NYT Strands May 2 2026: Hints and Answers for ‘All the Right Moves’

If you’ve spent your Saturday morning staring at the letter grid for the New York Times Strands puzzle and experience like you’re missing a step, you aren’t alone. Today’s puzzle, Strands #790, features a theme that requires a specific kind of rhythmic knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual solver, we’ve got the clues and the full solution to help you clear the board.

How to Play NYT Strands

For those new to the NYT Games lineup, Strands is a modern twist on the classic word search. Instead of looking for words in straight lines, you connect letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to form words that fit a specific daily theme.

The goal is to find all the theme words and the spangram—a special word or phrase that describes the theme and spans the entire grid from one side to the other. Unlike a traditional word search, every single letter on the board must be used, and theme words cannot overlap.

Hints for May 2, 2026

If you don’t seek the answers spoiled immediately, use these tiered hints to nudge you in the right direction.

The Theme Hint

The clue All the right moves is your primary lead. To narrow it down further, reckon of a setting like an urban cowboy environment or what you might see at a country-western bar.

The Spangram Hint

The spangram is vertical today. It describes a popular social activity where a group performs a choreographed sequence of steps in unison, often associated with country music.

Theme Word Clues

If you’re struggling to find the individual words, look for terms that describe specific footwork or named patterns used in synchronized group dancing. Some of these words might seem out of place—like a magical figure or a nautical profession—but they are all specific names of dance moves.

NYT Strands May 2 Answers

If you’re completely stuck or just want to verify your board, here is the complete solution for Saturday, May 2.

Today’s Spangram: LINEDANCE NYT Strands #790

The Theme Words:

• COASTER
• KICK
• PONY
• SAILOR
• SCUFF
• SHUFFLE
• WIZARD

Solving Strategy: How to Tackle ‘All the Right Moves’

This puzzle is a prime example of how the NYT can throw curveballs by using words with multiple meanings. Many solvers initially struggle because words like WIZARD or SAILOR don’t immediately scream dance.

When facing a puzzle like this, the best strategy is to find the spangram first. Once you identify LINEDANCE, the context shifts. You stop looking for general movement and start looking for the specific nomenclature of line dancing. From there, the remaining letters usually fall into place more logically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I find a word that isn’t a theme word?

Finding non-theme words is actually a helpful mechanic. For every three non-theme words you discover (each at least four letters long), the game will reveal a hint in the form of a few letters from one of the actual theme words.

Does the spangram always span the whole board?

Yes. By definition, the spangram must touch two opposite sides of the grid, either horizontally or vertically, and it always summarizes the day’s theme.

Where can I play NYT Strands?

You can play Strands daily on the official New York Times Games website or via the NYT Games app.