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Hello, I’m back with another game of Strands. I have to hand it to the NYT, they really make my brain work with these word puzzles. Just when you think the game is getting easier, boom! They launch a puzzle that, although it is not difficult, makes you have a good time. Today’s Strands was one of those games. With that said, let’s see what NYT Strands had in store on March 17!
What’s the topic of today’s NYT Strands?
As the New York Times reveals, the theme of today’s Strands is “Piece of the world”.
Today’s chapter was not as easy as last day’s “External Interests” topic. Part of the reason is that I couldn’t read between the lines of the topic’s wordplay. As I say, overthinking a game of Strands is your worst enemy. You’ll see what I mean soon.
Oh, by the way, if you’re new to this game, check out our guide on how to play NYT Strands.
Spangram Tip for Current Trends
Spoiler Warning #1
Although we have tried our best to be subtle, the following tips could partially spoil the experience. Proceed with caution.
When it comes to Strands, there are two categories of words in the game. Spangrams are the ones you should target first, as the other common topic words are directly below them. Each Strands game has a Spangram that you must decipher. Think of it as a kind of theme song.
Discovering the Spangram as soon as possible makes it easier to complete the game. The clue for today’s Spangram is “Geographical characteristics of nature”.
Topic Word Tips for Today’s Topics
Now, if you have discovered Spangram from the above tip, understanding the topic words will be quite easy. However, I don’t want to ruin it for you. Instead, here are suggestions for 2 of 8 topic words that may help you:
- Clue #1: Stay away if you have altitude sickness.
- Clue #2: Place where Mirages can be found
Spoiler Warning #2
The following sections reveal responses to today’s NYT Strands. Therefore, I recommend not scrolling any further if you are still solving the puzzle. However, if you’re stuck, I suggest you scroll down a bit to see Spangram’s answer.
Spangram response to NYT Strands on March 18
The Spangram for today’s NYT Strands is LAND.
Along with Spangram, you have 7 theme words in today’s puzzle. These theme words are also pretty simple. Once you find the Spangram, it will be easy to find them.
Anyway, with that being said, let’s move on to the next section. However, continue only if you are ready to take a look at the topic words.
Theme Word List for NYT Strands on March 18
If you’re still reading this, you’re probably ready to see the answers. So, let’s take a look at the words from today’s topic on Strands:
- FLAT
- SWAMP
- MOUNTAIN
- DESERT
- FOREST
- TUNDRA
- SWAMP
As I said before, overthinking is your worst enemy in Strands. And the topic made me think of the 7 wonders of the world instantly. But not being able to do any of the ones on the puzzle grids, I knew I was wrong.
Then I took a more technical approach and became a geography nerd on the puzzle. Still, from the tectonic plates to the layers of the Earth, none of those words came out of the jumbled letters I saw before me. Yes, it was time to give a hint.
Filling the clue meter with random unrelated words, I saw PLAIN highlighted in the first column and fifth row from the left. I think I was a real fool today and still couldn’t find the other words to the topic. I used another hit and was almost enraged when I saw MARSH highlighted in the grids in the top left corner.
I figured out the rest of the puzzle easily. But unlike the last two games, I couldn’t spot the Spangram early on. After discovering MOUNTAIN, DESERT and FOREST, I was able to spot the Spangram from side to side of the day: TERRAIN.
It didn’t take me long to see the TUNDRA in the lower right grids. With the last couple of unsolved grids traversing a portion of the Spangram, I found SWAMP and it was game over for the day.
My dream of finishing a game of Strands without exhausting any tracks remains a dream. I had to use two clues and almost rage my way through a fairly simple puzzle. Lesson learned and I won’t think too much about the next one. Only if the NYT Strands of tomorrow is that easy. You never know what will come with these games. And that’s probably also why I can’t stop playing them daily.
What about you? Did you also have those setbacks at the Strands today? How many clues did you use to solve today’s game? Let me know in the comments below!