I settled down with my morning coffee expecting a gentle warm up, then found myself staring at today's Strands clue, "Have a heart", while the toast went cold. It is the sort of phrase that sends my mind in several directions at once, which is lovely in conversation and slightly less helpful when I am trying to join up letters before work.
My first instinct was to take it as a little plea for kindness, but I soon started questioning how literally to read it. That is the pleasure of this one: a familiar expression can open a few doors, and choosing which one to try is half the fun.
This page covers NYT Strands #1129 for Tuesday, September 29, 2026. You will find the theme clue, a spoiler free hint, a stronger hint, the spangram and every theme word, in that order. Scroll slowly and stop where you like.
Today's Strands theme
The official clue for Tuesday, September 29, 2026 is "Have a heart". There are 6 theme words to find plus the spangram, which always touches two opposite sides of the board.
Spoiler free hints
- The spangram has 14 letters and begins with the letter C.
- The shortest theme word has 4 letters, the longest has 8.
- The theme words start with these letters: A, A, B, P, P, V.
A stronger hint for each word
| Starts with | Length | First two letters |
|---|---|---|
| A | 6 letters | Ar... |
| A | 6 letters | At... |
| B | 5 letters | Bl... |
| P | 8 letters | Pr... |
| P | 5 letters | Pu... |
| V | 4 letters | Ve... |
Today's spangram
Last chance to look away. The spangram for Strands #1129 is CARDIOVASCULAR.
All NYT Strands answers for September 29, 2026
- ARTERY (6 letters)
- ATRIUM (6 letters)
- BLOOD (5 letters)
- PRESSURE (8 letters)
- PULSE (5 letters)
- VEIN (4 letters)
Spangram: CARDIOVASCULAR. That is the full board solved.
How to get better at Strands
Try separating the clue's figurative meaning from its literal one, then test each interpretation against the letters rather than committing straight away. Look for a short, complete word first, especially around the edges, where there are fewer neighbouring letters to consider. Once you have a plausible find, ask what broader subject it suggests and search for related vocabulary. Trace every candidate carefully, remembering that diagonal steps are allowed. Leave the spanning answer until you have some supporting evidence, and use the remaining gaps to narrow your search.
Frequently asked questions
What is the spangram in Strands today?
The spangram for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, puzzle #1129, is CARDIOVASCULAR. It spans the board from one side to the opposite side.
How many theme words are in today's Strands?
There are 6 theme words today, plus the spangram.
How do you earn hints in Strands?
Find any valid non theme word of at least four letters. Every three of those unlocks one hint, which highlights the letters of a theme word without ordering them for you.
What time does a new Strands puzzle appear?
A new puzzle goes live at midnight in your local time zone, so this page is updated every morning with the new board.
Sources
- NYT Games, Strands puzzle #1129 for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, edited by Tracy Bennett, constructed by Hunter Calvert.
- The New York Times, how to play Strands.
