The New York Times’ Strands puzzle for December 2 (#639) presents a challenge for many, with a theme that may trigger arachnophobia in some players. This guide provides hints and the complete solution, breaking down how to solve the puzzle efficiently.
Understanding the Puzzle Mechanics
Strands requires players to identify hidden words within a grid of letters. The core objective is to discover all words related to a specific theme, including a “spangram” – a theme word that stretches across the entire grid, utilizing every letter. Finding three four-letter words or longer unlocks a theme hint within the game.
Hints for Today’s Puzzle
The theme for today’s Strands is “On the Web.” A helpful clue is to think of the classic story featuring Charlotte and Wilbur.
To trigger in-game hints, the following words can be used (though any four-letter or longer words work):
- HUNT
- HUNTS
- DOWN
- WHIP
- WHIPS
- JUMP
- SUMP
- RANT
- LATS
- HUMAN
Complete Solution
The non-spangram answers for this puzzle are:
- HOUSE
- WIDOW
- JUMPING
- HUNTSMAN
- RECLUSE
- TARANTULA
The spangram that completes the puzzle is SPIDERS. It begins with the letter “S” in the fifth row, first column, and extends horizontally across the grid.
Challenging Strands Puzzles from Recent Weeks
Some Strands themes have proven more difficult than others:
- Dated Slang (Jan. 21) : Many players struggled with outdated terminology, particularly the word PHAT.
- Thar She Blows! (Jan. 15) : This nautical-themed puzzle required specialized knowledge, with BALEEN or RIGHT being the most challenging words.
Strands puzzles vary in difficulty, with some themes requiring broader cultural or specialized knowledge to solve. The key is to explore multiple word combinations and utilize in-game hints when necessary.
