If you love word puzzles, you will enjoy the New York Times’ Strands game. It offers a perfect mix of challenge and creativity. Yet, this week’s puzzles have been particularly tricky, and today’s challenge is no exception. Here’s everything you need to know to crack it.
What Is the Strands Puzzle?
The Strands puzzle by the New York Times is a modern twist on the classic word search. Currently in beta, its future depends on how many players dive into it daily.
Here’s how it works:
Each day, a six-by-eight grid of letters is presented.
The goal is to find a set of theme-related words.
Players are also tasked with finding a special word called the spangram. This word links the opposite sides of the board. It reveals the theme connecting the words.
Key Gameplay Rules:
Theme words cannot be proper names, but the spangram can be.
Every letter on the grid must be used once in a theme word or the spangram.
Words can be connected vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and in multiple directions.
Unlocking Hints:
Identify three valid words that don’t fit the theme. Each word must contain at least four letters. Doing this will unlock the Hint button. This highlights the letters of one theme word to guide your progress.
But beware—each day’s puzzle is unpredictable. Some might focus on filling missing words in a phrase, while others explore synonyms or homophones. The challenge level varies daily, keeping players on their toes.
Hints for Today’s Puzzle
Official NYT Hint: “You say you want a revolution.“
My hint: “Spin to win.“
Both hints point towards a theme of rotation, turning, or spinning objects.
Strands Answers for Wednesday, December 18
Here are today’s answers, starting with the spangram:
SPINNERS
And the full list of theme words:
TIRES
BALLERINA
PINWHEEL
FOOTBALL
EARTH
DRYER
What Do These Words Have in Common?
All these items involve spinning, rotating, or turning—though in unique ways. For example:
A ballerina spins gracefully, while tires rotate to move vehicles.
Pinwheels, though less common nowadays, spin in the wind.
A football spiral and Earth’s rotation demonstrate spinning on different scales.
While some answers, like Ballerina, may feel straightforward, others—such as Pinwheel—might catch players off guard.
Conclusion
The Strands puzzle combines logic and wordplay, making it a favorite for puzzle enthusiasts. Don’t forget to check back daily for more hints and answers to keep honing your skills.
Happy puzzling!