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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 problemsFor the New York Times Strands puzzle dated Thursday, October 17, 2024 (game #228), the theme is “Dream teams.” The spangram is FANTASYLEAGUE; the other answers are DRAFT, WAIVERS, ROSTER, MATCHUPS and STANDINGS. Spoiler-light hints appear first, with the complete answer key below.
Hints for Strands #228
- Theme: “Dream teams.”
- Think of: “Perfect picks” for the spangram.
- Spangram direction: It runs horizontally from the left edge to the right edge of the board. The dated hint guide places its first touched cell on the left edge in row five and its last touched cell on the right edge in row three. Parade’s October 17, 2024 guide
How Strands hints work
The board has six rows and eight columns. Connect adjacent letters horizontally, vertically or diagonally to make words; a word may change direction along its path. The spangram describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. Finding three valid words that are not theme answers unlocks a hint highlighting the letters of one theme answer. Strands.Game’s rules explanation
Full answer key
Spoilers below: the complete solutions for the October 17, 2024 puzzle follow.
- Spangram: FANTASYLEAGUE
- Theme words: DRAFT, WAIVERS, ROSTER, MATCHUPS and STANDINGS
The terminology points to fantasy sports leagues, but the answer guides do not establish one specific sport as the puzzle’s exclusive subject. The date is October 17, 2024—game #228—not a puzzle dated October 17 in another year. The answer list and theme are independently corroborated by Parade and Try Hard Guides.
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