Strands91Strands91

How to Play Strands

Strands is a themed word search on a 6×8 letter grid. Every puzzle has a theme, several themed words hidden in the grid, and one special word called the spangram.

What Is Strands?

Strands is a word search puzzle with a twist. Instead of a random list of words to find, every puzzle has a theme. The words hidden in the grid all relate to that theme, and there is one special word - the spangram - that describes the theme itself and spans from one side of the grid to the other.

You find words by dragging across adjacent letters (up, down, left, right, or diagonal). Letters must touch each other, and you cannot revisit a letter within the same word.

A 6-column Strands grid before any words are found.

What the Colors Mean

Each cell color tells you something about that letter's status. Here is what each one means:

Blue - themed word

Letters that belong to a found themed word lock in blue. These stay on the board for the rest of the game.

Gold - spangram

The spangram lights up in gold when found. It is the word that names or describes the puzzle theme.

Amber - active selection

Letters turn amber as you drag through them to form a word. Release to submit.

Here is a themed word after it has been found:

KITTEN found - its letters lock in blue with a connection line.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Read the theme hint

Every puzzle shows a theme hint at the top. It tells you what category the hidden words belong to. Something like "Baby animals" means you are looking for words like KITTEN, PUPPY, LAMB, and CUB.

💡 “Baby animals”

Step 2 - Drag to select letters

Tap a letter to start, then drag through adjacent letters (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal). The word builds as you go. Each letter must touch the previous one.

Dragging through K-I-T-T-E-N. Selected letters highlighted in amber.

Step 3 - Themed words lock in blue

When you submit a word that matches the theme, its letters lock on the grid in blue. You will see a connection line showing the word path. Keep going until you find them all.

KITTEN found - locked in blue.

Step 4 - Find the spangram

The spangram is a special word that spans from one edge of the grid to the other. It usually names or describes the theme. When found, it locks in gold. Try to find it early since it makes the other words easier to spot.

Step 5 - Earn hints

Every time you find 3 valid words that are not part of the theme, you earn 1 hint. These words just need to be 4+ letters and in the dictionary. You do not have to use them right away.

💡3 non-themed words = 1 hint

Step 6 - Use hints when stuck

Tap the hint button to reveal the letters of one unfound themed word. The letters pulse briefly on the grid so you can see where the word is. Pay attention - the highlight fades after a couple of seconds.

LAMB highlighted by a hint - the pulsing blue letters show its location.

What Is a Spangram?

The spangram is the key word in every puzzle. It names or describes the theme and runs from one edge of the grid to the opposite edge. It can go left-right, top-bottom, or diagonally.

When you find the spangram, its letters lock in gold. Finding it first can make the rest of the puzzle easier since it tells you exactly what the theme is.

💡 Tip: scan the border cells first. The spangram always starts and ends at an edge.

Adjacency Rules

Words in Strands are formed by connecting adjacent letters. Here is exactly what counts as adjacent:

  • •Horizontal neighbors - the letter directly to the left or right.
  • •Vertical neighbors - the letter directly above or below.
  • •Diagonal neighbors - the four letters at the corners. Yes, diagonal moves are allowed.

Game Modes

Strands has two ways to play:

Daily Puzzle

One puzzle per day, same for everyone. Resets at midnight UTC. Streaks track consecutive days completed.

Unlimited Mode

Random puzzles from a curated pool. Play as many as you want. Stats tracked separately.

Quick Tips

  • 1Start with the spangram. Check the edges of the grid for long words that match the theme.
  • 2Short themed words (4–5 letters) are usually easier to find first.
  • 3Use non-themed words strategically - 3 of them earn you a hint.
  • 4Scan rows and diagonals systematically rather than jumping around randomly.
  • 5Once you find the spangram, reread the theme hint. The remaining words become more obvious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Strands grid?
The standard grid is 6 columns wide and 8 rows tall - 48 letters total. Every letter belongs to exactly one word.
What is the spangram?
The spangram is a special word that names or describes the theme. It physically spans from one edge of the grid to the opposite edge and locks in gold when found.
How do I earn hints?
Find 3 valid words that are not part of the theme. Valid means 4+ letters and a real word. Each set of 3 earns you 1 hint.
Can I move diagonally?
Yes. Each letter can connect to any of its 8 neighbors - horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. You can change direction as many times as needed.
Is Strands free?
Yes. Strands91 is free to play with no account required. Your progress and stats are saved locally in your browser.
How often do new puzzles appear?
Daily mode has one new puzzle every day at midnight UTC. Unlimited mode draws from a pool of curated puzzles you can play anytime.
What happens if I find a valid word that is not themed?
It counts toward earning a hint. Every 3 non-themed valid words give you 1 hint. The word disappears from your selection but the letters stay on the grid.
Can I replay a daily puzzle?
No. Each daily puzzle can only be completed once. If you want more practice, use unlimited mode.

Ready to play?

Jump into today's puzzle or try unlimited mode for extra practice.

Play Strands