NYT Strands #985: Friday’s Puzzle Centers on Bad Omens

Key points

• The theme for Strands #985 is 'Not a good sign,' with a spangram of 'ROTTENLUCK.'
• The puzzle is rated 'challenging' by paid testers, according to The New York Times.
• Theme words include 'SPILLED,' 'SALT,' 'BROKEN,' 'MIRROR,' 'THIRTEENTH,' and 'FLOOR,' per CNET.
• Strands is a daily word search game launched by The New York Times in 2024, designed to fill a 6x8 grid.
• Players can unlock hints by finding three non-theme words of four or more letters.

Background

Strands is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times, launched in 2024 to capitalize on the popularity of Wordle. It requires players to find theme words and a 'spangram' that spans the grid. Recent puzzles have featured themes like fitness (Nov. 11) and concert crowds (Nov. 12).

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times rates the puzzle as 'challenging' and provides general hints. CNET and PC Guide offer specific answers and themes, with CNET noting the 'Not a good sign' theme and PC Guide detailing the previous day's 'Work it out' theme. All sources agree on the game's mechanics but differ in the level of detail provided for the current puzzle.

Why it matters

Strands is a popular daily puzzle that engages millions of players, reflecting broader trends in word game popularity. The puzzle's theme and difficulty can influence player engagement and satisfaction.

What to watch

The next Strands puzzle, #986, will be released at midnight on November 14, 2026. Players can expect new themes and challenges, with hints and answers available from various outlets.