NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, December 21 (game #658)

Looking for another day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears every day at midnight for your time zone. This means that some people always play “today's game” and others always play “yesterday's game.” If you're looking for a Saturday puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands Tips and Answers for Saturday, December 20th (Game #657).

Strands is the New York Times' latest word game, following games like WardleSpelling Bee and Connections – and it's a lot of fun. However, this can be tricky, so read on for my Strands tips.

NYT Strands Today (Game #658) – Answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

Answers to today's Strands, game #658:

HAFF
PUFF
BRICK
STICKS
STRAW
BLOW
DOWN
SPANGRAM: THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

My rating: Easy
My rating: Ideal

A very long spagram today, but it's worth it because it makes for a great puzzle – a Strands classic.

First, top marks for having a “HOOF” and a “Puff” at the top of the puzzle, and then for the “THREE PIGS” spagram in the shape of a house. These touches make the game quite simple – just memorizing a nursery rhyme – but we can take breaks from the game from time to time.

I'm also excited because I got a badge for this game for the 50th time I was the first to spot the spangram. I had no idea I had done this so many times.