Introduction To Cryptogram Puzzles
Here is how the scrambling process takes place:
- Each letter in the source text (that gets scrambled) is swapped randomly with another letter in the alphabet. For instance, A might be swapped with E.
- Every instance of that letter in the source text is swapped with the random letter
- This process is repeated for every unique letter in the source text. Note that each code letter is only used once. So if we use E to represent the letter A, as mentioned above, then E will not represent any other letter.
This final point is very important to understand as it means we know that every letter in the code represents exactly one letter in the source text, and that every instance of the letter in the source text is represented by this letter in the code.
And that is all you need to know about what a cryptogram puzzle is on this site. It is worth noting that whilst cryptogram puzzles seen published in books and magazines usually use this same format, there are lots of different ways of encrypting the plaintext, so if you encounter this puzzle type elsewhere, do read the rules carefully in case some other sort of substitution has been used instead.
Also look out for some puzzles where a letter can represent itself, which is perhaps a little devious! Our player makes the whole process a little easier because when you enter a letter that you think you have worked out, it will replace every instance of that letter in the code with the letter you chose for the plaintext, thus helping you keep track of what's what in the solving process, and enabling you to see straightaway if the letter choice you've made looks reasonable or not.
For tips on solving cryptograms, you might like to read our article about how to tackle these tricky teasers elsewhere in the Wordy Puzzle blog.
Date written: 24 Mar 2015
Comment on this post
You must be logged in to comment - please Register or Login
Solving Double Definition Cryptic Clues
One of the main types of cryptic crossword clue is called the double definition.
With this clue type, as the name suggests, you will be presented with two different clues that both lead to the same answer.
Unlike many cryptic clues, both of the...
Added: 15 Apr 2015
How To Solve Anagram Clues
Solving anagram clues is different for quick and cryptic crosswords. With quick crosswords, the anagram is always indicated, either by (anag) or (anagram) written after the clue.
In contrast, with cryptic crosswords, it is never quite clear what the...
Added: 21 Mar 2015
Tips On Solving Cryptogram Puzzles
Cryptogram puzzles are very satisfying to solve. However, they can also prove rather tricky and take some time to crack, so they can also be frustrating - just like other tricky puzzles such as cryptic crosswords.
How should you tackle a cryptogram?...
Added: 25 Apr 2015
Homophone Clues In Cryptic Crosswords
Cryptic crossword clues, as you'll have seen through this series of blog posts, come in various distinct types, and the list we've covered is not even exhaustive!
One of the clue types that people often struggle with is the homophone clue, or...
Added: 13 Apr 2015
What Makes A Valid US Style Crossword Grid?
All the puzzles on Wordy Puzzle, at the time of writing, use the British style of crossword grid and also spelling. Here we look at what the US style of crossword grid is like.
With US grids, every white square in the grid is checked. The term...
Added: 01 May 2015
Back to Puzzle Blog
Puzzle Types:
