Stuck on today’s grid? You are in the right place. We post daily hints here alongside solutions for Wordle, Mini Crossword, and Connections.
The Setup
Today’s puzzle felt fun to me. Mostly because the topic is something I genuinely enjoy. Game or sport? Depends how serious you are about it. Some of these answers were tricky to untangle. If your screen looks like gibberish right now keep reading.
I break down the Strands rules in another story if you need that. For Wordle and the other daily puzzles hit CNET’s hints page.
How to Crack It
The theme today: Strike one!
That wasn’t enough? Put on your sneakers and roll.
You need hidden words that fit this vibe. Stuck? Find any valid word. Three four-letter words triggers a hint for the actual theme terms. Here is what worked for me though you can use anything long enough:
- COAL
- BOWL
- RACE
- RACED
- DEAL
- LEAD
- BALE
- SPIN
“Find three words of four or more to unlock theme hints.”
The Answers
The goal is to find all themed words. Including the spangram that crosses the whole board. I used to think there were always eight answers. I was wrong. The count changes. But the goal remains the same: use every letter.
Here are the non-spangram solutions:
- PINS
- BALLS
- LOUNGE
- LANES
- ARCADE
- SCOREBOARD
The spangram?
BOWLINGALLEY
Start with the B. Two letters right on the top row. Wind over. Then down. You get the idea.
The Hard Stuff
What actually sucks to solve?
1. Dated Slang
If you weren’t cool back in the day this is painful. Hardest word: PHAT.
2. Marine Life
Maybe ask a biologist for help here. Toughest picks: BALEEN or RIGHT.
Does that mean bowling is easy? Not really. Just less obscure than 1990s street talk. Or whale anatomy.
Whatever helps you finish. Go play something else tomorrow. 🎳
