NYT Strands game #393 for Monday, March 31, 2025, challenges players with a theme centered on horse colors, playfully titled “That’s an Equine of a Different Shade!” — a clever reference to the color-changing horse scene in The Wizard of Oz. This daily word-search puzzle sits alongside Connections and Wordle as one of the New York Times’ must-play word games. Finding all six theme words and the spangram will complete the board.
Key Takeaways
- NYT Strands game #393 features six theme words related to horse color variations and shades.
- The spangram HORSECOLORINGS runs mostly vertically and is longer than typical spanagrams.
- The theme references The Wizard of Oz with the phrase “That’s an Equine of a Different Shade!”
- Theme words include ROAN, DAPPLE, BUCKSKIN, and four additional color-related terms.
- Strands gameplay requires finding themed words to fill the grid before identifying the spangram.
Understanding NYT Strands Game #393 Theme
The puzzle’s theme revolves around different shades and colors of horses, a nod to the famous scene where a horse inexplicably changes colors in The Wizard of Oz. Players familiar with the film will recognize the playful wordplay in the theme title. The six theme words span both traditional horse coat colors like ROAN and DAPPLE, as well as BUCKSKIN, each representing a distinct equine coloration. This creative approach makes the puzzle entertaining even for players who don’t immediately spot the connection.
NYT Strands game #393 uses this horse-color concept to disguise some words that might not seem obviously related at first glance. The puzzle design intentionally tricks solvers by presenting words that fit the theme but require lateral thinking to identify. Once you recognize the equine shade pattern, finding the remaining words becomes more intuitive.
NYT Strands Game #393 Answers and Hints
The spangram for today’s puzzle is HORSECOLORINGS, a longer-than-usual spangram that runs mostly vertically across the grid. This word encompasses the entire theme and serves as the key to understanding what all six theme words represent. Once you locate HORSECOLORINGS, you’ll have confirmed the puzzle’s central concept.
The six theme words in NYT Strands game #393 are: LOSS, LOSE, LION, ROAN, DAPPLE, BUCKSKIN, BASS, ALTO, and SOPRANO. Start by looking for the first word in the top half of the board, then work systematically through the grid. Some of these words may surprise you — they represent different interpretations of “shades” beyond just visual horse colors, adding depth to the puzzle’s wordplay.
If you’re stuck on a specific word, remember that the first two letters are typically provided in hints for Strands puzzles. Look for common letter patterns and consider how each word might relate back to the equine theme, even if the connection isn’t immediately obvious.
How to Play NYT Strands Daily Puzzles
NYT Strands requires finding theme words hidden in a letter grid to fill the board completely. Once you’ve identified all the theme words, you then locate the spangram — a longer word that uses most or all of the remaining letters and reveals or clarifies the puzzle’s theme. The gameplay is straightforward but the wordplay can be deceptive, especially when themes involve double meanings or lateral thinking.
Each daily Strands puzzle offers a fresh challenge and typically takes 5–15 minutes to solve, depending on how quickly you spot the theme. The puzzle resets daily, so there’s always a new grid to tackle. Unlike Connections, which focuses on grouping words by category, Strands emphasizes finding hidden words within a spatial grid, making it a different type of brain exercise.
Why This Puzzle’s Theme Works
The Wizard of Oz reference gives NYT Strands game #393 immediate cultural resonance for players of all ages. The film’s horse scene is memorable and quirky enough that the theme title clicks instantly for many solvers. This kind of pop culture tie-in makes daily puzzles feel less like generic word games and more like shared cultural moments.
The puzzle’s use of multiple interpretations of “shade” — from literal horse coat colors to vocal ranges and musical tones — elevates it beyond a simple color-listing exercise. Players who find BASS, ALTO, and SOPRANO alongside ROAN and DAPPLE will realize the theme has layers, rewarding careful attention to how each word fits the broader concept.
Is NYT Strands harder than Connections?
NYT Strands and Connections require different skills. Strands demands spatial reasoning and pattern recognition within a grid, while Connections focuses on identifying semantic or categorical relationships between four groups of words. Many players find Strands more forgiving because you’re searching for words rather than making categorical leaps.
Can I play NYT Strands on mobile devices?
Yes, NYT Strands is available through the New York Times Games app on both iOS and Android, as well as through the web browser at nytimes.com/games/strands. The mobile experience is optimized for touch, making it easy to highlight and select words on smaller screens.
What happens if I can’t find all the theme words?
If you’re stuck, you can reveal hints or letter positions through the game interface, though using hints reduces your score. The spangram is often the breakthrough moment — once you identify it, the theme becomes clear and the remaining words feel more accessible.
NYT Strands game #393 delivers a satisfying puzzle experience with its clever equine theme and layered wordplay. Whether you solve it in minutes or need to take hints, the Wizard of Oz reference and the creative use of “shade” across multiple meanings make this daily puzzle worth playing. Come back tomorrow for the next challenge.
Where to Buy
21 Amazon customer reviews | $4.99 | $9.99 | $12.99
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
