The New York Times’ Strands puzzle for October 12, 2025, presented a unique challenge to its players. Titled “Follow Suit,” the puzzle delved into the world of trick-taking card games, requiring solvers to identify words related to this theme. The central clue, known as the “Spangram,” was the phrase “TRICK TAKING,” which spanned horizontally across the grid. This theme incorporated classic card games such as Hearts, Spades, Bridge, Euchre, Pinochle, and Whist.
Understanding Trick-Taking Card Games
Trick-taking card games are a genre where players aim to win “tricks,” which are rounds where each player plays one card, and the highest-ranking card wins. These games often involve strategic play, partnerships, and a deep understanding of the game’s rules. Let’s explore some of the prominent games featured in the Strands puzzle:
1. Hearts
Hearts is a trick-taking game where players aim to avoid certain cards that carry penalty points. The game is typically played with four players, and the objective is to have the lowest score by the end. Players must carefully manage their hands and be strategic in their play to avoid taking tricks that contain penalty cards.
2. Spades
Spades is a team-based trick-taking game where players bid the number of tricks they expect to take. The spade suit is always the trump suit, meaning it beats all other suits. Partnerships are formed, and the goal is to fulfill the combined bid of the team while preventing the opposing team from doing the same.
3. Bridge
Bridge is a complex trick-taking game played with four players in two partnerships. The game involves bidding to determine the trump suit and then playing to win tricks. Bridge is known for its depth and is played competitively worldwide.
4. Euchre
Euchre is a fast-paced trick-taking game played with four players in two teams. The game uses a deck of 24, 28, or 32 cards, and the objective is to be the first team to reach a set number of points. Euchre is popular in the Midwest United States and parts of Canada.
5. Pinochle
Pinochle is a trick-taking game typically played with four players in two partnerships. The game combines elements of bidding and melds, where players score points by forming specific combinations of cards. Pinochle is known for its strategic depth and is popular in certain regions of the U.S.
6. Whist
Whist is a classic trick-taking game that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is played with four players in two partnerships, and the objective is to win as many tricks as possible. While less common today, Whist laid the foundation for many modern trick-taking games.
How NYT Strands Works
Strands is a daily word search puzzle that challenges players to find words related to a specific theme. Each puzzle consists of a grid of letters, and players must connect adjacent letters to form words. The words are all related to the day’s theme, and the goal is to uncover all the theme words. Once all the theme words are found, the remaining letters spell out the Spangram, a phrase that encapsulates the theme.
In the October 12 puzzle, the theme was “Follow Suit,” focusing on trick-taking card games. The Spangram, “TRICK TAKING,” was hidden within the grid, and players had to identify words like Hearts, Spades, Bridge, Euchre, Pinochle, and Whist to uncover it.
Strategies for Solving Strands Puzzles
To excel at Strands puzzles, consider the following strategies:
Familiarize Yourself with the Theme: Understanding the day’s theme can provide clues about the types of words to look for.
Start with the Spangram: Identifying the Spangram early can help in locating the theme words and filling in the grid.
Look for Common Prefixes and Suffixes: Many words share common beginnings or endings, which can help in spotting them quickly.
Use the Hint Feature Wisely: If you’re stuck, use the hint feature to reveal a letter or word, but try to rely on it sparingly to enhance your problem-solving skills.
The October 12, 2025, NYT Strands puzzle offered a delightful challenge for card game enthusiasts and puzzle solvers alike. By focusing on the theme of trick-taking card games, the puzzle not only tested players’ knowledge of these games but also their ability to connect words within a grid. As Strands continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the New York Times’ commitment to providing engaging and thought-provoking puzzles for its readers.
