How do I get better at cryptograms?

[LLapp]

Theaxatium, it won't get you banned (or even shunned) if you check quote sites. Most of us have resorted to Google or quote sites when we're stumped and really want to know what the quote says.

Meanwhile, for beginner tips on solving, start with this site's Tutorial.

Also, check these other Cryptogram Forum threads where players have given tips for solving:

• https://forum.puzzlebaron.com/forum/...nd-i-suck-tips
• https://forum.puzzlebaron.com/forum/...ns-to-look-for

Enjoy! It takes practice, and it's fun once the word patterns start to click for you.

[ravenclaws62442]

Hey Theaxatium! Looking quotes up is definitely allowed- there would be no way to enforce a rule like that even if there was one in place. Some users on this website don't like it, but mostly it's okay. However, I would recommend only using the quote websites when you absolutely need them.

I see you only joined Puzzle Baron this month, so you have plenty of time to improve! I first started solving cryptograms in September, and my progress has been immense since then. Even if your solve rates are low at first, don't be discouraged!

One main strategy I use to get a good start is looking for letter frequency patterns. For example, the word "THE" is often a higher frequency, lower frequency, then higher frequency pattern. So the numbers underneath might look something like 10-4-12. The word "AND" often comes up immediately after a comma, and it tends to be starting at a higher number, then going low (for example, 12-7-3). CIVILIZATION comes up a lot, and it can be recognized from the frequency of the letter I in it. EVERYTHING/EVERYONE/EVERYBODY can be recognized from the two e's at the beginning. PEOPLE is also common, and it can be found using the P and E pattern. Finally, one-letter words are a fairly simple way to get started. "I" and "A" come up most often, with some "O" as well. Of course, there are so many other patterns ("THAT" is another), but those are just a few main ones.

It all seems overwhelming at first, but you can do it! Really, the best strategy is just practice, practice, practice. Don't worry about times or anything yet, just spend some time familiarizing yourself with patterns and frequencies, and soon enough it'll come automatically.

Good luck! I hope this helped.

[Theaxatium]

One more comment. Try a famous quote site and look-up the author of the quote.

I thought about doing that, but thought it might get me banned.

[Synonymous]

One more comment. Try a famous quote site and look-up the author of the quote.

[Synonymous]

Hi Theaxatium, I'm no expert and I've been solving for years. I just barely break 100 seconds much of the time but I keep trying. Some might call it cheating but I use a cryptogram solver called "quipqiup" when i'm thoroughly stuck, but not all the time. Also, look for word patterns such as THAT, PEOPLE, GOOD, THE and also look for most used letters such as "T" or "E" or the vowels. I hope some of the other great solvers pipe-in and give you some solid tips that will get you into the top 20. But above all else, don't give up. I've only seen the BARON Airplane a few times and it's exhilarating. That's all I have to offer. Good luck and continue solving you'll get better over time.

[Theaxatium]

I can't solve most of the cryptograms I get, so I just end up skipping them. I want that to not happen, so what do I do?