Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #659) – hint #1 – today’s theme

NYT Strands today (game #659) – hint #2 – clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• WEDGE
• WING
• KNOB
• RACE
• GOON
• LINEN

NYT Strands today (game #659) – hint #3 – spangram letters

NYT Strands today (game #659) – hint #4 – spangram position

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #659) – the answers

The answers to today’s Strands, game #659, are…

• SCARF
• BOOK
• CANDLE
• GADGET
• WINE
• LOTION
• EARRINGS
• SPANGRAM: REGIFTING

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

An easy game today, but a depressing one. There is only one thing I find sadder than a disappointing meal and that’s unwanted gifts. 

It’s sad on multiple levels, as the person buying has spent their well-earned money on something you don’t like and secondly it’s depressing because they don’t know or like you enough to have bought you something you might like. I mean, who wants a CANDLE, really? 

Worst of all is the pretence of thanking someone, when you both know full well that you will be REGIFTING it to some other poor soul and thus continuing the neverending circle of terrible gifts.

Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Sunday, December 21, game #658)

• HUFF
• PUFF
• BRICKS
• STICKS
• STRAW
• BLOW
• DOWN
• SPANGRAM: THREELITTLEPIGS

Johnny is a freelance pop culture journalist who has been writing about the internet, music, football and famous people since the iPhone was just a twinkle in Steve Jobs’ eye. Previously known by the pseudonym the Pop Detective, his journalistic career began making up stories about Madonna’s addiction to sausage rolls (this is not true by the way). A man of few talents, his career is rich and various and includes the highs of interviewing Elton John and Blur; and the lows of interviewing Right Said Fred, appearing on a Channel 5 documentary about Peter Kay, and fact-checking the instruction manual for a German cooker. Somehow still affording to live in North London he is at his happiest riding his bicycle and shouting at pigeons.