Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands 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 #202) – hint #1 – today’s theme

What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?

Today’s NYT Strands theme is… I’ve got the music in me!

NYT Strands today (game #202) – hint #2 – clue words

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

  • STUD
  • DUNE
  • ETCH
  • RATE
  • TARE
  • STONE

NYT Strands today (game #202) – hint #3 – spangram

What is a hint for today’s spangram?

Temple of music

NYT Strands today (game #202) – hint #4 – spangram position

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

First: left, 5th row

Last: right, 3rd row

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

NYT Strands today (game #202) – the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 202 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today’s Strands, game #202, are…

  • ARENA
  • STADIUM
  • NIGHTCLUB
  • THEATER
  • FESTIVAL
  • SPANGRAM: CONCERTVENUE

  • My rating: Moderate
  • My score: 1 hint

I’ve marked this one as moderate simply because I couldn’t get started without a hint; the theme clue of ‘I’ve got the music in me!’ seemed too obtuse, despite the fact that with hindsight it was really rather obvious. Once I asked for help and was given ARENA it all became much easier, and I ticked off the likes of STADIUM, NIGHTCLUB and THEATER with no issues.

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


Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Friday 20 September, game #201)

  • RHYME
  • VERSE
  • METER
  • STANZA
  • SYNTAX
  • DICTION
  • SCANSION
  • SPANGRAM: POETRY

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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