Strands is the newest puzzle offering from The New York Times, bringing a fresh take to the classic word-search format. Every puzzle revolves around a specific theme, and your goal is to link letters on a 6×8 board to uncover theme-related words—including a special “spangram.”
Some days the challenge can be tougher than expected, making it difficult to spot every hidden word. That’s where Strands hint come in handy. If you’re trying to keep your streak alive or simply need a nudge in the right direction, these daily hints can help you push past the tricky moments and finish the puzzle with confidence.
NYT Strands Instructions: Learn How to Play
Strands has already become the New York Times’ third most-played game, following Wordle and Connections. Released in beta in March 2024, it has rapidly attracted a loyal audience of puzzle fans thanks to its creative reinvention of the traditional word-search style.
The game takes place on a 6×8 letter grid, with each puzzle built around a specific theme that points you toward the correct answers.
Find the theme words:
You create words by linking letters in any direction—up, down, across, or diagonally. The path can twist and turn as long as the letters remain connected, and every word you discover must relate to the day’s theme.
Locate the Spangram:
Every puzzle also includes a “spangram,” a special word tied to the theme that stretches from one side of the board to the other.
Use hints when needed:
If you spot three valid words that don’t fit the theme, you earn a hint. When activated, the game highlights the letters of one of the theme answers in blue. Your task is simply to piece them together. These hints are perfect for nudging you past tough spots.
A new Strands puzzle drops daily, giving players everywhere the same challenge to tackle—and you can even show off your results online once you’ve cracked it.
What Makes NYT Strands Unique
Strands sets itself apart with a distinctive style of play that blends crossword-like problem-solving with strategic word-building. Its mix of mechanics creates a fresh and engaging experience that appeals to seasoned puzzle fans as well as casual players. Here are some of the standout features of the game:
Daily themed challenges:
Each day brings a fresh puzzle built around a new theme, giving players something different to solve every time they play.
6×8 letter board:
The game presents a 6-by-8 grid packed with letters, and your job is to uncover all the words connected to the day’s theme.
The Spangram:
Every puzzle includes a special word that stretches from one edge of the grid to the other. This “spangram” ties directly into the theme and appears in yellow once discovered.
Dynamic word paths:
Words aren’t restricted to straight lines. You can connect letters in any direction—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—and even make twists and turns, which adds an extra layer of challenge.
Helpful in-game hints:
If you get stuck, Strands offers clues to guide you forward and keep the puzzle enjoyable rather than frustrating.
Easy result sharing:
After you finish a puzzle, you can quickly share your outcome online, adding a fun social element and encouraging others to try the game too.
Is NYT Strands Right for You?
Strands NYT is built to appeal to a broad range of players, making it an excellent choice for many different types of puzzle fans:
Crossword fans:
If you love crosswords, word games, or titles like Wordle, Strands will feel right at home. Its themed puzzles and free-form word paths deliver a fresh challenge each day.
Language enthusiasts:
Anyone passionate about words and vocabulary will enjoy Strands’ creative format. It’s a fun way to discover new words while staying entertained.
Strategic thinkers:
Strands blends word knowledge with strategy. If you enjoy planning your moves and solving puzzles that require careful thought, this game will keep you hooked.
Learners and educators:
The game doubles as a learning tool, making it useful for teachers or anyone looking to build vocabulary and sharpen problem-solving skills in an enjoyable way.
Families and friends:
Strands also works well for group play. It’s accessible to all ages and adds a touch of friendly competition or teamwork to game nights.
How Today’s Strands Hint Can Guide You
The Strands puzzle can be surprisingly tough, mainly because words can twist and turn in any direction. Solving it often demands a mix of vocabulary skills, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness.
But don’t stress—we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find helpful Strands hints to guide you through the tricky parts of today’s puzzle. Our hint set for December 09, 2025 gives you the boost you need without burning through your in-game clues.
We’ve included four hints in total to help you uncover the theme words and the Spangram.
If you prefer to jump straight to the solutions, just scroll to the bottom!
NYT Strands: Today’s Hints, Spangram & Answers (December 09, 2025)
HINT #1:
Today’s Theme: On the court
HINT #2:
Each answer begins with these letter pairs:
BL
DR
DU
GU
JU
RE
SC
HINT #3:
Here are some non-theme words hidden in the grid:
(Find these to unlock the game’s built-in hint system.)
ALBA, ALLURE, ALUDEL, BERKO, BUNKOS, CURLED, CURR, DRIBBLE, EMULED, LIAR, LUCRE, NOUN, REBBE, REEN, SNAB
HINT #4:
Spangram Details:
The Spangram contains 10 letters.
It starts with B and ends with L.
Want the answers?
