Learn more about The New York Times game Strands including access, how to play, and answers to common questions.

About Strands 

Strands is a word search game within a 6x8 grid of letters which players use to uncover words falling under a theme.

• The board must be filled entirely to complete the puzzle - no words will overlap.
• Each game includes a challenge word called the “spangram” that touches two opposite sides of the board.
• Themed words will highlight blue; the spangram will highlight yellow.
• Players can find non-theme words to earn hints. Every 3 non-theme words will unlock a hint!

Currently, Strands is free to play on all platforms.  

Where to Play

You can play Strands in the Games app, at nytimes.com/games/strands, and in the Play tab of the News app.

When to Play

Daily Strands puzzles are released at midnight in your timezone.

Strands Statistics

Your Strands progress and statistics will automatically link to your New York Times account. Confirm you are logged into your New York Times account or signed in with an existing New York Times account to save your statistics. 

Your Statistics page displays key statistics (Completed, Solve %, Current Streak, Max Streak, Spangram First, and Solved Without Hints) based on the puzzles you have played from July 8th, 2025, and onwards. 

You’ll find your stats on the same page where you share your results after completing a puzzle. You can also view your stats during a game by selecting the bar graph icon at the top right of the page.

Your Statistics page contains:

• Completed: The total number of Strands puzzles solved.
• Solve %: the percentage of total puzzles played that you have completed. Any puzzles that have been started but not finished do not count as solved and will be counted as unsolved. Unsolved puzzles lower Solve %.
• Current Streak: The number of consecutive days you have completed that day’s puzzle.
• Max Streak: The highest number of consecutive days you have completed that day’s puzzle.
• Spangram First: Puzzles completed where the spangram was the first word found. The spangram is the special word that encompasses the puzzle’s theme. It highlights in yellow when found.
• Solved Without Hints: Puzzles completed without the use of a hint.

Note: If you finish a puzzle after midnight local time, your streak will be broken and a new streak will begin. 

If you are having trouble with your Strands stats, such as incorrect stats or losing your streak, confirm you are logged into your New York Times account. If you are logged into the correct account and you continue to see incorrect Strands stats, navigate to the settings icon and select Report a Bug.

Selecting Report a Bug will open an email, allowing you to explain the issue, and send it to the appropriate team for a prompt resolution of your Strands stats issue.