Today's hints
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The answer
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Why this answer
The letters, categories, or grid logic that made this one tricky.
What made this one tricky:
- The spangram COWPOKES is the backbone of the grid; solve shorter theme words first, then use the long phrase to close the board.
The clue "Look to the West" points toward cowboy imagery. COWPOKES is the spangram, and the theme words fill out Western clothing and riding gear: BANDANA, BOOTS, CHAPS, JEANS, SADDLE, SPURS, and STETSON. The apparel words give quick anchors, while SADDLE and SPURS confirm the riding lane.
Recent Strands answers
Stuck on a streak day? Past solves keep you moving.
Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.
| Date | Puzzle | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jun 19, 2026 | 838 | COWPOKES; BANDANA, BOOTS, CHAPS, JEANS, SADDLE, SPURS, STETSON |
| Thu, Jun 18, 2026 | 837 | CORAL REEF; ALGAE, CRAB, FISH, PLANKTON, SEAWEED, SHARK, URCHIN |
| Wed, Jun 17, 2026 | 836 | FARMING; BUCKET, PITCHFORK, SAWHORSE, TRACTOR, WHEELBARROW |
| Tue, Jun 16, 2026 | 835 | WHAT'S FOR LUNCH; GYRO, RAMEN, SALAD, SANDWICH, SOUP, TACOS, WRAP |
More from the desk
If the board felt busy, start with the distinctive Western terms. STETSON and CHAPS narrow the theme quickly, then BANDANA and SADDLE help close the remaining paths around the spangram.
FAQ
What is today's NYT Strands spangram?
Today's Strands spangram is COWPOKES.
What are today's Strands theme words?
The theme words are BANDANA, BOOTS, CHAPS, JEANS, SADDLE, SPURS, and STETSON.
What does today's Strands clue mean?
The clue "Look to the West" points to cowboy clothing, riding gear, and Western imagery.
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