As of May 14, 2025, the New York Times has introduced a new puzzle game called NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle features unique themes and challenges players to uncover all the words displayed on the grid, including a special Spangram that spans two sides of the board, enhancing the thematic experience.
The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in its Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. This marked the newspaper as the first major publication to feature a crossword puzzle. Over the years, the NYT has rolled out various captivating games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. The immensely popular Wordle debuted in 2022, paving the way for Connections and Strands.
Struggling with today's NYT Strands puzzle? We have some helpful hints to ignite your curiosity. Keep reading to find the answers for today's challenge.
The theme for today's Strands is 'Boogie woogie woogie'.
SPOILER ALERT: Below are the hints for today's NYT Strands puzzle, which may reveal some answers. Proceed with caution:
Spangram Hint: A choreographed group dance characterized by repeated steps, often set to country or pop music.
Hint #1: A well-known group dance recognized for its side-to-side hip movements.
Hint #2: A classic line dance from the disco era featuring coordinated steps.
The Spangram for today's NYT Strands puzzle is 'LineDance'.
NYT Strands is a unique game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players are presented with 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch board along with a daily theme. The objective is to solve the Spangram and identify all the theme-related words.
To play, connect letters on the grid to form words using your mouse or fingers on a touchscreen. You can link letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram will enhance your understanding of the Strands theme.
In addition to the Spangram, players should search for other theme words within the puzzle. Completing all the words will solve the puzzle.
Uncover the theme words: Fill the grid with the theme answers, which will be marked in blue when found and will not overlap.
Discover the Spangram: Look for the Spangram, a vital piece that connects two opposite sides of the board. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words, highlighted in yellow once identified.
Get hints: Use off-topic words as clues. For every three non-theme words revealed, letters will be highlighted to assist in finding a themed word without directly revealing it.