Need a Little Help with NYT Strands? Here’s How to Get Hints

NYT Strands, the New York Times’ latest word puzzle, can be deceptively challenging. Finding all the themed words woven into the grid requires a keen eye and a bit of luck. If you’re stuck and staring blankly at a jumble of letters, don’t despair! Strands offers a hint system to nudge you in the right direction.

How to Access Hints

The hint system in Strands is straightforward but requires a small investment. To unlock a hint, you need to fill the “SPANGRAM” meter. This meter fills up each time you find a non-thematic word within the puzzle grid.

Finding Non-Thematic Words

This is a crucial part of the process. These words aren’t related to the daily theme, but they’re legitimate words that can be formed from connecting adjacent letters in the grid. Think of them as distractions or bonus points that ultimately help you progress.

The SPANGRAM Meter

Each non-thematic word you find contributes to filling the SPANGRAM meter. The meter’s progress is clearly displayed at the bottom of the puzzle. Once the meter is completely full, a “Hint” button will become active.

Using the Hint

Clicking the “Hint” button reveals the location of one letter in one of the remaining thematic words. It doesn’t tell you which word or provide any thematic context, just a single letter’s position within the grid. The revealed letter will be highlighted to stand out.

Strategic Hint Usage

While hints can be invaluable, using them strategically is key. Consider these tips:

• Focus on Edges and Corners: Often, thematic words will begin or end near the edges or corners of the grid. Hints that reveal letters in these areas can be particularly helpful in identifying potential starting or ending points.
• Look for Unusual Letter Combinations: Scan the grid for combinations of letters that are less common. A hint revealing a “Q,” “Z,” or “X,” for example, might quickly narrow down the possibilities.
• Consider Word Length: If you’ve already found some of the thematic words, you might have a sense of the typical word length for the puzzle. Use the hint to find a letter in a section of the grid that could accommodate a word of that length.
• Patience is a Virtue: Before using a hint, take a break and revisit the puzzle with fresh eyes. Sometimes, simply stepping away for a few minutes can unlock a mental block.

A Word of Caution

Remember that hints are a finite resource. You need to find multiple non-thematic words to earn each hint. Relying too heavily on hints can diminish the satisfaction of solving the puzzle independently. Use them wisely, and enjoy the process of discovery!