Can You Crack The Code??

What is a cryptogram?

A cryptogram is a block of text which has been rendered unreadable through the use of what is called a "substitution cypher". This means that each letter used in the original text has been substituted with another (G becomes A, F becomes P, etc.). Letter/word positions, spaces and punctuation remain unchanged.

Cryptograms have been used as a means of protecting sensitive information for thousands of years, though today computers and more advanced cryptographical methods have made simple substitution cyphers much less practical. Still, they live on in newspapers and puzzle books as a popular form of brain exercise.

How do I solve a cryptogram?

Cryptograms are solved primarily by two methods. First, pattern recognition. The easiest to recognize are single-letter words, which generally can only be A or I (or, rarely, O). Then there are a limited number of two-letter words such as IN, IS, IT, TO, AN, AT, AS, WE, HE, US, etc. One trick in particular is to look for the common TH- words, i.e. THE, THAT, THEN, THEY, THERE, THEIR.

Secondly, the successful cryptogrammer will use letter frequency to help solve a difficult puzzle. The twelve most frequently-used letters in the English language are ETAOIN SHRDL, in that order. The least common letters are JXQZ. If you notice a certain letter being used again in again in any given cryptogram, at a frequency much higher than any other letter, its a good bet that its unencrypted form will be one of the ETAOIN group. Finally, when all else fails, simple trial and error can generally fill in the gaps.

How do I solve these cryptograms?

You can play these cryptograms as you would any paper-and-pencil version. In fact, our version is a bit easier as it does most of the grunt work for you. Simply enter a letter anywhere on the board, and the software will automatically copy it to every corresponding match found on the playing board. If you change your mind, remove the letter anywhere on the board, and it will be removed automatically from every corresponding square. If you've made a bit of a mess and want to start over, click "Reset" and all squares will be emptied. And if you think you've solved the cryptogram, click "Check It!" and the software will let you know if you've made any mistakes.

Thousands more free online cryptograms at Cryptograms.org.