Positive Words Strands Game Rules & Tutorial
Overview
Positive Words Strands is an educational variant of the New York Times Strands puzzle. Players are presented with a 6×8 grid of letters and must find uplifting, theme-related words by connecting adjacent letters in any direction—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—while discovering a special "spangram" that spans two opposite edges of the board.
How to Play
- Find Theme Words: Scan the 6×8 grid for words that match the current positive theme (e.g., "MINDSET," "OPTIMISM," "JOY").
- Select Letters: On desktop, click or click-and-drag over adjacent letters. On mobile, tap and slide your finger across neighboring letters.
- Submit a Word: Release the mouse button or lift your finger to confirm. Correct theme words stay highlighted; incorrect or non-theme words will flash red and reset your selection.
- Find the Spangram: A single, theme-defining word that touches two opposite edges of the grid (top-to-bottom or left-to-right).
- Beat the Clock: Each round is timed (typically 60–90 seconds). Use your time wisely to locate all theme words and the spangram.
Valid Words
- Must be at least 4 letters long (no three-letter words).
- Letters must be connected through adjacent cells (8 directions allowed).
- You cannot reuse the same cell within one word, but cells may be reused across different words.
- Words may twist and turn—they don't have to form straight lines.
Theme & Spangram
The puzzle title hints at the theme (e.g., "Sunshine & Smiles"). Every word you find relates to that theme. The spangram is the main theme word (e.g., "HAPPINESS") and must connect two opposite edges.
Scoring & Feedback
- Correct theme words turn blue when found.
- The spangram turns yellow for special emphasis.
- Using a hint is shown by a lightbulb icon.
Hint System
- Earn hints by finding any valid but non-theme word (4+ letters). Every three off-theme finds grants one hint.
- Use a hint to circle (with a dashed outline) one unsolved theme word; you still must trace it yourself to claim it.
- Maximum 3 hints per round; solve the circled word before earning the next.
Unlimited & Free Play
The unlimited version lets you play without waiting for the next day's puzzle. The official daily version is free on both web and mobile; new puzzles unlock each day.
FAQ
- What is Positive Words Strands?
- An educational twist on NYT Strands where all solutions are uplifting, psychology-inspired words.
- How many mistakes can I make?
- No penalty for mistakes—off-theme words simply fill your hint meter.
- Are three-letter words allowed?
- No, only words of four letters or more count.
- Can words overlap?
- Yes, different words may share cells, but a single word cannot reuse the same letter cell.
- What platforms support Strands?
- Desktop browsers and mobile devices via any modern web browser.