Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns.

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday's puzzle, you're not alone and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down. Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You'll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Today's NYT Mini Crossword is an easy one. Usually, I'm thrown off when the puzzle pulls a meta-question, and wants you to fill in circled letters to solve an extra clue, but this