Context:

The NYT Strands is a challenging word-search puzzle game where players form words from connected letters in any direction, with words often shifting direction, creating unique patterns. Each puzzle revolves around a central theme and includes a 'spangram,' a word or phrase that spans the entire grid either horizontally or vertically. On August 11, 2025, the theme is centered around words related to 'excess,' with the spangram being 'Leftovers,' arranged vertically. The game is designed to be more time-consuming than other popular word games like Wordle, offering an opaque hint without providing the word list to enhance the challenge. Hints and answers are provided to assist those who might find the puzzle particularly difficult or time-consuming to solve independently.

Dive Deeper:

• NYT Strands is an advanced word-search game where words can be formed in any direction, including up, down, left, right, or diagonally, with the added complexity of words changing directions, creating unique patterns.

• Each puzzle is themed, with every solution connected to this central theme, and includes a 'spangram,' a special word or phrase that spans the grid entirely, either horizontally or vertically.

• The theme for the August 11, 2025, puzzle revolves around concepts related to 'excess,' with the vertical spangram 'Leftovers' encapsulating the theme.

• Strands is designed to be more challenging and time-consuming than other games like Wordle and Connections by providing opaque hints and omitting the word list, which encourages deeper engagement with the puzzle.

• Hints and direct answers are made available for players who may need assistance in progressing through the puzzles, catering to varying levels of puzzle-solving skills and time availability.