The New York Times’ Strands puzzle can be a delightful challenge. This daily word game combines elements of crossword puzzles and word searches, requiring players to find hidden words within a grid, all connected by a shared theme. If you’re struggling with today’s puzzle, here’s a breakdown of the clues, hints, and answers for the September 19th edition.
Understanding the Strands Game
Before diving into today’s solutions, let’s briefly review the game’s mechanics. The primary goal is to uncover all the words associated with a given theme. Solving the puzzle correctly uses every letter on the grid; it highlights a “spangram”—a longer, thematic word that spans the board. Finding smaller, related words unlocks hints and, ultimately, reveals the spangram.
Today’s Theme: “Pour it On”
The theme for September 19th is “Pour it On,” which naturally centers around drinks and beverages. This theme provides a helpful starting point for identifying potential words within the grid.
Hints & Clues
If you’re having trouble getting started, here are some clues to aid in your search:
- Theme: Think about what you “pour” – beverages, liquids, etc.
- Initial Clue: “Wow, no cow,” This suggests dairy-free alternatives.
To unlock in-game hints, try to identify words of four or more letters that fit the theme. The article provides several examples:
- NONE
- CONE
- RICER
- SHEW
- FAIR
- FAIRY
- DRAY
- YARD
- MILK
- CASH
- DONE
- DRAM
- MADAM
Answers for September 19th
Here are the answers to today’s Strands puzzle, categorized for clarity:
- Non-Spangram Words:
- RICE
- FLAX
- ALMOND
- CASHEW
- COCONUT
- MACADAMIA
- Spangram:
- NONDAIRYMILK
Finding the spangram NONDAIRYMILK involves tracing a path across and down from the letter ‘N’ located four letters down on the far-left row. Completing this path reveals the full word, confirming you’re on the right track.
Difficult Strands Puzzles Revisited
The article also mentions some past Strands puzzles that proved particularly challenging:
- Dated Slang (Jan. 21): The puzzle focused on outdated slang terms. The hardest word was “PHAT.”
- Thar She Blows! (Jan. 15): This puzzle revolved around marine biology. The trickiest words were “BALEEN” or “RIGHT.”
Strands offers a unique blend of vocabulary and pattern recognition, making it a stimulating exercise for word lovers. Successfully navigating the puzzle requires thematic understanding, clever wordplay, and the ability to identify connections between seemingly disparate terms.
