Strands is the NYT’s newest word game, following Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s a lot of fun. It can be difficult though, so read on for my Strands tips.
Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc’s Wordle today page for the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about today’s NYT Strands is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
NYT Strands today (game #296) – hint #1 – today’s theme
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?
• Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Who the hell…?
NYT Strands Today (Game #296) – Hint #2 – Clue Words
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hint system.
- INTERNAL
- NINE
- HEALER
- CRIME
- RARE
- VINE
NYT Strands Today (game #296) – hint #3 – spangram
What’s a hint for today’s spangram?
• Earthly identity card
NYT Strands Today (Game #296) – Hint #4 – Spangram Position
What are the two sides of the board that today’s spangram contacts?
First side: top, 3rd column
Last side: bottom, 5th column
Okay, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands Today (Game #296) – The Answers
The answers to today’s Strands, game #296, are…
- BROOK
- HOLLY
- RIVER
- CLEMENTINE
- LAURIER
- WILLOW
- SPANGERAM: NATURAL NAMES
- My rating: Moderate
- My score: Perfect
Even after completing today’s Strands, it took me a while to understand what was meant by NATURE NAMES – then BROOK Shields, HOLLY Hunter, WILLOW Johnson and RIVER Phoenix came to mind.
However, I found it difficult to think of a celebrity named CLEMENTINE or LAUREL.
Both are generally quite rare names. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2023 there were 543 babies named Clementine and only 391 named Laurel. By comparison, in 2023, 15,270 girls in the US were named Olivia.
How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.
Yesterday’s NYT Strands Answers (Monday, December 23, Game #295)
- COCOA
- GINGERBOOK
- CRANBERRY
- PEPPERMINT
- SPANGRAM: HOLIDAY FLAVOR
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT’s new word game, after Wordle and Connections. It is now out of beta so is a full member of the NYT’s stable of games and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I have a full guide to playing NYT Strands, complete with troubleshooting tips, so give that a read if you’re struggling to beat it every day.