New York Times Launches New Word Game, And There Are No Losers Here

Image via New York Times

If you’ve ever fancied yourself a bit of a word detective, The New York Times has just dropped a fresh challenge into your lap. Strands, as it is called, puts a twist on the usual word search puzzles.

Without the crutch of a word bank, this game challenges players to thread letters together in every which way—up, down, diagonally, and even zigzagging—across a 6 x 8 grid to uncover words linked by a common theme. The key to cracking the code lies in the “spangram,” a special word that uses all the available letters and bridges two opposite sides of the grid. This thematic lynchpin acts as a clue, helping you identify other related words that weave into the puzzle’s narrative.

Screenshot via New York Times Games

Unlike many such puzzles, mistakes aren’t deal-breakers in Strands. On the contrary, they’re opportunities to earn more hints. Guessing “wrong” words of at least four letters lets you unlock a clue.

Available for free on the web, Strands is a shoutout to word game lovers of all stripes, whether you’re a casual player looking to kill some time or a vocab virtuoso hunting for your next big challenge. 

[via New York Times]