Today’s NYT Strands leans into travel prep and everyday carry. If you’re playing along and want a nudge—or the full board—everything you need is below. You can play the daily puzzle in the NYT Games hub at nytimes.com/games/strands.
Today’s Strands (October 9, 2025): theme and spangram
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Puzzle number | #585 |
| Theme | Just in case |
| Topic focus | Packing essentials for a backpack or carry-on |
| Spangram | PACK IT UP |
| Word lengths | 6–10 letters |
Spoiler‑free hints if you want a nudge
- Theme clue: daily essentials you take with you.
- Think travel: items you don’t want to forget.
- Electronics first: what powers your devices on the go.
- Essentials only: grooming to garments.
- Carry‑on approved: compact and useful.
- Spangram hint: picture what you do right before zipping the bag.
Full Strands answers (spoilers)
| Answer type | Entry | What it refers to |
|---|---|---|
| Spangram | PACK IT UP | The phrase that sums up the theme |
| Theme word | LAPTOP | Portable computer for work, school, or streaming |
| Theme word | CHARGER | The cable/brick that keeps devices powered |
| Theme word | HEADPHONES | Audio gear for music, calls, or quiet time |
| Theme word | CLOTHES | Garments you pack as basics |
| Theme word | TOILETRIES | Personal care items you use daily |
How Strands works
- Each daily grid hides words tied to a single theme.
- Words can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and can change direction.
- Every letter is used exactly once across all theme words and the spangram.
- The spangram is a theme‑defining word or phrase that touches two opposite sides of the grid.
How to earn and use in‑game hints
- Find any non‑theme word of at least four letters to bank a hint.
- Each valid extra word earns one hint.
- Spend a hint to auto‑reveal one theme word’s letters on the grid.
- Tip: save hints for when the board feels locked; one reveal often unlocks the rest.
Today’s board is a light lift if you think like a packer: tech, basics, and daily care. If you’re chasing a clean grid without hints, anchor “PACK IT UP,” then route the essentials around it.
