Strands
Strands is a unique word puzzle game that combines vocabulary skills with strategic thinking. Players explore a 6x8 grid of letters to discover theme-related words and a special spanning word that connects the puzzle together.
How to Play
Game Rules
-
Getting Started
- Open Strands to reveal a 6x8 grid filled with letters
- Each puzzle has a specific theme displayed as "Today's Theme"
- Your goal is to find words related to the theme and the special spangram
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Finding Words
- Connect letters vertically, horizontally, or diagonally
- Letters must be adjacent - no skipping spaces
- Change direction freely while forming words
- Each letter can only be used once per word
- Words must be at least 3 letters long
-
The Spangram
- A special word that embodies the puzzle's theme
- Must stretch between two opposite edges of the grid
- Finding the spangram helps understand the theme
- Essential for completing the puzzle
-
Theme Words
- All words are connected to the daily theme
- No word bank provided - use the theme as your guide
- Each letter on the board is part of at least one word
Scoring System
Points double with word length:
- 3 letters = 100 points
- 4 letters = 200 points
- 5 letters = 400 points
- 6+ letters = 800+ points
Tip: Focus on longer words for higher scores. One 6-letter word equals eight 3-letter words in points!
Game Features
Hint System
- Find three non-theme words to unlock a hint
- Hints highlight one theme-related word on the grid
- The highlight remains until you find the word
- Additional hints become available after finding the highlighted word
Game Progress
- No time limit - solve at your own pace
- No penalties for incorrect guesses
- Puzzle is complete when all theme words and spangram are found
- New puzzle available daily
Strategy Tips
Basic Approach
- Start by identifying the theme from "Today's Theme"
- Look for the spangram that connects opposite edges
- Use vowels as anchor points for word formation
- Consider common prefixes and suffixes
Advanced Tactics
- After finding a word, look for variations (plurals, tenses)
- Use discovered theme words to predict other related words
- Pay attention to letter patterns that might suggest theme words
- Explore all directions when connecting letters
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit words?
Click and drag through adjacent letters to form words. Release to submit. The game automatically validates theme-related words.
What makes a valid word?
Words must be:
- Related to the daily theme
- At least 3 letters long
- Formed from adjacent letters
- Standard English words
How do I fix mistakes?
While dragging, move back to the last correct letter. No penalty for incorrect submissions.
Is there a word list?
No - part of the challenge is discovering theme-related words without a word bank. Use the theme as your guide.
Ready to test your vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills? Start connecting letters to uncover theme words and find that crucial spangram!
Similar Word Games
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- playsnake.app: Classic arcade game where players control a growing snake.
- pacman.work: Exciting world of Pacman game.
- quordlegameonline.github.io: Solve four Wordle puzzles simultaneously with limited attempts.