Click and drag across connected letters to form a word. Letters must be adjacent (including diagonally). Release to submit. If the word matches a theme word, it lights up. The SPANGRAM touches both opposite edges of the grid. Use the Hint button to flash the starting cell of an unfound word.
Zen Strands is ZenPlay's free alternative to NYT Strands — which accumulated 1.3 billion plays in its first year. Each puzzle has a hidden theme connecting a set of words. Find all the theme words hidden in the letter grid, and discover the SPANGRAM — a special word that spans the full width or height of the board.
The SPANGRAM is the most exciting part of every Strands puzzle. It is a word (or phrase) that uses letters touching both sides of the grid — often revealing the theme itself. Finding it earns a massive bonus and is the moment players love to share on social media.
Classic, Sports, History, and Animals themed grids. Spangram First Mode hides theme words until you find the spangram first. No Grid Lines Mode removes the cell borders for a cleaner — and harder — visual challenge.