The NYT Strands puzzle for August 17 carried the theme “Think again!” and challenged players to shift their focus from logic to creativity. The grid centered around RightBrain, the Spangram that stretched across the puzzle and neatly captured the idea of imagination and emotional awareness.
Theme words in today’s puzzle
Alongside the Spangram, four theme words were tucked into the board:
• FEELINGS
• CREATIVITY
• INTUITION
• SPONTANEITY
Together, these answers highlighted aspects often linked to the right hemisphere of the brain. From the instinctive quality of INTUITION and the expressive spark of CREATIVITY, to the raw FEELINGS and unplanned energy of SPONTANEITY, the set leaned heavily on emotional and imaginative thought.
Hints and solving approach
Hints for the day encouraged solvers to step away from logic-driven thinking. One suggested looking at instinctive understanding, another pointed toward acting naturally without restraint, and a third reminded players of traits tied to artistic and emotional intelligence. These nudges were subtle enough to keep the challenge intact but clear enough to set the right direction.
For many players, finding FEELINGS or INTUITION served as the entry point. The puzzle began to open up once SPONTANEITY appeared, and when RightBrain clicked into place, the theme tied together seamlessly. That discovery helped unlock the grid quickly, since the Spangram typically guides the rest of the answers.
A different type of challenge
Sunday’s Strands stood out by emphasising qualities often overlooked in puzzle games. Rather than focusing on patterns or strict logic, it celebrated creativity and emotion. By making RightBrain the central idea, the puzzle reminded players that solving is not just about rules—it can also be about instinct, imagination, and flow.
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