Cipher guide
Rail fence cipher
A rail fence cipher keeps the same letters but moves them. Write the message in a zigzag across two or more rows. Then read each row from left to right.
See a simple example
With two rows, HISTORY puts H, S, O and Y on the first row. It puts I, T and R on the second. Reading the rows gives HSOYITR. Put the letters back into the zigzag to read HISTORY.
Try it step by step
Draw the zigzag for the full message. Work out how many letters belong on each row. Fill the rows with the coded letters, then follow the zigzag to read the answer.
Watch out for these mistakes
Do not try to swap one letter for another. The letters have only moved. Also remember that the rows may not all have the same length.
Try it in Seven Worlds
Seven Worlds gives rail fence its own board because moving letters is different from changing letters.