Crack the Codeword 1

A codeword puzzle is a crossword puzzle without clues. You are given a grid, and each letter of the alphabet is (randomly) represented by a number 1-26. For example, A might be 12 and Z might be 4. Every puzzle has a different letter/number combination. This book contains 48 codeword puzzles. The first 24 each give you 3 letters, in some cases a three-letter word that is also an anagram – a word whose letters can be jumbled into different orders to make different words eg. TAP which can also be rearranged to make PAT and APT. The second 24 puzzles are more challenging, as each one only gives you 1 letter to start you off. So whether you are a well-practised codeword cracker, or merely a novice, there is something for you to enjoy. Your challenge is to then analyse the numerical patterns, to work out which letter is which to spell out all the words in the grid. Look for the different forms of the word to see if the appear in the grid, they can provide clues to help you solve the puzzle, as well as the single letters. It is very good for your brain because you are using your logic skills all the time. It’s also a great way to learn new words and build your vocabulary. Codewords give you a real mental work-out, and you feel a great sense of achievement when you realise you have ‘cracked’ the code and can begin to decipher all the words. If solving codeword puzzles is new to you, here are some tips that may help you along the way. Of course, it does always depend on the codeword setter and the difficulty of the puzzle. • The highest number of letters in the puzzle grid, is most likely a common vowel eg E or A. • There are a number of cases where two of the same letter can appear together. Examples of this are: EE, BB, DD, GG, and TT. • The letter S will often appear at the end of a word, and act as a connecting letter for words that are plural. • The letter Q is often used only once, which can make it easy to spot. If it has been used to make two words (going across and down) in both cases, it can only be followed by a U. Codewords are a great puzzle to take with you when you go on holiday or commuting to work. One of the advantages is not having to take a heavy dictionary with you as well. Although there may be words that you have not heard of before, once you have cracked the code, you will be able to spell these, as well as the ones that you are already familiar with. If you find that there are words in the puzzle that you have not come across, go to the back of this book (once you have completed the puzzle, of course), and highlight the word in the Vocabulary Builder list provided. When you have access to a dictionary, you can check the meaning and thus expand your vocabulary.