Hints, answers, and help in today’s New York Times, October 28, #604

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New York Times Today Branches I thought the puzzle was difficult. At least one of the answers was one I could not have come up with on my own. Some of the answers are a bit difficult to decipher, so if you need hints and answers, read on.

I dig deeper into it The rules of the threads in this story.

If you are looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers then visit the site CNET’s NYT Mysteries Tips Page.

Read more: NYT Connections turns 1: These are the 5 toughest puzzles yet

Hint for today’s Strands puzzle

Today’s Strands topic is: Writing stuff

If that doesn’t help, here’s a guide: not pens, but…

Keywords to unlock in-game hints

Your goal is to find the hidden words that fit the theme of the puzzle. If you’re stuck, search for any words you can find. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the keywords. These are the words I used to get those hints but any four or more letter words you find will work:

• PART, RAPT, PENNS, SHARP, GUITAR, DOOM, ROOM, GAIN, BACK, SEAR, FILLING

Today’s Strands Puzzle Answers

These are the answers that relate to the topic. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, which is a thematic word that connects from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have them all (I initially thought there were always eight but learned the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the non-Spanish answers:

• Eraser, refill, cedar wood, graphite, sharpener

Strands spangram today

Strands spangram today is Penicillamine. (Draw me even though it sounds like “Maine Pencil.”) To find it, start with the letter P which is three letters to the right in the top row, then scroll up and down.