The New York Times Strands puzzle is a word search game that presents a six by eight grid of letters with the aim to find a group of words that have something in common. The slogan of the game is 'Uncover Words'. When you find a theme word, it remains highlighted in blue. A special word called spangram links at least two sides of the board and tells what the words have in common, it may be a proper name. Every letter is used once in one of the theme words and spangram. Letters can be connected vertically, horizontally and diagonally. If you find three valid words of at least four letters that are not part of the theme, you unlock the Hint button which highlights one of the theme words.
On May 13, 2024, the New York Times Strands puzzle has a 'Best in Show' theme. This refers to the top dog at a dog show. The spangram for this day is 'DOGPILE'. The seven themed words are: HUSKY, BOXER, HOUND, SHEPHERD, COLLIE, POODLE and BEAGLE.
On May 12, 2024 the New York Times Strands puzzle had a 'Picture perfect' theme and unofficial hint 'Celebrating Hollywood'. The spangram for this day was 'CRASH ROCKY PARASITE GLADIATOR', which are all Best Picture award winners in the years 2006, 1977, 2020 and 2001 respectively.
The New York Times Strands puzzle is a daily puzzle that is in beta testing. It can be found on The New York Times Games app. The game manages to use every single letter in the puzzle along with providing enough small words for players to get all hints they need.
