Easy codewords: learning the grid
In a codeword, every number from 1 to 26 stands for one letter. Easy puzzles reveal three numbers at the start, always the three that appear most often, and use the shorter quotes from the library (median 36 letters). It is enough to read parts of several words straight away.
How a codeword differs from a cryptogram
A cryptogram swaps letters for other letters, so a cipher letter can look like a real word and mislead you. A codeword uses numbers, so nothing on the board looks like English until you place it. Many players find codewords easier to think about for that reason: every square is clearly unsolved or solved.
Easy-level routine
- Fill in the three given numbers everywhere they appear.
- Look for a short word that is now missing only one letter.
- The keyboard marks letters you have already used. If only one unused letter fits a gap, it is the answer.
Frequently asked questions
How many numbers are revealed on easy?
Three, the most frequent ones in the puzzle.