Need help with the Sunday, May 17, 2026, NYT Strands puzzle? Its theme clue is “Strike one!” Start with the hints below, then scroll to the clearly marked answer key if you want the full solution for game #805.
Hints for the May 17 Strands puzzle
Theme clue
Strike one!
A stronger hint
Think of a place where a perfect game means scoring 300.
Opening-letter hints
The theme-word initials are S, L, P, B, L, and A. The spangram begins with B.
How Strands works
On the six-by-eight grid, connect adjacent letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to spell the theme words. The spangram captures the theme and spans the board. Finding three valid words that are not part of the theme earns an in-game hint that reveals letters in a theme word.
Quick Recap
Best Value
#1 Best Overall
Spoilers: May 17 answers
The spangram and all six theme words are below.
- Spangram: BOWLING ALLEY
- SCOREBOARD
- LANES
- PINS
- BALLS
- LOUNGE
- ARCADE
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