NYT Strands No. 967: Hospitality Theme and Moderate Difficulty

Key points

• The puzzle is rated moderate difficulty by paid testers.
• The theme is 'Please, be my guest!' with words related to hosting.
• The spangram is 'HOSPITALITY,' running vertically.
• Theme words include 'Host,' 'Meet,' 'Invite,' 'Receive,' 'Welcome,' and 'Entertain.'
• CNET notes the theme felt like a 'reach' compared to more lively topics.

Background

Strands is a daily word-search game launched by the New York Times in 2024, following the popularity of Wordle. Recent puzzles, such as No. 952 and No. 951, have also been rated moderate difficulty, with themes ranging from 'Changing course' to unspecified topics. The game requires players to find theme words and a spangram that spans the grid.

How outlets are covering it

Mashable and CNET both provide full solutions and hints, with Mashable emphasizing the 'dinner parties' theme and CNET offering specific clue words like 'SPIT' and 'LITE' to unlock hints. The New York Times, via Strands Sidekick, offers partial hints and rates the puzzle as moderate, without revealing full answers. CNET's Gael Cooper critiques the theme as a 'reach,' preferring more lively topics like clothing or dogs, while Mashable and the NYT present the theme straightforwardly.

Why it matters

Strands continues to be a popular daily puzzle, with multiple outlets providing hints and solutions to help players. The moderate difficulty and clear theme make it accessible, while the spangram adds a challenge. The puzzle's release at midnight in each time zone ensures global participation.

What to watch

The next Strands puzzle, No. 968, is scheduled for October 27, 2026. Players can expect new themes and hints from outlets like Mashable, CNET, and the New York Times. The NYT may also release additional Sidekick posts for global players.