App Profile: Cryptograms - Word Puzzles for Brain Training

A cryptogram, sometimes called cryptoquip, is a word puzzle based on a phrase or quote that has been encrypted by letter substitution. For example, the word 'FUN' might be encrypted as 'GHK.' By looking at the patterns in the decrypted text, the length of the words, and other context clues - you'll slowly decode the phrase or quote until it's back to its original text. I realize this paragraph you just read might sound dull - but believe me, these puzzles are super fun and addicting!

While often found in the world of pencil and paper puzzles - this app gives a easy, clean way to solve these word puzzles without killing any trees. You can choose between the traditional layout (encrypted text appears below your decrypted text). Or you can switch to the 'condensed' layout I've invented just for this app - where you can see the encrypted and decrypted text all at once (it sounds confusing, but I think you'll end up really liking it).

With the recent popularity of puzzles like Sudoku or KenKen, it's easy to forget that there are some really great word puzzles to keep your mind sharp. Cryptograms will push your brain to think in different ways, and really make you work through your whole vocabulary trying when trying to come up with an answer.

The app comes with a starter pack of 20 puzzles for you to try out and see if cryptogams are your thing. If they are, there are several more packs of puzzles available through the app - and I'm always working on more I'll be adding in on a regularly basis.

Have fun puzzling!!