letters.
Look for the Spangram Early
Since the Spangram spans the entire board, finding it divides the letter grid into smaller sections. This makes it much easier to isolate and identify the remaining theme words.
Use Non-Theme Words for Hints
If you can't see any theme words, start connecting common short words. Even if they don't fit the theme, they will fill your Hint meter and give you a helpful nudge in the right direction.
Try Other Word Mechanics Games
Enjoyed Strands? Try grouping concepts in Connections, find letters on a grid in Wordsearch Wordle, or swap letters in Waffle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strands?
Strands is a word search puzzle where you connect adjacent letters in a grid to find words related to a secret daily theme, including a central Spangram.
What is a Spangram in Strands?
A Spangram is a special theme word that describes the overall theme of the puzzle and spans from one side of the grid to the opposite side (left-to-right or top-to-bottom).
Can letters be reused in Strands?
No, once a letter is part of a solved word, it cannot be reused. Every letter on the grid is used exactly once to complete the puzzle.
Is Strands free to play?
Yes! Our Strands clone is completely free with no limits, login, or download required.