Struggling with today’s NYT Strands puzzle? You’re not alone! Puzzle #315 is here to test your wit. We’ve got you covered with hints and solutions. They will help you move forward while enjoying the challenge.

What is NYT Strands?
The New York Times Strands puzzle is a unique word game. It encourages players to find hidden words using all the letters on the board. Each puzzle includes a spangram—a single word that uses all the letters—and multiple smaller words.
For Jan. 12, #315, the game offers a mix of tricky clues and rewarding finds. Let’s break it down!
Hints for Today’s NYT Strands Puzzle
- Look for Synonyms of Shock or Surprise:
Most of today’s answers relate to feelings of astonishment or disbelief. - Pay Attention to Letter Clusters:
Check the arrangement of letters near the corners. These clusters often hold key starting points for longer words. - Don’t Forget the Spangram:
The spangram is always a show-stopper word that uses every letter on the board.
Today’s Non-Spangram Answers
Here are the smaller words you can find in today’s puzzle:
STUN
ASTONISH
GOBSMACK
SURPRISE
FLABBERGAST
These words are easy to overlook but crucial for completing the game.
Today’s Spangram
The spangram for today is MINDBLOWN.
To uncover it, follow this path:
Begin with the M located four spaces to the right in the topmost row.
Move downward, weaving through the board until all letters are used.

Tips for Solving NYT Strands Puzzles
- Focus on Themes: Each puzzle often has a thematic element. For #315, think “surprise” and related emotions.
- Use Every Letter: Remember, no letter is left unused. Cross-check your board to ensure every tile contributes to a word.
- Experiment: If stuck, try rearranging letters or looking at potential prefixes and suffixes.
Why Is NYT Strands So Popular?
This word game isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about strategy and pattern recognition. Players love the satisfaction of finding the spangram and unlocking all possible answers.
If you haven’t tried today’s puzzle, give it a go! And if you’ve already solved it, share your experience in the comments below.
Keep exploring, and catch you in the next Strands walkthrough!