The New York Times launched Strands game #869 with tips and answers available for July 20, 2026. Tips for the puzzle were provided through publications like Mashable, Tom's Guide and PC Guide. Today's hints covered the topic, teasers and the game's key word. Upcoming scheduled Strands Sidekick shifts to game #870. Fans can grab the extra hint before tackling the day's full letter set on mobile. Key connectors remain the broad left-right answer that hits two edges of the board, and game 869's theme phrase sits in that same usual slot. Puzzle fans looking to kick off the win warms hits to get going typically strip the smaller board answers before swiping the blue-yellow flagged words. Each outlet also dropped a small nudge waiting when solvers lose steam after the main clue set has been gone through.