Today's NYT Strands is live for Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Puzzle #980). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.
How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)
Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.
The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.
Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.
Theme Decoder
Today's Theme Prompt: "Disciplined combat"
What It Really Means
“Disciplined combat” points to named fighting systems, each with its own techniques and training traditions.
Think About...
- Styles built around throws and holds.
- Disciplines that emphasize powerful strikes.
- Traditions associated with stealth and concealment.
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Left to right across the board
Letter Count: 11 letters
Starting Zone: Row 5, letter 1
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): Think of physical training that combines controlled technique with self-defense.
Hint 2 (Warmer): You're looking for the umbrella term for fighting disciplines taught through formal practice, often with belts marking progress.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is M, last letter is S
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MARTIALARTS
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Balance matters when the goal is to send an opponent to the mat.
Closer: This Japanese Olympic discipline emphasizes throws, pins, and submission holds.
Letter Clue: Starts with J, 4 letters total
Answer
JUDO
Word 2
Vague: Empty hands can deliver a forceful response.
Closer: Its name means “empty hand,” and a sharp chop is a familiar association.
Letter Clue: Starts with K, 6 letters total
Answer
KARATE
Word 3
Vague: Both fists and feet supply the offense.
Closer: Picture a ring sport where gloved punches combine with shin and foot strikes.
Letter Clue: Starts with K, 10 letters total
Answer
KICKBOXING
Word 4
Vague: Avoiding detection belongs in this skill set.
Closer: This Japanese tradition is associated with covert agents, espionage, and concealment.
Letter Clue: Starts with N, 8 letters total
Answer
NINJUTSU
Word 5
Vague: Fast footwork sets up spectacular airborne strikes.
Closer: This Korean Olympic discipline is especially associated with high, spinning leg strikes.
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 9 letters total
Answer
TAEKWONDO
Full Answers
Spangram: MARTIALARTS
Theme Words:
- JUDO
- KARATE
- KICKBOXING
- NINJUTSU
- TAEKWONDO
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Medium, with a direct theme prompt and demanding spellings in NINJUTSU and TAEKWONDO.
Trickiest Word: NINJUTSU is the standout snag because recognizing the stealth connection still leaves the unusual J-U-T-S-U ending to untangle.
Our Take: “Disciplined combat” gives a direct route to MARTIAL ARTS, so the satisfaction comes from distinguishing the individual disciplines. JUDO and KARATE provide compact footholds, while KICKBOXING, NINJUTSU, and TAEKWONDO give the list more spelling texture.