Crack the Code: Mastering the NYT’s Newest Word Game, Strands
Even though Strands, the newest word game from the creators of Wordle and Connections, might not have reached the same level of fame as its popular siblings, it offers a unique and equally satisfying challenge. Recently joining the official New York Times Games app, Strands is sure to draw in a wider audience of puzzle enthusiasts.
The game’s premise is simple yet surprisingly engaging.
Each day, you’re presented with a new set of letters arranged in a grid, alongside a theme. Your objective is to form words related to that theme, tracking them down like hidden treasures. But Strands isn’t your average word search.
Unraveling the Word Puzzle and Discovering the Spangram
First, scan the grid and try to spot any words related to the given theme. Found one? Drag or click the letters in sequence, then click on the final letter twice to submit your guess. If you’ve struck gold, the numerous filled letters will light up blue and remain that way for the rest of the game.
But the fun doesn’t stop there.
Strands introduces a clever twist: additional words you discover, even if they aren’t directly related to the theme, serve as clues. If you can piece together three non-theme words of at least four letters each, the game cleverly reveals a theme-related word, providing a valuable hint. If you still need a nudge, finding three more non-theme words will highlight the letters of your next theme word in order, guiding your path.
Putting all those clues together leads to the concluding challenge: finding the spangram. This special hidden word, always connected to the daily theme, spans the entire board. It can weave across rows or run vertically down the columns, summarizing the puzzle’s theme in a single, satisfying word.
Tried any of Today’s Hints?
Today’s Strands puzzle invites you to indulge in a Thanksgiving feast!
Think you’ve reached a roadblock with today’s theme of "Thank goodness!"? Here’s your cue: think “T-day meal."
if you’re seeking some extra help, remember to search for words throughout the grid, even those not directly tied to your themed solution. As explained above, you can earn clues by unscrambling these hidden words.
Let’s see if you can crack the Thanksgiving code and create word puzzle magic. We’ve dug up a few clue words that can help you along the way. There are many more to uncover, though!
Some of the words our team found:
VEST, VESTS, TEST, BEER, LATE, SATE, PETS, PEST, TOTS, SEER, SAGS, SAGE, SAGES, SEAL, SLATE, TREE.
Once you’ve unlocked those helpful words, keep your eyes peeled for theme-related words and that elusive spangram!
. The completed NYT Strands for November 28, 2024:
Let’s Feast
Need a Little More Help? Unlocking Today’s Solutions:
If you’re looking to expand those culinary clues, This excerpt is meant to act as the answers suggesting the full set of answers. These are words related to your theme: YAMS, GRAVY, TURKEY, ROLLS, POTATOES, CRANBERRIES
Happy Thanksgiving, from the team here at the New York Times Games app.
>- What strategies are recommended for effectively finding the “bonus” words that lead to spangrams in the NYT’s Strands game?
## Crack the Code: Mastering the NYT’s Newest Word Game, Strands
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re diving into the world of word puzzles with the newest game from the New York Times, Strands. Joining us is [Guest Name], a self-proclaimed word game enthusiast who’s already mastered the art of unraveling Strands’ unique challenges. Welcome to the show!
**Guest:** Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to talk about Strands. It’s truly addictive.
**Host:** So, for our viewers who haven’t yet encountered Strands, can you give us a quick rundown of how it works?
**Guest:** Absolutely! It’s a grid-based word game like a sophisticated word search, but with a fun twist. Each day you’re given a theme, and your goal is to find as many words related to that theme as possible within the grid.
**Host:** Sounds straightforward enough. What makes Strands so unique?
**Guest:** The game cleverly incorporates “spangrams.” These are hidden words connected to the theme. While you’re searching for theme-related words, you might stumble upon other words not directly related to the theme. If you find three of these “bonus” words, the game generously reveals a letter in a spangram. It’s like a helpful nudge in the right direction.
**Host:** That’s a really inventive mechanic. It adds another layer of challenge and strategy.
**Guest:** Exactly! You not only have to think about the theme, but also strategically look for those bonus words that might unlock a crucial spangram letter.
**Host:** Where can our viewers experience this word-wrangling fun?
**Guest:** Strands is available right now on the official New York Times Games app. [[1](https://www.nytco.com/press/solvers-can-now-play-strands-in-the-new-york-times-games-app/)]
**Host:** Excellent! We’ll be sure to include that information for our viewers. Thank you so much for joining us, [Guest Name], and sharing your insights on Strands.
**Guest:** My pleasure! Happy Solving!
