A new NYT Strands puzzle launches at midnight local time each day, so players in different time zones may be working on different games. If you are looking for Friday’s puzzle instead, please see our hints and answers for November 13 (Game #985).
Strands is the latest addition to the New York Times’ word game lineup, joining Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Connections. It offers a fresh challenge, but it can be tricky. Read on for today’s hints.
SPOILER WARNING: The following contains hints and answers for today’s NYT Strands. Stop scrolling if you prefer to solve it yourself.
Hint #1: Today’s Theme
What is today’s Strands theme?
• The theme for Game #986 is Preschool fun.
Hint #2: Clue Words
Enter any of the following words to unlock the in-game hint system:
- SPOT
- SPILL
- STEP
- PEST
- FOIL
- WALL
Hint #3: Spangram Length
How many letters are in the spangram?
• Today’s spangram contains 15 letters.
Hint #4: Spangram Position
Which two sides of the board does the spangram touch?
• First side: Left side, 5th row
• Last side: Right side, 8th row
The answers are listed below. Do not scroll further if you want to avoid spoilers.
Answers for Game #986
The solutions for Strands Game #986 are:
- SKIP
- JUMP
- SPIN
- GALLOP
- WALK
- TIPTOE
- SPANGRAM: FOLLOWTHELEADER
- Difficulty Rating: Hard
- Hints Used: 1
The longest spangram in months finally clarified the connection between the movement-themed words. Initially, “Preschool fun” suggested toddler TV characters, but finding SKIP and JUMP pointed toward playground games. GALLOP was a curveball, but the reveal of FOLLOWTHELEADER—a classic childhood game—tied everything together perfectly.
Yesterday’s Answers (November 13, Game #985)
- FLOOR
- SALT
- MIRROR
- BROKEN
- SPILLED
- THIRTEENTH
- SPANGRAM: ROTTENLUCK
