How to Play NYT Strands
Strands is The New York Times’ latest word puzzle, offering a fresh twist on the classic word search. Still in beta, its future depends on how many players engage daily — so every game counts!
Each day, you’ll be greeted with a brand-new puzzle featuring a 6×8 letter grid. Your goal is to find words that relate to a hidden theme. You’ll receive a clue to help guide you, and every correct theme word you discover will stay highlighted in blue.
The challenge doesn’t end there — you also need to uncover a special word called the spangram. This unique word connects two opposite sides of the board and reveals the overall theme. It will appear in yellow once found. While theme words are never proper nouns, the spangram can be.
According to the NYT, puzzle themes can be fill-in-the-blank phrases, synonyms, homophones, or even steps in a process. Some days are trickier than others, much like Wordle — and both are overseen by puzzle editor Tracy Bennett.
Whether you’re seeking today’s Strands NYT, Strands hints today, or even a Connections hint or Mini Crossword hint, knowing how to tackle the puzzle is the first step. If you’re playing the Strands NYT today or need a Strands hint for June 5, keep your mind sharp and your eyes open — it’s all about spotting those patterns!
