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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsToday’s NYT Strands puzzle is game #765, dated Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The published theme clue is “Taking the helm.” If you want to keep solving, start with the hint below; the complete word list and spangram are farther down, clearly marked as spoilers.
Theme hint
Taking the helm.
A gentler nudge
Think of words used in nautical navigation and steering a vessel. A broader clue is “Traverse the seas.”
Opening-letter hints
These pairs identify the starts of the six theme answers and the spangram, without revealing the full words:
- BE
- SM
- WA
- CO
- FA
- MA
- KN
How Strands works
For this general description of the game, Forbes and Strands Today report a 6-by-8 letter grid. You trace connected letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to find themed words. The spangram connects at least two sides of the board, and finding three valid non-theme words unlocks an in-game hint. These mechanics are described by those guides; NYT’s own rules page was not directly reviewed for this guide.
Spoiler: all answers for April 7
Theme answers: BEARING, COURSE, FATHOM, KNOT, MARK, WAYPOINT.
Spangram: SMOOTHSAILING (also written “SMOOTH SAILING”).
The nautical terms fit the theme of taking the helm, while “smooth sailing” is an idiom for a passage that goes easily or without trouble. The answer set and puzzle date are reported consistently by TechRadar, Strands Today, Forbes, and Try Hard Guides.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Optional in-game hint words
If you would rather use Strands’ own hint feature than read the answer list, TechRadar gives these words for unlocking hints: CURSE, TOOK, SILK, RAIN, GROUSE, and CHINA.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Sources
- TechRadar’s April 6 guide reports the puzzle number, theme, answers, spangram, hint words, and its writer’s solving observations.
- Strands Today’s April 7 archive supports the theme, spangram, opening-letter clues, and nautical interpretation.
- Forbes’ April 6 guide provides the “Traverse the seas” clue, opening pairs, answer set, and general game description.
- Try Hard Guides independently reports the answer set and game number.
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