Strands Hint Today: Answers for Oct. 20, No. 961

This article provides the theme, spangram, and solution for the New York Times Strands puzzle #961 for October 20, 2026. It includes tips for solving the game and identifies the specific spangram used.
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Need a Strands hint today? Get the theme hint, the spangram and every answer for NYT Strands No. 961 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, plus yesterday's answers.
Read full bio October 19, 2026, 4:00 pm ET
Here’s your NYT Strands hint for today, plus the spangram and all of today’s Strands answers for puzzle No. 961 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
Today’s Strands theme involves a game that goes by a different name in my home state of Minnesota than it does everywhere else. Read on for all the answers.
Today’s Strands theme is shown in the screenshot below.
And here’s a hint: You played it in kindergarten.
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