The New York Times’ Strands puzzle challenges players to identify hidden words fitting a common theme within a grid of letters. Today’s puzzle, released on October 7th, features an animal-based theme: Unusual Companions.
Understanding the Puzzle
Strands requires deductive reasoning and word recognition. The game provides hints when three or more four-letter words are found; these reveal theme-related terms. The ultimate goal is to uncover all theme words, including a “spangram” – a word spanning the entire grid.
Today’s Solutions
The non-spangram words for today’s puzzle are:
- GECKO
- SKUNK
- PARROT
- PYTHON
- AXOLOTL
- CHINCHILLA
The spangram – the word that stretches across the entire board – is EXOTICPET. Players can locate it starting with the ‘E’ three spaces to the right on the bottom row and tracing along the grid.
Hints for Struggling Players
If stuck, begin by identifying any four-letter or longer words. Examples from today’s puzzle include:
- SEXY
- KEPT
- GILL
- PILL
- PHAT
- PEAT
- PATE
- CHILL
- CHIP
- COLT
- CILIA
- HOLT
- CHIN
Finding these will unlock in-game hints.
Challenging Past Puzzles
Recent Strands puzzles have proven particularly difficult, including those with outdated slang (e.g., “Dated slang” on January 21st, featuring the term “PHAT”) and niche topics (e.g., “Thar she blows!” on January 15th, requiring knowledge of marine biology terms like “BALEEN” or “RIGHT”).
In conclusion, Strands blends wordplay with thematic deduction, offering daily mental stimulation. The key to success lies in systematic letter exploration and thematic awareness.
