NYT Strands today: hints, spangram and answers for Saturday, January 18

Strands is a fresh and exciting daily puzzle from The New York Times. Think of it as a more challenging twist on the classic word search. If you love games that make you think, this one’s for you! But don’t be fooled—solving it can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

If you’re already a fan of puzzles like Wordle, Connections, or the Mini Crossword, you’ll know that some days are easier than others. And hey, needing a little nudge now and then? Totally normal. If today’s Strands puzzle has you scratching your head, no worries! We’ve got the answers ready for you further down.

 

How Do You Play Strands?

In Strands, your mission is to uncover the “theme words” hidden within a grid of letters. Here’s how it works:

  • You can drag letters or tap them in sequence to create words.
  • Once you think you’ve found a theme word, double-tap the last letter to confirm your guess.
  • If you’re correct, the word will turn blue and the used letters will no longer be selectable.

But here’s the cool part—finding non-theme words isn’t a waste of time! Every three words you uncover that are at least four letters long will earn you a hint. The hint reveals part of a theme word, giving you a better shot at solving the puzzle.

What makes it tricky?

  • Every letter in the grid is part of a theme word, and no letter gets reused.
  • The grid also includes a special word called the spangram. This word fits the puzzle’s theme, spans from one side of the grid to the other, and stands out because it’s highlighted in yellow when you find it.

Your ultimate goal? Solve the puzzle as quickly as possible without relying on too many hints. It’s a fun challenge that keeps your brain sharp!

 

Hint for Today’s Strands Puzzle
Today’s theme is: “O ___! My __!”
Need a little extra help? Think about this: “leader of the ship.”

 

Today’s Strands Puzzle Solution

Ready for some answers? Let’s start with the spangram—it’s the big clue that ties the puzzle together: CAPTAIN.

Now for the rest of the theme words:

  • PLANET
  • CRUNCH
  • KANGAROO
  • HOOK
  • UNDERPANTS
  • OBVIOUS

If you enjoy word games with a twist, Strands is a fantastic way to spend a few minutes (or more) every day. And remember, it’s okay to get stuck—solving puzzles is supposed to be fun, not stressful! Happy puzzling!

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