If you’ve landed here, it’s likely that you’re seeking some assistance with Strands — the New York Times’ clever variant on the classic word search puzzle.

Strands tasks players with locating words concealed within a letter grid. Unlike a traditional word search, words in Strands can curve and turn in any direction — upward, downward, left, right, or diagonally — and can even change their trajectory mid-word. Every letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the words share a common theme. A unique word or phrase, referred to as the “spangram,” connects everything and spans the grid, either horizontally or vertically.

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What sets Strands apart is that it does not provide a list of words to search for. Instead, you receive a singular, often enigmatic clue that suggests the theme. This adds a level of difficulty — and takes more time — compared to other NYT games such as Wordle or Connections.

If you’re pressed for time or feeling stuck on today’s puzzle, relax — we have all the hints and answers you require to progress at your own speed.

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SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 18

Today’s NYT Strands Theme: “On the board”
Hint: The words are all connected to gaming.

Theme Explained:
Each word represents a crucial element used during gameplay — consider physical items typically found in board games.

Spangram Direction:
Today’s spangram is positioned horizontally across the grid.

Spangram Answer:
GamePieces

Strands Word List for April 18:

– Checker
– Domino
– GamePieces
– Battleship
– Tile
– Token
– Knight

Looking for more daily puzzles and games? Visit Mashable’s Games page for additional hints and challenges. Whether you enjoy Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, or want to discover new games, we’ve got you set.

Not the puzzle you expected? Check out the solution to yesterday’s Strands here.