If you’re visiting, it’s likely that you’re seeking some assistance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ elegant variation on the traditional word-search game.
**Strands** pushes players to extend their thinking beyond standard word searches. You can create words by linking letters in any orientation — upwards, downwards, sideways, or diagonally — and they can even shift direction, forming distinct shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid plays a role in the solution. Every puzzle features an overarching theme, along with a “spangram” — a unique word or phrase that represents the day’s theme and covers the whole grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and additional games: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands presents a more cryptic hint system and does not offer a word list, transforming it into a brain-teasing experience that requires a bit more time to complete. If you’re pressed for time or feeling at a standstill, we’ve got all the clues you need to approach today’s puzzle at your convenience.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 13](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-13-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 13](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-13-2025)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Hole Foods**
Consider words that pair well with a schmear.
### **Theme Explained**
Today’s theme centers on various kinds of a breakfast item that has a hole in the middle.
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## **NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram runs horizontally.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **Bagels**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for January 13**
Here are all the words for today’s challenge:
– **Blueberry**
– **Everything**
– **Plain**
– **Raisin**
– **Sesame**
– **Garlic**
– **Bagels**
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### **Featured Video For You**
**Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game**
(*Check out the video on Mashable’s site for insights and strategies!*)
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### **Searching for More Games?**
Visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for hints, puzzles, and more. From Mahjong to Sudoku and free crosswords, there’s a game for everyone.
Not engaged with today’s puzzle? [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-12-2025).