
“Need a bit of help with NYT Strands today? No shame in that, and you’ve come to the right place,” said one enthusiastic player, diving into the quirky world of today’s puzzle. The New York Times Strands puzzle for May 3, 2026, features a theme called “Something’s fishy,” leading to answers that evoke an array of strange characteristics.
Key elements of game #791:
- The spangram for this game is THATSODD, touching two opposite sides of the board.
- Answers include STRANGE, UNUSUAL, BIZARRE, QUIRKY, WEIRD, and PECULIAR.
- The unofficial hint reads: “How unexpected.”
- Clue words such as QUARK, REAL, STRAND, SWEARS, TRAINS, WATER, QUARTER, and TRIES round out the challenge.
Players have noted how the layout adds to the fun. “The suspicious ‘Z’ was part of BIZARRE, with the unusual ‘Q’ at the front of QUIRKY below it,” one puzzler remarked. This attention to detail in wordplay reflects the creativity behind these games.
Another player shared their experience: “It’s actually the ‘suspicious’ meaning of ‘fishy’, as I discovered when I found STRANGE in the top-left corner.” Such insights make these puzzles more than just games; they spark community conversations about language and creativity.
This latest game follows game #790’s theme of “All the right moves,” which captivated fans just days prior. As players continue to engage with these puzzles, they not only challenge their minds but also connect with each other through shared experiences and strategies.

