If you’ve landed here, it’s likely that you need some assistance with [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), the *New York Times*’ advanced word-search game.
**Strands** presents a distinct variation of the classic word search. You can create words by linking letters in any direction — whether that’s up, down, sideways, or diagonal. However, there’s a twist: words can shift direction along their path, forming complex shapes and designs. Each letter within the grid contributes to a solution, with all answers connected by a shared theme. Furthermore, there’s the “spangram” — a notable word or phrase that encapsulates the day’s theme and spans the entirety of the grid either horizontally or vertically.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and beyond: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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In contrast to other NYT games like [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), **Strands** heightens the difficulty by providing just a general hint and no list of words, making it a more labor-intensive cognitive challenge. If you’re pressed for time or feeling lost, we’ve gathered all the hints you need to approach today’s puzzle at your own speed.
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 27](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-27-2025)
[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 27](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-27-2025)
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## **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: Viva Las Vegas**
**Hint:** These terms are frequently linked to casinos.
### **Theme Explained**
The solutions are titles of games you’d generally encounter in a Vegas casino.
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## **Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?**
Today’s spangram is **horizontal**.
### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **Gambling**.
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## **NYT Strands Word List for January 27**
Here are the solutions for today’s puzzle:
– **Poker**
– **Slots**
– **Blackjack**
– **Craps**
– **Roulette**
– **Baccarat**
– **Gambling**
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### **Featured Video For You**
**Strands 101: How to Succeed in NYT’s Newest Word Game**
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### **Seeking More Games?**
If you’re on the lookout for additional daily puzzles, visit [**Mashable’s Games page**](https://mashable.com/category/games) for extra hints and answers. You can also check out [**Mashable’s game hub**](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.
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**Missed yesterday’s puzzle?** [Here’s the answer to January 26’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-26-2025)