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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNYT Strands game #408, dated Tuesday, April 15, 2025, uses the theme clue “Draft picks.” The clue points to beer rather than a sports draft: its spangram is MICROBREWERY. Start with the hints below if you want help without seeing the full solution.
Theme clue for Strands #408
The theme clue is “Draft picks.” Think of beer: the answers are beer styles or related terms, and the spangram names a place that makes beer.
Graduated hints
Try these clue words to unlock the puzzle’s in-game hints, stopping when you have enough help:
- STREET
- RISE
- CRACK
- TOWER
- SIRE
- CROW
The spangram is 12 letters long. It starts at the left edge on row six and reaches the right edge on row four.
Spoilers: complete answers
Stop here if you want to solve the grid yourself.
The spangram is MICROBREWERY. The seven other theme words are:
- SOUR
- NITRO
- LAGER
- BOCK
- STOUT
- PORTER
- PILSNER
How Strands works
Strands is a themed word-search game played on a letter grid. You connect letters in any direction to form words; letters cannot be reused or crossed. Theme words are highlighted when found, and one spangram describes the theme while touching opposite edges of the grid. Finding any three words of four or more letters unlocks a hint. These mechanics are described by Try Hard Guides; they are not verified here against an official NYT rules page.
Quick Recap
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