Strands is a daily themed word search that uses every letter on the grid. If you want to play before peeking at solutions, open the puzzle on the NYT Games site.

Today’s theme and spangram (game #581)

Theme: Don’t take the bait

Spangram: ITSATRAP (8 letters)

Spangram placement on the board

  • Touches the left edge on row 4
  • Runs across to touch the right edge on row 4

Clue words to earn in‑game hints

Play any of these non-theme words to trigger the built‑in hint system:

  • STAGE
  • TIDE
  • TRAP
  • DARK
  • SLURRY
  • TRACE

Note: Strands grants a hint after you find qualifying extra words; revealed hints place one theme word on the grid.

Today’s answers (spoilers)

  • LURE
  • PLOY
  • TRICK
  • RUSE
  • DECEPTION
  • STRATAGEM
  • Spangram: ITSATRAP

Yesterday’s answers (Oct 4, game #580)

  • JEWELRY
  • SHIRT
  • SPOON
  • MAGNET
  • KEYCHAIN
  • POSTCARD
  • Spangram: SOUVENIRS

Quick reference (Oct 5, #581)

Item Detail
Theme Don’t take the bait
Spangram ITSATRAP
Spangram length 8 letters
Spangram position Left edge → right edge, row 4
Theme words LURE, PLOY, TRICK, RUSE, DECEPTION, STRATAGEM

If you’re still building a streak, start by scanning for short, high‑frequency trick terms like LURE or RUSE, then pivot around confirmed letters to uncover longer targets such as DECEPTION and STRATAGEM. When the grid tightens up, trace row 4 for the eight‑letter spangram running side‑to‑side.