Rules:
1. Ciphers should be able to be encoded and decoded by hand. We may start a list later on acceptable types.
2. One-step ciphers only, please. If you think you have a really good two- or multi-step one, PM me or Packbat (or both) for special permission.
3. In the case of substitution ciphers, you can leave spaces or remove them if you want. If you want to include spaces, punctuation is optional. In the case of transposition ciphers, transpose letters only and break the ciphertext into blocks of five, as is standard.
4. Include a description of difficulty. Easy, medium, or hard. Generally depends on length and source of ciphertext, key length, etc. Later on, we may post more specific guidelines for difficulty levels.
5. Group discussion is allowed on medium and hard ciphers. Easy ciphers should be able to be solved by one person in a fairly short amount of time.
6. If your cipher cannot be cracked, you can start posting clues or hints. This can be the source of ciphertext (eg. "it's the beginning to a poem"), type of cipher, etc. Clues should get more detailed as time goes on.
7. Whoever posts the correct key and plaintext first is the winner. They can either post their own cipher or leave it open to anyone who wants to.
8. English-only plaintexts, please.
9. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me or Packbat, preferably both.
Link to a set of twelve courses about classical cryptography. They're pretty lengthy, but just skimming them is still worthwhile. The "General Nature of the English Language" section is immensely helpful.
Also, if you know of any good sources for learning about classical cryptography, post them!
