Should you be reading this, you’re in search of some help with Strands, the New York Times‘ advanced word-search game.

Strands puts players to the test with a twist on the classic word search. Words can be created from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, and they can also change directions, forming distinctive shapes and patterns. Each letter within the grid contributes to an answer. There’s always a theme that links each solution, in addition to the “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that captures the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.

By presenting a vague hint and omitting the word list, Strands crafts a thought-provoking game that requires a bit more time to play compared to its other offerings like Wordle and Connections.

If you find yourself at a standstill or lack 10 or more minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we have all the NYT Strands hints necessary for you to move forward at your own pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Mind your manners

The words are related to etiquette.

Today’s NYT Strands theme briefly explained

These words represent courteous actions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today’s spangram is Be Polite