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Guides for NYT Strands hints, spangrams, and smarter solving.

NYT Strands Glossary: Every Term Explained

New to Strands? This NYT Strands glossary explains every term — grid, theme words, spangram, non-theme words, hints, yellow circles, streaks, Sidekick and more — in plain English.

NYT Strands Hint vs Answer: Get Help Without Spoilers

A Strands hint nudges you toward the solution without finishing the puzzle for you; a Strands answer hands you the full board. Here's what each one reveals, when to use which, and how to climb a spoiler ladder one rung at a time.

What Time Does NYT Strands Reset?

NYT Strands resets at midnight in your local timezone — not Eastern Time. One new puzzle per day, and your streak window closes when your clock hits 12:00 AM. Here's how the reset works and how to protect your streak.

Is NYT Strands Free in 2026?

Yes — NYT Strands is free to play. The daily puzzle costs nothing on the web and in the NYT Games app, hints included. Here's what's free, what needs a free account, and what actually requires a subscription.

How to Play NYT Strands (Beginner's Guide)

New to NYT Strands? This beginner's guide covers the grid, theme words, the spangram, hints, and stats — then walks through a real puzzle step by step so you can play today's board with confidence.

How Do Hints Work in NYT Strands?

In NYT Strands, finding three words that aren't part of the theme earns you a hint that reveals letters of a theme word. Here's how the system works — and how to get help without spoiling the answer.

What Is a Spangram in NYT Strands?

A spangram is the theme-defining word that spans opposite sides of the NYT Strands grid. Learn how to spot it — then get a spoiler-light nudge for today.