DailyWordHints
Sunday, May 17, 2026#980

NYT Strands Hints & Answers — Sunday, May 17

DailyWordHints Editorial

Today’s theme

Strike one!

Spangram
BOWLINGALLEY
Theme words
  • ARCADE
  • BALLS
  • LANES
  • LOUNGE
  • PINS
  • SCOREBOARD

NYT Strands #980 (Sunday, May 17) theme is “Strike one!”. Spangram: BOWLINGALLEY. Theme words: ARCADE, BALLS, LANES, LOUNGE, PINS, SCOREBOARD.

Today’s theme

Strike one!

Hints

    Today’s Strands answers

    Spangram
    BOWLINGALLEY
    Theme words
    • ARCADE
    • BALLS
    • LANES
    • LOUNGE
    • PINS
    • SCOREBOARD

    See all past Strands puzzles →

    Today's Strands hints (no spoilers)

    Here are spoiler-free clues for NYT Strands #980, Sunday, May 17. The official theme is "Strike one!" — work through the hints before revealing the spangram.

    How Strands hints work

    Each hint reveals a bit more about the theme and the spangram without naming any answer word. The full list of theme words stays below the fold.

    How to crack the spangram

    The spangram touches two opposite sides of the board and sums up the whole theme, so it's usually the longest answer. Find a couple of theme words first, ask what links them, then look for a long path that stretches edge to edge.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Strands spangram for May 17 (#980)?
    Today's Strands spangram is BOWLINGALLEY.
    What is the Strands theme today (#980)?
    The theme clue is "Strike one!", and the theme words are ARCADE, BALLS, LANES, LOUNGE, PINS, SCOREBOARD.
    How many theme words are in a Strands puzzle?
    Each Strands board hides a set of theme words plus one spangram. Today's puzzle has 6 theme words to find alongside the spangram.