There’s a fresh addition to the New York Times’ lineup of addictive daily games: Strands. This engaging word game is quickly gaining popularity, offering players a new way to challenge themselves daily on the NYT website and app.
With themed puzzles and “spangrams” to discover, Strands is a must-try for word game enthusiasts. Let’s break down how to play and reveal today’s hints and answers for Strands #302 on Monday, December 30, 2024.
How to Play Strands
The New York Times describes the gameplay as follows:
- Find Theme Words:
- Locate words that match the puzzle’s theme to fill the board.
- Theme words stay highlighted in blue when correctly found.
- Use drag or tap gestures to create words. (Double-tap the last letter to submit your word if tapping.)
- Theme words fill the board completely and do not overlap.
- Discover the “Spangram”:
- The spangram represents the puzzle’s overarching theme.
- It spans two opposite sides of the board and may consist of one or two words.
- When discovered, it will highlight in yellow.
- Example: A puzzle themed around fruit might have the spangram “PEAR FRUIT” alongside related words like BANANA, APPLE, etc.
- Hints:
- Find non-theme words to unlock hints.
- Every three non-theme words found reveal one hint.
- Hints can include letters or the letter order for a theme word.
Today’s Theme: “Keep It Classical”
Today’s Strands puzzle focuses on orchestra music.
Hints for Today’s Spangram:
- The spangram is arranged horizontally (left to right).
Hints for Today’s Theme Words:
There are six theme words, including the spangram. Need a nudge? Here are the first two letters of each:
- SY
- PR
- SO
- OV
- CO
- CO (Spangram)
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer
The spangram for Monday, December 30, 2024, is COMPOSITION.
Today’s Strands Theme Words
Here’s the full list of theme words for today’s puzzle:
- SYMPHONY
- PRELUDE
- SONATA
- OVERTURE
- CONCERTO
- COMPOSITION (Spangram)
How did you fare with today’s Strands challenge? Keep practicing, and you’ll become a Strands master in no time!
