NYT Strands for today: clues, spangram, and solutions for Wednesday, March 12.

      Strands is a newly launched daily puzzle from the New York Times. It's a more challenging version of the traditional word search, requiring a sharp eye to solve it. Similar to Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can sometimes be tricky. There's no shame in needing assistance occasionally. If you're finding the current Strands puzzle difficult and need solutions, you can refer to the solved puzzle provided below.

      **How to play Strands**

      You begin each Strands puzzle with the objective of locating the “theme words” concealed in the letter grid. You can manipulate the letters by dragging or tapping to create words; double-tap the last letter to confirm your selection. If you form a correct word, the letters will be highlighted in blue and will no longer be selectable. If you discover a word that isn’t a theme word, it still contributes! For every three non-theme words you identify that are at least four letters long, you will receive a hint—one letter from the theme words will be revealed for you to unscramble.

      Every letter displayed on the grid is utilized to spell the theme words without any overlaps. Each letter is used once and uniquely. Each puzzle features one “spangram,” a special theme word (or words) that represents the puzzle's theme and connects two opposite sides of the board. Once you identify the spangram, it will be highlighted in yellow. Aim to finish the puzzle swiftly while minimizing the use of hints.

      **Hint for today’s Strands puzzle**

      Today's theme is “Bearing gifts.” Here's a hint: a natural.

      **Today’s Strand answers**

      **NYT**

      **Today’s spangram**

      To assist you in determining the theme and solving the rest of the puzzle independently, we provide you with the spangram:

      PRODIGY

      **Today’s Strands answers**

      NACK

      TALENT

      PROWESS

      STRENGTH

      FLAIR

      SKILL

      CHOPS

      As the Gaming Evergreen Lead at Digital Trends, Sam Hill is here to help you discover your next favorite game and dive into it.

      **NYT Spelling Bee: answers for Friday, May 10**

      Are you fascinated by the New York Times' games? So are we, and Spelling Bee is among our favorites. However, like other NYT games—Wordle, Connections, Strands, and The Mini—we sometimes struggle to finish it. If you're stuck on today's Spelling Bee, we're here to help. Refer to the article below for a refresher on how to play the game and a complete list of potential words you could create today.

      **How to play Spelling Bee**

      **LinkedIn adding word games for workplace procrastination**

      While LinkedIn's main purpose is to assist professionals in searching for job opportunities and networking within their industries, it may soon become a place for casual downtime as well. Why? Because it plans to integrate games into its platform.

      **You can currently obtain Death Stranding for free on PC. Here’s how**

      Death Stranding is now available for free on PC through the Epic Games Store. Players have until May 25 to claim their copy before another mystery game is offered for free. The Epic Games Store has a notable history of providing free games. Last month, it offered Dying Light: Enhanced Edition over the Easter weekend. Death Stranding, which typically retails for $30 on the Epic Games Store, is a particularly significant free offering, so be sure to claim a copy while available.