What do hints mean in strands?

In Strands, hints are an integrated game mechanic designed to assist players by revealing valid words on the board, earned through gameplay rather than being a shortcut or cheat.

Understanding Hints in Strands

Hints in the New York Times' Strands game are an intrinsic part of the gameplay experience, strategically incorporated to guide players rather than providing an easy way out. They are not merely an option to give up or cheat, but a fundamental tool built directly into the game's design to help you progress through its challenging word puzzles.

How Hints Are Earned

Unlike many other puzzle games where hints might be purchased or given freely, Strands requires players to earn their hints through active gameplay. The primary method for earning a hint is by:

• Guessing valid but incorrect words: As you play, if you correctly identify and submit a word that is a real word but doesn't fit the current puzzle's theme or isn't one of the target words, the game acknowledges this by contributing towards your next hint. This system encourages continuous engagement and thoughtful exploration of the letter grid.

Interestingly, the difficulty of the game can influence the rate at which you earn hints. The more challenging the puzzle, the more opportunities you may find yourself having to guess valid but incorrect words, thus accelerating your hint accumulation.

What Happens When a Hint Is Used?

When you decide to activate a hint, its purpose is to directly assist you by revealing a correct answer. Specifically, using a hint will:

• Highlight a word on the Strands board: The game will automatically highlight one of the remaining theme words or the "spangram" (the overarching theme word) on the puzzle grid. For example, you might see a word like COMMA highlighted, indicating it's one of the words you need to find. This gives you a clear target to aim for, helping you to connect letters and understand potential patterns.

Strategic Use of Hints

Given that hints are earned and not simply given, their strategic use becomes an important aspect of mastering Strands. Consider these points for effective hint management:

• When stuck: If you've been searching for a word for a prolonged period and feel truly stumped, a hint can break the mental block and reveal a word that might unlock your perception of the other words.
• To confirm a pattern: Sometimes, revealing one word can help you deduce the category or the type of words you should be looking for, making it easier to find the remaining words.
• Balancing earning and spending: Since hints are earned by incorrect valid guesses, there's a natural ebb and flow. Don't be afraid to make educated guesses, as even wrong ones contribute to your next helping hand.

By understanding how hints function—as an earned, in-game assistant rather than an external aid—players can better strategize their approach to the challenging Strands puzzles.