Step aside popular word games like Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—it’s time to make way for a new challenge brought to you by the New York Times. The latest sensation to hit the NYT website and app is a game called “Strands.”
With daily themes and mind-bending “spangrams” to uncover, Strands has quickly become a must-do activity for word game enthusiasts. Players can immerse themselves in this addictive game, solving puzzles before a fresh one emerges 24 hours later.
Forget about the usual games, because Strands offers a unique playing experience. Uncover theme words to fill the board, with each word staying highlighted in blue once found. Players can drag or tap letters to create words, with theme words occupying the entire board without overlapping.
But that’s not all—players must also find the elusive “spangram.” This key element reveals the puzzle’s theme and connects two opposing sides of the board. The spangram, which may be two words, illuminates in yellow once discovered.
If players find themselves stuck, non-theme words can provide hints. Every three non-theme words found earn players a hint, showing the letters of a theme word or providing the order of letters if a hint is already active.
Today’s Strands theme is “XOXOXO,” with a hint that hints at “little Hershey’s morsels.” In today’s puzzle, players must uncover seven theme words, including the spangram. The first two letters of each word are revealed to guide players along the way.
The Spangram for February 14 is revealed to be mostly vertical, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game. Today’s Spangram answer is “HUGSANDKISSES,” fitting perfectly into the theme of the day.
The answers for today’s NYT Strands game include words like “SNUGGLE,” “CUDDLE,” “EMBRACE,” “SMOOCH,” and more. With the day’s puzzle complete, players can bask in the satisfaction of solving yet another round of the addictive Strands game.
In a world filled with word games, Strands stands out as a fresh and exciting addition that promises to keep players hooked for hours on end. So, next time you’re looking for a new challenge, be sure to give Strands a try—it might just become your new favorite daily ritual.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.