Today's NYT Strands is live for Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (Puzzle #703). 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: "For the enthusiast"
What It Really Means
This theme points to items and activities that hobbyists collect, build, or enjoy as specialized interests.
Think About...
- Items you'd find in a hobby store or specialized shop
- Collectible items and building projects
- Recreational activities and pastimes
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Top to bottom in a zig zag manner
Letter Count: 9 letters
Starting Zone: Third letter of the first row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): Think about where enthusiasts go to find specialized supplies.
Hint 2 (Warmer): This is a single word that combines two concepts - a pastime and a retail location.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is H, last letter is P
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HOBBYSHOP
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Something small-scale and detailed
Closer: Often refers to tiny versions of real objects
Letter Clue: Starts with M, 9 letters total
Answer
MINIATURE
Word 2
Vague: A brain-teasing challenge
Closer: What you're solving right now
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 6 letters total
Answer
PUZZLE
Word 3
Vague: A representation of something
Closer: Often built from kits with instructions
Letter Clue: Starts with M, 5 letters total
Answer
MODEL
Word 4
Vague: Small cubes with dots
Closer: Used in tabletop games and gambling
Letter Clue: Starts with D, 4 letters total
Answer
DICE
Word 5
Vague: Something people gather and display
Closer: Often has value to collectors
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 11 letters total
Answer
COLLECTIBLE
Word 6
Vague: Structured play with rules
Closer: Board, card, or video varieties
Letter Clue: Starts with G, 4 letters total
Answer
GAME
Full Answers
Spangram: HOBBYSHOP
Theme Words:
- MINIATURE
- PUZZLE
- MODEL
- DICE
- COLLECTIBLE
- GAME
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: COLLECTIBLE (Longest word at 11 letters, requires careful letter connection)
Our Take: A straightforward hobby-themed puzzle with clear connections between words. The spangram HOBBYSHOP neatly ties everything together, though the zig-zag orientation adds a slight challenge. Solid execution with no obscure vocabulary.
