Strands #959: October 18, 2026
This fixed-date record contains the publisher’s verified solution.
Reveal answer and explanation
Answer board
Strands word paths
Choose a word to see its numbered path. Coordinates start at row 1, column 1, at the top left.
RUNNINGGEAR: r1c1 → r1c2 → r1c3 → r2c3 → r3c3 → r4c3 → r5c3 → r6c3 → r7c3 → r8c3 → r8c4
Strands #959 uses the clue “Fast fashion.” The theme words are HEADPHONES, SNEAKERS, SUNGLASSES, VEST and WATCH, and the spangram RUNNINGGEAR ties them together, running from top to bottom and touching both edges, as every spangram must. The puzzle is edited by Tracy Bennett.
Where they sit: HEADPHONES (bottom right), SNEAKERS (top right), SUNGLASSES (bottom left), VEST (top left) and WATCH (middle right). One possible approach is to look for a short theme word first; word length does not determine how easy it is to spot.
TECHi provides independent hints and commentary and is independent of the game publisher. Play the official game.