Hey there, word puzzle lovers! If you’re tackling the NYT Strands puzzle for August 13, 2025, you’re in for a thrilling challenge themed around cinematic legend Alfred Hitchcock.
Today’s game (#528) invites you to discover words related to some of his most famous films plus the spangram that ties everything together.
Whether you want to steer yourself gently with hints or jump straight to the answers, this guide will get you there.
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What Is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a captivating word game played on a 6×8 grid filled with letters. Your task is to find words scattered throughout the board that align with a secret theme.
The highlight is the “spangram” — a special word or phrase that spans two edges of the board and encapsulates the theme.
Hints become available by finding certain words or unlocking non-theme words. It’s a smart, satisfying challenge combining word search with puzzle solving.
Today’s Theme: Hitchcock Festival
This puzzle celebrates the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, by featuring titles of some of his classic films. If you’re a movie buff, expect a nostalgic joyride; if not, the hints will still steer you to victory.
August 13, 2025 NYT Strands Hints
- One of the words is the title of a classic thriller set at the infamous Bates Motel.
- The theme is about an iconic director known for appearing briefly in his own films.
- Letters that hint at the spangram’s position include “JE, PI, FR, SU, BO, GU” (think carefully about Hitchcock’s famous works).
- The spangram connects two edges of the board horizontally.
Today’s Answers — NYT Strands Game #528
- PSYCHO
- VERTIGO
- ROPE
- LIFEBOAT
- TOPAZ
- NOTORIOUS
Spangram
- FILM TITLE

This special spangram is the unifying phrase connecting all the Hitchcock movie titles in the puzzle.
Pro Tips for NYT Strands
- Start by identifying the theme — here, Hitchcock’s movies — to quickly spot potential words.
- Look for unique letter combinations that appear in multiple theme words.
- Use your non-theme word guesses strategically to earn hints revealing letters of the theme words.
- Keep an eye on the spangram location clues (like its horizontal orientation spanning two edges).
NYT Strands for August 13, 2025, is a fantastic tribute to one of cinema’s greatest directors. Whether you breezed through or found it challenging, this puzzle offers a delightful blend of word hunting and cultural trivia.