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Puzzling_Basics

The document outlines the basics of solving puzzles, emphasizing that they typically resolve to a word or phrase and may involve various encoding methods such as braille, morse code, and binary. It provides techniques for decoding, including acrostics and alpha-numeric codes, and encourages the use of external resources like anagram solvers and Google. Additionally, it stresses the importance of adhering to a code of conduct during puzzle events.

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ichthysfreak
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14 views

Puzzling_Basics

The document outlines the basics of solving puzzles, emphasizing that they typically resolve to a word or phrase and may involve various encoding methods such as braille, morse code, and binary. It provides techniques for decoding, including acrostics and alpha-numeric codes, and encourages the use of external resources like anagram solvers and Google. Additionally, it stresses the importance of adhering to a code of conduct during puzzle events.

Uploaded by

ichthysfreak
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Puzzling Basics

2020.01

● Puzzles usually solve to a word or short phrase.


● Different forms of encoding are used - don’t panic, you will be given a code sheet.
● There are rarely outright instructions for how to solve a puzzle, but sometimes you can find hints
in the introductory text. For example references to “in the dark” or “sight” are often hints
The Basics

something is encoded with braille.


● Puzzles will often have multiple steps to get to the answer word.
● Basic newspaper puzzles such as sudoku, crosswords, and word searches are often
incorporated as one of the steps in solving the puzzle. Keep in mind that unlike a typical
newspaper puzzle, you will be somehow extracting one word or phrase out of the puzzle.
● If the answer you end up with is a garbled “alphabet soup”, then look for a clue on how to order
them. Answers will rarely be an anagram. If you can’t figure it out, you can use an anagram
solver like http://www.wordsmith.org/anagram/
● Braille: Braille is frequently clued in the introductory text by the words “Look,” “See,” or “Blind.”
Try braille when a puzzle contains 2x3 grids or matrices. Occasionally, braille is coded in 6-digit
sequences.
● Morse code: Morse code is often clued by the words “dot,” “dash,” or “telegram” in the
introductory text. Look for data that breaks down easily into three different categories (dots,
Codes

dashes, and spaces).


● Semaphore: Puzzles that contain semaphore are sometimes clued by the words “flag,” or
“Signal.” Puzzles that use semaphore often use clocks or time. Also look for directions
(bearings) or anything that rotates about or comes from a central axis.
● Binary: Binary is often clued by the words “On,” “Off,” or computer-related words. Binary is
often expressed in groups of five digits (although it can be as little as two or as many as eight).
Look for groups of data that contain two different categories of objects.
● See your Code Sheet for others.
● An Acrostic is a clue where the first letter, syllable, or word of each line, paragraph, or other
recurring feature spells out a word or message.
● Indexing When you have a list of words or phrases and a corresponding list of numbers,
indexing may be at play. Count into the word or phrase by the given number and record the
letter in that position. For example, “2 Cake, 6 Pudding, 5 Shortening” gives you: Cake,
Techniques

Pudding, and Shortening, or ant.


● Alpha-numeric codes map numbers to letters. Try replacing the numbers with the
corresponding letters like this: 1 = A, 2 = B, 3 = C... 26 = Z. Occasionally, these types of codes
will “wrap around,” so don’t despair if you see a number greater than 26. Just subtract 26 and try
again. In this scenario 27 (27-26 = 1) is A, 28 (28-26 = 2) is B etc. If you try this and it doesn’t
work, try other numeric codes such as ASCII.
● Caesar Shifts are like alpha-numeric codes, in that you change letters to numbers and back
again, but adding or subtracting. For example, shifting OHMS by 1 will give you the next letter in
the alphabet for each: PINT.

● If none of the above codes or methods work, consider other encryption mechanisms such as
ternary (like binary, but base three instead of two), hexadecimal, nautical flags, pigpen,etc.
More

Many codes are available in the Puzzle Sidekick app for iPhones: https://puzzlesidekick.com
● Puzzles will sometimes contain no encryption at all and instead rely on word play, basic logic, or
other mechanisms.

● It’s not a trivia contest. Using Google is acceptable and encouraged.


● Hints are always free. If you get stuck, come talk to us.
● All attendees — from players to organizers — are expected to act in accordance to our code of
conduct. http://puzzledpint.com/coc

@puzzledpint fb.com/puzzledpint puzzledpint.com

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