October 11, NYT Strand's theme is ‘That’s Branding,’ featuring iconic brand symbols.
The vertical spangram is ICONICLOGOS, linking all theme words.
Key answers include Peacock, Shell, Apple, Arches, Swoosh, and Bullseye.
A fresh grid arrives today. The new code awaits in NYT Strands. This write-up hands over every hint, nudge, and outright answer needed to win the October 12, 2025, puzzle.
A new set of letters fills the board at midnight. Letters twist and turn. Words flow up, down, diagonally, and even change direction mid-path. Every letter participates. A hidden theme binds all answers. The spangram stretches from one side to the other, horizontal or vertical, and sums up the day’s theme.
Today’s theme hints at cards. Think of suits, tricks, and games played at a table. The phrase 'Follow suit’ leads the way.
The implicit hint: Deal me in. That nudge points toward card play, partnerships, and playing hands. That clue pairs with 'Follow suit” to anchor the puzzle’s direction.
Begin by spotting any non-theme words of length four or more. Every time three such words are found, the game reveals one of the theme words, showing its letters (not the path). Several sample words (not part of the card theme) can act as 'clue words” to earn hints: REST, HIST, CHOP, PADS, RITE, RANG, SKATE, ARTS, HEART, TRICK, SKATER. Use those to trigger in-game reveals.
Once the grid unlocks, six words related to card games appear next to the spangram. Those are:
Whist
Bridge
Euchre
Spades
Pinochle
Hearts
Everyone connects to card play, suits, and scoring.
Today’s spangram runs horizontally across the grid. That whole phrase weaves through the board left to right, touching opposite edges.
The spangram answer is: Trick Taking.
Look for the T in the far-left column, move through letters that meander across, then finish at the far right. That phrase encapsulates the entire theme: many card games involve trick-taking.
With the theme known, the non-spangram answers are clear. Each word relates to card games and fits the hidden grid. The spangram spans the board and frames the puzzle. The in-game hints unmask letters of theme words if stuck early. Every letter on the board finds purpose in a word.
That’s today’s NYT Strands journey, from theme clue to complete solution.
Also Read – NYT Strands Hints and Answers for October 11, 2025