NYT Games' Strands puzzle for Oct. 3 reveals spangram "Will o' the Wisp" and five illusion-themed words
The October 3 edition of the New York Times Strands game featured the spangram WILLOTHEWISP and theme words SPECTER, CHIMERA, MIRAGE, PHANTASM and ILLUSION, all linked to the clue “A figment of your imagination.”
The New York Times released its daily Strands puzzle for Saturday, Oct. 3, with the theme “A figment of your imagination.” The hidden spangram that runs across the board was identified as WILLOTHEWISP, a term for a floating light often described as a ghostly phenomenon. The five theme words uncovered were SPECTER, CHIMERA, MIRAGE, PHANTASM and ILLUSION, each relating to ghost-like or illusory concepts.
The puzzle’s solution was posted by a Lifehacker guide, which also explained how to play Strands, locate the spangram, and earn hints by submitting non-theme words. The guide noted that the spangram appears highlighted in yellow, while correctly identified theme words turn blue on the board.
Strands, available on the NYT website and Games app, combines elements of crossword and word-search puzzles. Players must use each letter once, and there is no limit on guesses or a time constraint. Upon completing the puzzle, a shareable card displays blue dots for theme words found, a yellow dot for the spangram, and a light-bulb icon for any words solved with a hint.