Spoiler warning: The details below reveal today’s NYT Strands theme and complete solution. If you want to play first, open Strands on the NYT Games site.

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Quick hints for today (game #603)

Item Details
Theme Witch way?
Difficulty Moderate
Spangram path Touches the top edge at column 3 and the bottom edge at column 4
Starter clue words (to trigger in‑game hints) WOOD, CRAM, RANT, ROAR, DIME, NATION

Tip: Entering any of the starter words above will activate Strands’ in‑game hint system if you need nudges before committing to the full answers.

Spangram details

Today’s spangram captures the theme and runs top-to-bottom across the board: it makes contact at the top edge in the third column and exits at the bottom edge in the fourth column. Expect a snaking path consistent with Strands’ rules, where valid words (and the spangram) can change direction from letter to letter.

NYT Strands answers for Oct. 27 (game #603)

Type Word
Spangram WIZARDRY
Theme word AMULET
Theme word POTION
Theme word CHARM
Theme word WAND
Theme word INCANTATION
Theme word CAULDRON

Yesterday’s puzzle (Oct. 26, game #602)

Type Word
Spangram AUTUMN
Theme word PUMPKINS
Theme word CORN
Theme word FOLIAGE
Theme word FOOTBALL
Theme word HARVEST
Theme word ORCHARDS

If you’re keeping a streak, today’s grid leans into classic spellcasting vocabulary, and the spangram’s top‑to‑bottom route is a reliable anchor for placing the rest. If you prefer a lighter touch, start with the shorter theme words (WAND, CHARM) to carve out safe territory before tracing the longer INCANTATION path.