Codebusters

Division: Div C – High School

NC Essential Standards Alignment: None

Event Rules: See the National rule manual

Event Score Sheet: None

National Event Page: Here

Required Materials: Teams must bring writing utensils with an eraser and may bring up to three (3) stand-alone non-graphing, non-programmable, non-scientific 4-function or 5-function calculators.

Clarifications: None

Description:

Teams will decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques, or show skill with advanced ciphers by encrypting or decrypting a message.

Materials:

Teams must bring writing utensils with an eraser and may bring up to three (3) stand-alone non-graphing, non-programmable, non-scientific 4-function or 5-function calculators. No resource materials, except those provided by the event supervisor, may be used. The event supervisor will provide scratch paper for each team to use.

Scoring:

High score wins.

Common Mistakes:

None

Recommendations:

This event allows up to 3 team members.  Teams are allowed to divide and conquer the test.

Event Resources:

User guide for Codebusters – 45 pages of resources!
Online Interactive tests instructional video
Codebusters 2019 Coaches Clinic Presentation (2018 Rules)
Codebusters Test Tools
The State event supervisor for Codebusters has set up a twitter handle to send out tips and tricks.  @NCSO_cb
Important update from the Coaches institute.  The K2 alphabet hint is actually a K1 alphabet hint.  Everything described works the same, just the label is a K1 instead of K2.  You can read on how to solve with a K1 alphabet at http://toebes.com/Ciphers/Solving%20a%20K1%20Alphabet.htm.
Previous tests can be found at http://toebes.com/Ciphers/index.html
Cryptoclub
CIA – break the code
The Imitation Game
Cryptograms.org

Make your own codes:

Media:
The STEM Yard podcast featuring an interview and Q&A with Event Leader John Toebes.