Polish cross
Each letter is a frame from a # grid with one dot. The frame picks the group, the dot picks the letter inside it.
Try it
27 characters
Result · Polish cross
7b 2b 1c 7a 2b 7c / 5b 2b 7b 7b 1a 3a 2b / 2c 6a 7a / 7c 3b 2b / 1c 5a 8a 1b
How it works
- 1Split the alphabet into nine groups of three letters: ABC, DEF, GHI and so on. The groups sit in a 3x3 grid.
- 2Draw a # grid (two vertical and two horizontal lines). Every square gets its own frame - it depends on which sides touch a grid line.
- 3To write a letter, draw the frame of its square and put one dot inside: left = first letter of the group, middle = second, right = third.
- 4To decode, read the frame to find the group and the dot to find the letter. Agree beforehand which table you use.
Example
BRABROUCI
Did you know
The Polish cross is one of the table ciphers that Czech scouts and camp games have used for a long time, and you can find it in cipher handbooks there. The name is well established, but its origin is not reliably documented. The table is written in two versions (with and without the Czech letter CH), so agree on one before you play.
Try to decode
This message is encrypted with Polish cross using the default settings:
Hint
Use the table without CH. M is the first letter of the group MNO (middle of the grid): the frame is a full square and the dot goes left.
Show solution
MEET AT THE FIRE
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- Chinese cipherVertical lines count the column and horizontal lines count the row of a 5x5 table. The lines cross like a Chinese character.
- Flag semaphoreTwo flags, eight arm positions. Each pair of positions is one letter - the signaller shows it, you read it.
- BrailleSix dots in a 2x3 cell, one pattern per letter. A writing system read by fingertips - which you can also draw in colours.