If you’re perusing this, you’re in search of help with Strands, the advanced word-search game from the New York Times.

Strands puts players to the test with a twist on the classic word search. Words are created from connecting letters in any direction, including diagonal orientations, and can alter direction, resulting in distinctive shapes. Each letter in the grid is integral to a solution. A theme ties all the answers together, alongside the “spangram,” a special word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and extends across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing an ambiguous clue and leaving out the word list, Strands transforms into a mental challenge that requires more time to complete than games such as Wordle and Connections.

If you’re feeling lost or pressed for time, we have all the NYT Strands hints available to help you advance at your chosen speed.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Dire straits
The words pertain to problems.

Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly defined
These words illustrate difficult circumstances.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?
Today’s NYT Strands spangram is oriented horizontally.

NYT Strands spangram answer for today
Today’s spangram is In A Fix.

NYT Strands word list for September 20
– Pickle
– Muddle
– In a Fix
– Quandary
– Mess
– Predicament
– Dilemma

Searching for other daily online games? Mashable’s Games page offers additional hints, and if you desire more puzzles, Mashable has games available now! Visit our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you were looking for? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands.