Column Codes

Used by the ancient Greeks, writing a message in columns is a good way of sending secret messages to friends.

First agree a key e.g. CODES

Then number the letters in the key alphabetically.

Then write your message underneath. Say we have hidden a treat for our friend to find under a red chair.

C

O

D

E

S

1

4

2

3

5

I

T

I

S

U

N

D

E

R

T

H

E

R

E

D

C

H

A

I

R

Finally write out the code in regular groups in the order of the numbered columns.

INHC   IERA   SREI   TDEH   UTDR

With the key, your friend should be able to find the treat … if they’re a cunning code cracker too.

Can you crack this?

Column Puzzle