The New York Times released Strands game game 869 with tips and solves available for July 20, 2026. Hints for the puzzle were provided through publications including Mashable, Tom's Guide and PC Guide. The usual breakdown covered the theme, hints and the game's key word. Sunday's scheduled Strands Sidekick tips up as game 870. Fans can grab the extra hint before diving into the day's full letter set on the app. Spangrams keep coming the long sideways answer that links two sides of the board, and this theme phrase rests in that same usual slot. Strands regulars planning to start the win warms hits first often clear the smaller non-spangram hits before chasing the tip-driven words. Each outlet also flagged a small bonus word available just when solvers strike out after the standard clue set has been used.