Breaking a cryptogram...

Cryptograms are simple cypher puzzles that often appear in newspapers, just like crosswords!

Cryptograms are simple substitution cyphers, like the Caesar cypher we learned about. You can always use your cryptowheel to solve cryptograms... but first you need the key to the puzzle.

For example, in this code:

TQJFT BSF DPPM!

The key is P=O.

It is a simple Caesar cipher. Using that key you can break the code to the secret message above, with your cryptowheel, or on your own! (Correct answer is below)

So again, how do you find the key if you don't know it?

Try these tools:

• Check for one-letter words. The word is A nine times out of ten. If A doesn't work, try I.

• A three-letter word may be THE especially if it begins the crypogram, both first and last letters are of high frequency, or the same three letter word appears more than once.

• Memorize the first six letters of the frequency alphabet, E, T, A, O, N, and I. The complete frequency alphabet is: E T A O N I S R H D L U F C M W P G Y B V K X J Q Z

• Try to identify vowels. One way is to examine how many different letters adjoin a high-frequency cipher letter. The four most used vowels, A, E, I, O must touch the 20 consonants more often than the consonants touch the different vowels. Also, every sequence of five or six letters most always contains a vowel.

• Look for doubled letters. The most often used doubles are L, E, S, O and T.

• Check the final letters of the cipher’s words. Letters that appear often as final letters include E, W, T, D, N, R, G, K, and Y.

With these helpful tools you are well on your way to solving most cryptograms that are published today!

Now, wanna test your skills by breaking a cryptogram?
CLICK HERE to solve a puzzle of your own!

GOOD LUCK!

(Correct answer to cryptogram above: Spies are cool!)