NYT Strands is the new obsession for word puzzle lovers. This game is a captivating hunt for a secret theme hidden in a chaotic grid. If today’s puzzle has you stumped, don’t worry—we’ve got the clues and answers you need to solve the mystery. Here is “It’s part of the game” Today’s NYT Strands #699 Hints and Answers for January 31, 2026

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“It’s part of the game” NYT Strands #699 Hints for January 31, 2026

Here are today’s NYT Strands hints for you.

Today’s NYT Strand’s theme is: “ It’s part of the game. “

While many words may reveal themselves to you, the game’s objective is to find words related to the day’s theme.

  • Strands hint No. 1: Many of these items require specific equipment like nets, courts, or handheld gear to play.
  • Strands hint No. 2: The Spangram describes a common idiom for having a great time, which doubles as a literal description of these sports.
  • Strands hint No. 3: BA, FO, BA, PA, PI, VO, RA

You don’t need another hint for today’s Strands puzzle.

Today’s NYT Strands #699 Answer for January 31, 2026

  • Spangram word – HAVEABALL
  • Remaining words : Base, Foot, Basket, Paddle, Pickle, Volley, Racquet

Today’s Strands was an absolute treat for anyone who enjoys getting active. The layout felt very balanced, though I found that the Spangram was the real “game-changer” in terms of opening up the rest of the board. It’s one of those puzzles where the theme is broad enough to keep you guessing, but once you find that first four-letter word in the corner, the rest of the court starts to clear up quickly. I particularly enjoyed how the puzzle mixed classic schoolyard staples with a few trendy, modern variations that have been gaining a lot of traction lately. It definitely left me feeling like I’d had a solid workout for the brain! I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5.

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How did you like today’s NYT Strands puzzle? Easy, hard, or meh?

You can also check out today’s answers for other NYT puzzles :

  • NYT Wordle Answers
  • NYT PIPS Answers
  • NYT Connections Answers
  • NYT Mini Crossword Answers

NYT Strands Rules

NYT Strands is a word game that is played on a 6×8 letter grid containing seemingly random letters. Each letter must be used in some way so that when all the words have been found, the board is full, leaving no letter unused.

Each puzzle has a theme, but you don’t know what the theme is. A hint is provided at the start of the game. You must guess all the common theme-related words that have something in common, leading to the Spangram.

Spangram is a special challenge word or base of the theme. All the words, when solved, are denoted in blue except the Spangram, which is denoted in yellow when guessed correctly and touches two ends of the board, side to side or top to bottom. Spangram denotes what’s common between all the other words on the board.

Note: Players can find non-theme words to earn hints. Every 3 non-theme words will unlock a hint.