Move over, Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword. There's a new NYT
word game in town! The New York Times' recently released game,
"Strands," is catching on fast as another daily pastime fans can find on the NYT website and app.
Featuring daily themes and "spangrams" to uncover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off a to-do list before another one pops up.
Here, we show exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #342 on Saturday, February 8.
According to the New York Times, here's exactly how to play NYT Strands:
Find theme words to fill the board.
Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
Theme words cover the board completely. No theme words overlap.
Locate the "spangram."
The spangram identifies the theme of the puzzle and spans two opposing sides of the board. It may be two words.
The spangram is highlighted in yellow when discovered.
An example spangram with associated theme words: PEAR, FRUIT,
BANANA, APPLE, etc.
Discover non-theme words to obtain clues.
For each 3 non-theme words you discover, you earn a clue.
Hints display the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will display that word's letter order.
Today's Strands game involves categories for dogs (which are based on each breed's characteristics and original purpose).
NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is it Vertical or Horizontal?
Today's spangram is horizontal (right to left).
Caution: Spoilers ahead!
In today's crossword, there are seven themed words to uncover (including the spangram). To identify the first one in the list, just know the top half of the board. Here are two letters for each word:
TO
SP
HE
WO
TE
HO
DO (SPANGRAM)
The spangram solution for Saturday, February 8, 2025, is DOGGROUP.
TOYS
SPORTING
HERDING
WORKING
TERRIERS
HOUNDS
DOGGROUP (SPANGRAM)