The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →NYT Strands puzzle #743 for Monday, March 16, 2026, uses the theme “The Big Dance.” You can work through a theme clue, starting letters, and the spangram route below before revealing the five answers and the full solution.
What is today’s NYT Strands theme?
The theme is “The Big Dance,” a reference to the March Madness college basketball tournament. Parade’s softer nudge is “Tourney time.”
Hints for Strands #743
Use these in order to control how much of the board you reveal. The puzzle has a 6-by-8 grid: connect adjacent letters to form theme words, which together fill the board. The spangram describes the theme, touches two opposite sides, and can contain more than one word. Finding three non-theme words earns an in-game hint that reveals letters in a theme word.
- Theme clue: Think about the tournament that takes over college basketball each March.
- Answer starts: The six words begin CH, BU, CI, OV, BR, and MA. The last pair starts the spangram.
- Spangram route: It has 12 letters and runs from the left edge at row four to the right edge at row two, following a mix of horizontal and vertical moves.
Non-theme words that earn hints
These words are listed as valid non-theme words that contribute toward in-game hints: BREAK, NICE, BLUE, ROVER, TRIBE, and CHARM. Find three non-theme words to earn a hint; the game then reveals letters belonging to a theme answer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Spoiler warning: full answers for #743
Stop here if you still want to solve the board without seeing the answer list.
Theme words
- CHALK
- BUBBLE
- BRACKET
- OVERTIME
- CINDERELLA
Spangram
MARCHMADNESS
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why a guide may appear on March 15
TechRadar reports that a new Strands puzzle appears at midnight according to the player’s time zone. That means a guide published on March 15 can cover the puzzle dated March 16 for players whose local midnight has already passed. Strands is available through the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
