Codebreaker
solve the secret code
Codebreaker
solve the secret code
Codebreaker is a game similar to Mastermind. Digits are used
instead of colours. The computer chooses a pattern of four digits. In the
standard variant it uses digits 1-6. Duplicates are allowed, so the computer
could even choose the same four code digits. The chosen pattern is placed upmost
but hidden to the player. This game can also be played by two players with pen
and paper.
The codebreaker tries to guess the pattern, in both order
and correct digit, within nine turns. Each guess is made by placing a row of
code digits on the decoding board. Once placed, the computer provides feedback
by placing from zero to four key pegs at the sideboard. A black key peg is
placed for each code digit from the guess which is correct in both digit and
position; a white peg indicates the existence of a correct digit placed in the
wrong position. The black pegs are always placed leftmost, so there is no
correlation of position. Once feedback is provided, another guess is made;
guesses and feedback continue to alternate until either the codebreaker guesses
correctly, or nine incorrect guesses are made. If you can keep an average of
five or below in the standard variant, then you are good. An inexperienced
player can begin at the easiest level where only digits 1-4 are used in the
code.
Mastermind or Master Mind is a simple code-breaking board game
for two players, invented in 1970 by
With 4 positions and 6 digits, there are 64 = 1296
different patterns. In 1977,
 You
can download my free Codebreaker program
here, but you must own the software
Zillions of Games to be able to
run it (I recommend the download version). |
© M.
Winther 2008
