Move over,Wordle,Connections,Connections Sports Edition, andMini Crossword—there's a newNYTword game in town! TheNew York Times' recent game, "Strands," is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on theNYTwebsite and app.
With daily themes and "spangrams" to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.
We'll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's Spangram, and all of the answers forStrands #691onFriday,January23.
How to Play Strands
According to theNew York Times, here's exactly how to play Strands:
Find theme words to fill the board.
Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.
Find the "spangram."
The spangram describes the puzzle's theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.
Need a hint?
Find non-theme words to get hints.
For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word's letter order.
What Is Strands' Hint for the Theme for Jan. 23:"None the wiser."
A hint for today's Strands game: I believe you!
What Are NYT Strands Hints for Jan. 23?
Warning: Spoilers ahead!In today's puzzle, there aresixtheme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:
NA
CA
AR
GU
CR
BO (SPANGRAM)
NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?
Today's Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer for Jan. 23
Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Friday, January 23, 2026, isBORNYESTERDAY.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Friday, Jan. 23?
NAIVE
CALLOW
ARTLESS
GULLIBLE
CREDULOUS
SPANGRAM: BORNYESTERDAY
Related: Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, January 22, 2026
This story was originally published byParadeon Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in theLifesection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
