If you’re working through today’s Strands and want a nudge (or the full solution), here’s a spoiler-light path to the finish for game #566, followed by the complete answers.

Note: Minor spoilers below. Full solution appears further down.

Today’s quick facts (game #566)

  • Theme: “Dire straits”
  • Overall difficulty: moderate, per the NYT’s Sidekick post
  • Spangram: 6 letters
  • Spangram path: touches the left edge on row 4 and the right edge on row 1
  • Starter words that trigger in-game hints:
    • CLEAN
    • DUKE
    • DICE
    • MILE
    • DUEL
    • TRIP

Hint path without the spoilers

  • Think situations you’d rather not be in — something knotty or awkward that demands a choice.
  • The spangram is a concise phrase that means “in trouble” or “stuck.” It’s only six letters and travels diagonally across much of the grid.
  • Once you place that spangram, scan for short, everyday words that also label a sticky situation; they’re spread around the board and vary in length.

Strategy tips

  • Use a throwaway probe word early (like those listed above) to bank a hint and narrow your search area.
  • After you lock the spangram, look for clusters of letters that can bend — Strands frequently tucks a turn or diagonal into common nouns.
  • When stuck, trace from repeated letters (S, M, D) outward; predicament words often reuse consonants.
  • If you want broader fundamentals, the NYT’s Strands tips and tricks are a useful refresher.

Today’s answers (spoilers)

  • MUDDLE
  • PICKLE
  • DILEMMA
  • MESS
  • QUANDARY
  • PREDICAMENT
  • Spangram: INAFIX

Why the theme fits

“Dire straits” points to trouble, but the grid leans into everyday labels for problems you can potentially work through: a “pickle,” a “muddle,” a “mess.” The six-letter spangram ties it together with a compact “in trouble” phrase that crosses the board.

Yesterday’s puzzle (game #565) recap

  • RICE
  • COCONUT
  • ALMOND
  • MACADAMIA
  • FLAX
  • CASHEW
  • Spangram: NONDAIRYMILK

One more tip for repeat solvers

When a theme suggests a category you can brainstorm quickly (e.g., types of problems, kinds of milk, tools, etc.), jot a short list before hunting letters. Matching plausible targets against the grid’s letter pockets saves time, especially on moderate-difficulty days.