Introduction to Today’s Puzzle and Helpful Resources
If you’re looking for hints or answers to today’s Strands puzzle, or if you’re a fan of other puzzles like The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, or Connections, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re a regular puzzle solver or just starting out, we’ve got you covered with daily updates, tips, and solutions. For those who enjoy the Connections puzzle, we even celebrate its first year with a look back at some of the toughest challenges so far.
But today, the focus is on Strands. If you missed the Oscars last week, don’t worry—today’s puzzle theme might still bring some of that Hollywood magic to your screen. The theme for today’s Strands puzzle is "Two thumbs up," and if that doesn’t immediately ring a bell, the clue "I’d like to thank the Academy" might help you guess the direction. If you’re still stuck, keep reading for more hints and tips.
Hints for Today’s Strands Puzzle: "Two Thumbs Up"
The theme of today’s Strands puzzle is "Two thumbs up," which might remind you of movie reviews or the Oscars. To help you get started, the clue "I’d like to thank the Academy" ties into the theme. If you’re still unsure, here are some words you can look for to unlock in-game hints: BEST, BETS, SPOT, POOL, LOOP, STOP, POOR, MAPS, SPAM, LIGHT, SLOP, SLOT, MOON, SILO, and GLOP. Every time you find three words with four letters or more, the game will reveal one of the theme words.
Remember, these clue words are just suggestions—any words you find with four letters or more can help you progress. Once you unlock a theme word, use it to guide your search for other related words. The more words you find, the closer you’ll get to solving the puzzle!
Answers to Today’s Strands Puzzle: Celebrating Cinema
The answers to today’s Strands puzzle are all tied to the "Two thumbs up" theme, celebrating cinema and the magic of movies. The non-spangram answers include CODA, PLATOON, PARASITE, MOONLIGHT, and SPOTLIGHT. These words are woven into the puzzle, and when you find them all, every letter on the board will be used.
For those new to Strands, the spangram is a long word that stretches across the puzzle from one side to the other. Today’s spangram is BESTPICTURE. To find it, start with the letter "B" three letters to the right on the top row, and then wind your way down and back up. Once you’ve found all the theme words and the spangram, you’ll have solved the puzzle!
Quick Tips for Solving Strands Puzzles
If you’re new to Strands or looking to improve your puzzle-solving skills, here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Tweak Your Words: Once you find a word like "WILL," see if you can create variations like "SILL" or "BILL" by adding letters or rearranging them. This can help you find more words and unlock theme hints faster.
- Look for Connections: Once you uncover one theme word, scan the board for other words that might be related. This can give you a better sense of the overall puzzle and help you find the spangram.
- Use the Hint System: If you’re stuck on a theme word, keep finding clue words. For every three clue words you discover, the puzzle will reveal the next letter in the theme word. This can guide you toward the solution without giving it away entirely.
By using these strategies, you can make the most of your puzzle-solving experience and enjoy the challenge of finding all the hidden words.
Expanding Your Puzzle-Solving Horizons
Don’t stop at Strands—there are plenty of other puzzles to explore! If you enjoy word-based challenges, check out The New York Times Mini Crossword or Wordle for more brain-teasers. For fans of trivia and connections, the Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles offer a fun way to test your knowledge and think creatively.
Whether you’re a casual solver or a puzzle enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page for daily updates, answers, and tips for all your favorite puzzles. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite!
Wrapping Up and Preparing for the Next Challenge
Today’s Strands puzzle was all about celebrating cinema and the excitement of the Oscars with the theme "Two thumbs up." The spangram BESTPICTURE was the star of the show, but the other theme words like SPOTLIGHT and MOONLIGHT added to the Hollywood glamour. If you enjoyed this challenge, be sure to check back daily for more hints, tips, and answers to your favorite puzzles.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and every puzzle you solve brings you closer to becoming a master of word games. Happy solving, and see you next time!
