If today’s Strands puzzle has made your head scratch, then don’t worry, you’re not alone. NYT’s latest puzzle is out for players who want something trickier than Wordle and Connections, and it definitely doesn’t go easily. Stuck on the theme or can’t pin down the Spangram? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find today’s Strands hints with answers, and Spangram for September 28, 2025 — all neatly laid out so you can keep your streak alive.
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands of (#574)?
Today’s NYT Strands theme (#574) is – Hit the deck!

Today NYT Strands Hints and Clues for theme “Hit the deck!”
Need a gentle push before revealing the answers? Here are some non-spoiler strands clues to nudge your thinking:
NYT Strands is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times that challenges players to uncover a set of theme-based words hidden in a letter grid.
If you feel difficult to master the art of NYT Strands? Follow our guide to learn how to play Strands, along with more helpful tips and tricks.
Yesterday’s NYT Strands Theme (#573)
Yesterday’s Strands theme was “As old as time” having answers:
- QUIET
- SILENT
- INAUDIBLE
- HUSHED
- NOISELESS
- SPANGRAM: PIPEDOWN
NYT Strands Spangram Today (#574)
- Spangram has 8 letters
- Today’s Spangram “INTHECARDS” pulls the answers together, capturing the full spread of a deck—from royal faces to timeless suits—that define the spirit of card play.
NYT Strands Answers Today (#574) – September 28, 2025
Todays Strand Theme: Hit the deck!
Here are Strands answers today, listed with quick one-line cues for easy recall.

Today NYT Strands Difficulty Level
On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 is super easy and 5 is very tough), I’d rate today’s puzzle a 3/5. The individual words weren’t too tricky, but recognizing the card-deck connection took a little shuffle of thought before everything clicked.
How I Solved Today’s Puzzle
Here’s a quick breakdown of my thought process while working through “Mum’s the Word”:
- Spotting the theme: Words like KING and QUEEN showed up quickly, pointing me straight toward a royal or card-related angle.
- Linking the pieces: Finding CLUBS and SPADES sealed the idea that suits were in play, which made the rest easier to spot.
- Cracking the Spangram: Once I pieced together INTHECARDS, it stretched cleanly across the grid and tied the whole deck together.
- Wrapping it up: With DIAMONDS and HEARTS rounding out the lineup, the puzzle felt like a complete hand — every suit, every role, perfectly in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is today’s NYT Strands theme of 28 September, 2025?
The theme is “Hit the deck!”, spotlighting the classic elements of a card game—from royal faces like kings and queens to the familiar suits of hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds.
What is today’s Spangram of 28 September, 2025?
The Spangram is INTHECARDS, tying the answers together with the full deck—royalty and suits alike—capturing the spirit of play and chance.
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