Today’s Strands puzzle from The New York Times features a theme that many puzzle enthusiasts may find challenging, especially those unfamiliar with superstitions. As noted, the theme for today’s puzzle is “If all else fails…” and a helpful hint to keep in mind is, “Don’t tell, it won’t come true.”
For those looking for strategies to tackle today’s Strands, players can unlock in-game hints by discovering words associated with the theme. Simply find any four-letter words or longer; each time you identify three such words, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. Some words to consider are GLUB, RATS, TARN, DALE, FONT, FOUNT, and LASH.
Today’s answers, which align with the puzzle’s theme, include DANDELION, STAR, COIN, FOUNTAIN, LADYBUG, and EYELASH, while the spangram—an overarching word that spans the entire puzzle—is MAKEAWISH. To locate MAKEAWISH, start from the M located three letters down on the far right and work backward.
In recent weeks, players have encountered particularly tough Strands puzzles, with some of the toughest themes including dated slang and marine biology-related topics. The diversity in themes continues to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, catering to a wide range of interests among players.
For those who enjoy puzzles, today’s NYT Strands challenge offers a fun opportunity to test both vocabulary and knowledge of superstitions while connecting with a community of fellow puzzle enthusiasts.