Strands is the NYT’s newest word game, now several months into what will hopefully be a long run. It can be tricky, though, so scroll down for my hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.

Your Strands expert

Marc McLaren
Your Strands expert

Marc McLaren

NYT Strands today (game #160) – hint #1 – today’s theme

What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?

Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Not just for poking

NYT Strands today (game #160) – hint #2 – clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • LIKE
  • CLICK
  • SHOE
  • SIZZLE
  • WINE
  • MINE

NYT Strands today (game #160) – hint #3 – spangram

What is a hint for today’s spangram?

Twiggy

NYT Strands today (game #160) – hint #4 – spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches?

First: left, 2nd row

Last: right, 7th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #160) – the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 160 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today’s Strands, game #160, are…

  • HOCKEY
  • CONTROL
  • LICORICE
  • MEMORY
  • SWIZZLE
  • CINNAMON
  • SPANGRAM: STICKS

  • My rating: Moderate
  • My score: 1 hint

Though this Strands puzzle isn’t difficult as such, I found it impossible to get started without using a hint; the theme clue, ‘Not just for poking’, was simply too vague. Yes, of course it makes sense in hindsight… but that’s not much use now!

Once I had that first word, HOCKEY, things were a lot easier. CONTROL stood out at the bottom of the board, the spangram, STICK was also rather obvious, and by that stage it was simply a case of fitting words into the board.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.


Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Friday 9 August, game #159)

  • FISH
  • CAMP
  • STARGAZE
  • FORAGE
  • HIKE
  • BIRDWATCH
  • SWIM
  • SPANGRAM: OUTDOORSY

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day.

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