The New York Times published Strands game number 869 with clues and solves available for July 20, 2026. Clues for the puzzle arrived through publications like Mashable, Tom's Guide and PC Guide. Daily tips featured the topic, teasers and the game's long stretch. The next scheduled Strands Sidekick shifts to game 870. Readers may check the extra hint before working on the day's full board on mobile. Key connectors continue to be the builder-friendly answer that touches two walls of the board, and the current spangram rests in that same usual slot. Strands regulars planning to begin the easy hits early often peel off the smaller board answers before chasing the theme-hint words. PC Guide also added a small bonus word handed out provided that solvers stall after the main word list has been checked off.