The New York Times’ Strands puzzle for October 12, 2023, challenges players to identify theme-related words hidden within a letter grid. Today’s theme centers around card games, with a specific focus on trick-taking games.
Hints and Strategy
The puzzle operates on the principle of revealing theme words as you discover longer non-theme words. Finding at least three words with four or more letters unlocks a clue to one of the theme entries. Effective starting words from today’s grid include REST, HIST, CHOP, PADS, RITE, RANG, SKATE, ARTS, HEART, TRICK, and SKATER.
Today’s Answers
The non-spangram (standard theme) words for today are:
- WHIST
- BRIDGE
- EUCHRE
- SPADES
- PINOCHLE
- HEARTS
The spangram – a theme word spanning the entire grid – is TRICKTAKING. Begin by locating the “T” in the first row, four letters from the left, and trace the word horizontally.
Notable Past Challenges
Previous Strands puzzles have tested players on diverse topics. Some of the most difficult recent themes include dated slang (January 21, with “PHAT” as a tough word) and nautical terminology (January 15, featuring either “BALEEN” or “RIGHT” as a challenge).
These puzzles aren’t just about vocabulary; they reward strategic thinking and pattern recognition. Strands consistently demonstrates the NYT’s ability to craft engaging, brain-teasing word games.
