The latest online game sensation that everyone is talking about is Strands, now available on the NYT Games app. This word-find game comes with a twist and has captured the attention of players looking for a new challenge.
If you’re new to Strands, here’s how to play: Each day, a theme is presented, and players must find words related to that theme hidden in a word-search grid. The words can be found by clicking on the first letter and dragging the mouse to the following letters in order. The goal is to find all the theme words, which will light up in blue.
One special word, known as a “spangram,” spans the entire puzzle and describes the theme. Finding this word will light it up in yellow. To help you along the way, the game provides hints for non-theme words you discover, giving you clues to unravel the puzzle.
To increase your chances of winning at Strands, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use the theme to your advantage: The daily themes are clues that can lead you to the spangram and theme words. Pay attention to the theme and let it guide your search.
2. Prioritize finding the spangram: Look for the spangram early on as it will help you unlock the theme words more easily. Take your time to scan the puzzle and identify the overarching word or phrase.
3. Make the most of your hints: Utilize the hint feature wisely by using it for longer words that are four letters or more. You can also combine hint words to form new words, expanding your search options.
4. Maximize hint value: If you’re struggling to unscramble the letters after receiving a hint, aim to earn another hint by finding more non-theme words. This will reveal the actual word by highlighting the letters in order, making it easier to solve.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be on your way to mastering Strands and achieving high scores in this addictive online game. Challenge yourself daily and see how quickly you can unravel the word puzzles while enjoying the thrill of the game.
