GCHQ Christmas card sets annual code-cracking challenge

Fans of codebreaking, statistics, and brainteasers can now take on the GCHQ, the UK's intelligence service's new cryptic Christmas challenge. On Wednesday, GCHQ issued their annual Christmas card, which was packed with puzzles and hidden codes meant to teach children aged 11-18 a variety of skills

they may need to become a spy. According to GCHQ, the card was made by

schoolchildren as well as spies

as a result of hundreds of young people entering a design competition in the run-up to the festive season. It contains seven puzzles designed by

GCHQ's in-house puzzlers," aimed at testing a variety of problem-solving skills such as intuitive reasoning and lateral reasoning.

Students were encouraged to share their response to the following:

What do you think GCHQ looks like on Christmas Day?

. They were attempting to weave in hidden codes and ciphers into their designs. A panel of judges selected three winners from three age groups.

We believe the right combination of minds will solve seemingly impossible problems alone,

GCHQ said, adding,

We know the right mixture of minds helps us solve seemingly difficult challenges.

Puzzles are at the center of GCHQ's efforts to keep the country safe from hostile states, terrorists, and criminals; our teams are challenged to think creatively and analytically every day,GC headquarters Director Anne Keast-Butler said.I hope the puzzle would inspire the next generation to investigate STEM careers and consider the lucrative careers in cybersecurity and intelligence,she said. Meanwhile,Chief Puzzler,the spy agency's name only asColin,said the puzzles were designed to putthe same combination of skills our teams use every day to keep the world safe. "On Wednesday evening, answers will be announced.

Question 1: There's no repeat letters on the card, and no letters that are nearest to each other in the alphabet. Can you find it? Question 2: In these streams, there is some driftwood. but where should it be?

Question 3: The robber must find a route through the house. He can't go through the same coloured door twice in a row, and he can's not move against any arrows. Eventually he gets caught by the police. How was he acting?

Question 4: This year, Santa's gifts are wrapped in pairs, so which one is missing?

Question 5: In TWO UV PAIRS, the letters have the letters 0,1,2,. ,9 in a particular order, with each letter representing a different number. What is 1234567 ?

Question 6: Solve this code. It has lots of four-letter words!

Question 7: Find an appropriate 7-letter word. ✓ = letter in right place ? ?