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Who doesn’t like to win? That was rhetoric! Everyone does and with NYT Strands, the New York Times made sure everyone wins but not without some mental challenge. Launched in March 2024, Strands took the world by storm and placed itself as not just another word puzzle—but as a game-changer. Combining the familiarity of a word search with an innovative twist, NYT Strands has quickly captivated a global audience, proving that puzzles can be more than just a daily distraction—they can be an adventure.
As Strands race today to become the best word puzzle out there, its impetus was not born at a board meeting. It was conceived in the spirit of a New York Times‘ Game Jam, an annual innovation workshop for the newspaper’s Games desk. Juliette Seive, NYT Games research director, pitched a concept that was deceptively simple yet radically different: a new word jigsaw game where words should not be static, but instead, they coil, spun and writhe like a thought fabric. This vision completely synchronised with the idea of the Times to produce puzzles that question conventional puzzle norms.
“We wanted something that felt new but didn’t alienate players who love classic puzzles,” Seive reportedly shared during the game’s development. Strands does exactly that—anchoring players in the comforting grid of a word search while pulling them into a dynamic, almost story-like experience.
Don’t worry, here is a hint to make it easier to solve the NYT Strands puzzle today. Spoilers ahead!
Theme: You Say You Want a Revolution
Unlike typical word searches where the words are placed horizontally or vertically across a straight line, Strands unhibitedly treads anywhere. The words can run in any direction on the 6×8 grid in any pattern. Be it from side to side, from centre left to diagonal right or even going diagonally in a loop. This makes every puzzle a mini-maze and team members are required not only to notice but to think forward endemically.
At the heart of Strands is its unique feature: the “Spangram.” While constructing a spangram that utilizes all these letters in the alphabet, a spangram can go from one end of a grid to the other. It is not just a word but the soul of the puzzle, which connects all words to the day’s theme. For instance, the spangram could be “Underwater Adventures” where hidden words could be “octopus” and “kelp” where the spangram incorporates something like, “coral reef”.
These are the words used to describe things that can be played with when revolving.
Still hazy on how to find the right answers? Fret not, here is a hint to use when stuck!
The word games arena is inherently solitary, but Strands has quietly weaved itself into a buzzing online community. On social media and in online forums fans gather to talk about strategies, to share their fastest solutions and to even debate on tricky clues. In particular, finding the spangram has become a badge of honour people who chip off on one quickly usually tweet about their success.
The camaraderie in NYT Strands is particular and encourages a more nuanced type of discussion. All the while players dissect letter patterns, and explore modes of word paths, for the cartography of the nooks and crannies of this clever puzzle.
NYT Strands Spangram for December 18 is Vertical.
December 18 Spangram is Spinners.
Strands is undeniably fun, but it’s also a cognitive workout. Its design, praised by scientists, has engaged both sides of the brain. Letter placement and grid analysis are a challenge to the logical left brain, while the player’s creative right brain flames up as they hunt for the thematic connections. Not surprising that fans describe the game as being relaxing and at the same time, mentally stimulating.
Strands also give the players a feeling of accomplishment. Though the game is bigger and has more words, searching for a word — the spangram — feels like solving a mini puzzle. This gameplay is layered to keep players hooked — coming back daily to get their linguistic satisfaction, making it harmlessly addictive.
1. Pinwheel
2. Earth
3. Football
4. Dryer
5. Tyres
6. Ballerina
7. Spinners
In an era where almost all content demands attention, Strands stands out for offering something rare: a conscious engagement. If one is a casual gamer or a diehard word nerd, this puzzle will offer both categories a daily adventure that satisfies the imagination as well.
So, grab a cup of coffee, open up the NYT app and dive into the Strands grid. It’s a word game waiting to be unravelled—and it might just change the way one thinks about puzzles forever.
