Strands is back with another puzzle that turns a simple word search into a clever brain teaser. Today's grid hides a set of themed words connected by a single clue, and the challenge lies in uncovering them all while using every letter exactly once.

Even if you know how to play Strands well, some puzzles can leave you stuck, staring at the letters with no ideas in sight. If that's where you're at today, this guide has your back. Inside, you'll find theme hints, word spoilers, and the full solution if you need it.

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The NYT Games Strands On The Board #411 April 18, 2025

NYT-New-York-Times-Games-Strands-April-18-2025

The Strands puzzle for today has the clue On The Board. It has seven things to find: the Spangram and six themed words.

NYT Strands Spangram Tips and Theme Hints

If you need a hint or two for this minimalist puzzle game, but you don't like the in-game hints that spoil words, you should check out the sections below. Each one has a little clue for the theme of this puzzle game, and they don't give away any of the answers.

General Spangram Hint 1

General Spangram Hint 2

General Spangram Hint 3

Spoilers for Today's New York Times Strands

Since the in-game hints in this free-to-play puzzle game require you to find non-themed words in the puzzle, you might be looking for a spoiler you don't have to work so hard for. In the two sections below there are single spoilers along with a screenshot of where to put them in the grid.

Spoiler 1

Spoiler 2

The Answer to the NYT On The Board Strands

Still want more? In the section below is the full spoiler for the New York Times Games Strands puzzle. Open it up with the "Read More" link below it to take a peak at all those themed words and their locations.

Today's Strands Explained

Inside the section below, you will find an explanation. It will have a full breakdown of what the clue means and how it relates to the Spangram and all the themed words.

Want to play? Check out the New York Times Games Strands website available on almost any device with a browser.

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strands game

Strands
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Puzzle
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Released
March 4, 2024
Developer(s)
The New York Times Company
Publisher(s)
The New York Times Company
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Genre(s)
Puzzle
Platform(s)
Web Browser