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The New York Times, a giant in both journalism and recreational puzzles, has once again expanded its arsenal of games with the introduction of Strands. A new series of daily word-search puzzles that began in 2024 has attracted increased attention owing to its twist on this classic structure. Because of the constant change in the difficulty level and the appealing layout, Strands is considered to be a success among word puzzle buffs.
So without any further ado, dive into the following article to know today’s (December 13) NYT Strands puzzle hints, help, answers and play on!
Strands is a word search game and it’s different from other word games in terms of its gameplay mechanics. The game consists of a small 6-by-8 letters grid, where the player has to locate the words associated with a certain theme of the day. One standout point about Strands is its allowance for words to twist and turn across the board. Unlike the traditional word searches where words can only be horizontal, vertical, and sometimes diagonal, NYT Strands players can search for words that turn back at a certain point and can even curve.
Adding further to the excitement is the inclusion of a “spangram”. This feature- is a keyword spanning across the grid’s edges that connects instantly to the theme and provides players with a pivotal lead. Although, the real challenge lies in the search for the spangram, as it is not easy to locate like other words. For those who are stuck, Strands has a hint system to give strategic guidance to ensure a seamless play.
These are the words related to Hollywood pop star Taylor Swift.
These are the words are recognized with ease by the fans of Taylor Swift.
Strands was conceived during the New York Times' annual internal game jam, an event where staff pitch new game ideas. Juliette Seive, the research director for NYT Games, brought the concept forward, envisioning a modern word search with a thematic twist. The idea quickly gained traction and was developed under the supervision of Tracy Bennett, a seasoned editor responsible for overseeing Wordle.
Strands first entered beta in March 2024 after months of design and refinement. Early testers were captivated by its intuitive design and great gameplay, and the game found a warm reception among them, leading directly to its release in a broader release on the NYT Games platform.
The spangram always spans two opposite edges of the grid. Start by scanning the outer rows and columns for potential word connections, keeping an eye on how letters might link across the board.
The spangram is directly tied to the daily theme. Think of related key terms or phrases that could fit the theme and try matching them with visible letter patterns in the grid.
Spangrams can twist, bend, and change direction. Don’t limit yourself to straight lines—explore diagonal paths or curved routes that connect plausible word fragments.
Unlock hints by finding non-theme words. A revealed letter in the spangram can guide you to the correct path and speed up the solution process.
Identify shorter, theme-related words first. These can reveal patterns in the grid that make it easier to spot connections leading to the spangram.
NYT Strands Spangram direction: Horizontal.
Spangram answer for the December 13 game is AlbumTitle.
Strands have been received well by the audience, especially word aficionados. It is especially lauded for spicing up a simple idea such as a word search and turning it into something more intricate, and more mentally stimulating. Its ability to challenge players without feeling overwhelming has also been praised by critics.
'The Atlantic' writer Ian Bogost pointed to Strands: “Manages to feel both fresh and nostalgic. It builds on the foundation of word searches we grew up with but elevates the experience into something strategic and thought-provoking.”
Accessibility is also part of Strands’ success. The game was rolled out initially on browsers but was later embedded in the NYT Games app for iOS and Android, which means players can enjoy their daily dose of puzzles on the move.
1. Folklore
2. Fearless
3. Midnights
4. Evermore
5. Lover
6. AlbumTitle
And while Strands is not just the next word game, it embodies the New York Times’ plan better: to claim the digital puzzle market. The NYT has developed its readership by offering games that are fun to play as well as developing one’s mind; the latter coming to look forward to their daily paper for the games as well as the news.
In addition, Strands perfectly correlates with the Times’ goal to deliver materials that would help the readers’ minds get enriched. By presenting a huge number of related thematic puzzles, it also focuses on culture, science, and history making the game as informative as it is fun.
The success that Strands has become is a clear indicator of the optimality of innovation in words that are conventional at first glance. Of course, its original mechanics, appealing design, and increasing popularity have secured a place for the NYT’s game among other creative offerings. Whether one plays it often to try their skills in word games, or only occasionally indulge in the Strands puzzle, everyone will find the daily challenge engaging and inspiring.
