If you’re visiting this page, you likely seek assistance on engaging with [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ refined interpretation of the classic word-search game.
**Strands** introduces an innovative spin on the conventional word search. Words are created by connecting letters in any direction — vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or even reversing direction, allowing for complex formations and designs. The key challenge is that each letter within the grid contributes to an answer. Each puzzle centers around a particular theme, accompanied by a unique word or phrase known as the “spangram,” which encapsulates that theme and covers the grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other widely-recognized *New York Times* games such as [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), **Strands** features a more obscure hint system without a provided word list, offering a more elaborate and mental challenge. Should you find yourself in need of assistance or pressed for time to tackle today’s puzzle, we have all the clues necessary for you to progress at your own speed.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 28](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-28-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 28](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-28-2025)
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### **NYT Strands Hint for Today’s Theme: Stable Supply**
The words for today’s puzzle reflect items a cowboy might utilize.
### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Explained**
The solutions are all associated with horses and stables.
### **NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram extends horizontally.
### **NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Today**
The spangram for today is **HorsebackRiding**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for January 28**
Here’s the complete list of words for today’s puzzle:
– **Reins**
– **Harness**
– **Spurs**
– **Saddle**
– **Crop**
– **Bridle**
– **HorsebackRiding**
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### **Looking for More Games?**
If you’re searching for additional daily online games, explore [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for further hints and puzzles. You can also visit [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.
**Missed yesterday’s puzzle?** [Here’s the solution to January 27’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-27-2025)