Today's NYT Strands is live for Saturday, May 30, 2026 (Puzzle #818). 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: "We'll be there"
What It Really Means
This puzzle is about the traits that define a true friend -- the people you can count on through thick and thin. Every theme word describes a quality you'd look for in someone who shows up when it matters.
Think About...
- Qualities that make someone a dependable presence in your life
- Words that describe how a good friend behaves when times get tough
- Character traits you'd want in a teammate, partner, or lifelong companion
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Snakes across the grid (begins left side, moves across, up, across, down, across)
Letter Count: 11 letters
Starting Zone: Begins near the first letter of the third row, left side
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): This word describes people you can count on -- the ones who stick around.
Hint 2 (Warmer): It's a compound word that combines a positive trait with the people who share it.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is G, last letter is S
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GOODFRIENDS
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Someone you can count on without hesitation.
Closer: This word describes a person who never lets you down.
Letter Clue: Starts with R, 8 letters total
Answer
RELIABLE
Word 2
Vague: A quality of unwavering commitment.
Closer: This describes someone who stays true no matter what.
Letter Clue: Starts with L, 5 letters total
Answer
LOYAL
Word 3
Vague: The kind of person who goes out of their way.
Closer: This quality describes someone who actively supports and assists others.
Letter Clue: Starts with H, 7 letters total
Answer
HELPFUL
Word 4
Vague: Earned over time through consistent actions.
Closer: This describes someone whose word is their bond -- reliable and honest.
Letter Clue: Starts with T, 11 letters total
Answer
TRUSTWORTHY
Word 5
Vague: The warmth that keeps relationships strong.
Closer: This quality describes someone who shows genuine concern for others.
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 7 letters total
Answer
CARING
Full Answers
Spangram: GOODFRIENDS
Theme Words:
- RELIABLE
- LOYAL
- HELPFUL
- TRUSTWORTHY
- CARING
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: TRUSTWORTHY (At 11 letters, it's the longest theme word and can be tough to spot when the grid gets crowded. The diagonal connections needed to spell it out add extra challenge.)
Our Take: This puzzle leans on a warm, universal theme that most solvers can connect with instantly. The five theme words are all common adjectives, but the spangram GOODFRIENDS ties them together in a satisfying reveal. A solid Saturday puzzle that rewards methodical scanning over flashy wordplay.
