Cryptography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 19
Synchronization
19.1 Stealing Baseball's Signs
To:
Newly Signed Recruits
From:
Third-Base Coach
Here are the signs for tonight's game. As usual, I will string to-
gether a sequence of bogus signs in front of the two trigger signals.
After the two trigger signals,
alpha
and
beta
follow in immediate se-
quence. I will deliver the one sign that isn't fake. Pay attention to that
one. Then I'll add in another three to seven fake signals to close out
the set. Remember: Ignore all signs that don't follow the
alpha
and
beta
sign in sequence. If you see another sign between the
alpha
and
beta
, ignore them all. If you see the
beta
before the
alpha
,ignoreit.
Use the
alpha
and
beta
to synchronize yourself on the sign that mat-
ters.
Sign
Meaning
Touch Nose
Drug tester wants to check your steroid level.
Drink lots of fluids.
Grab Left Ear
Someone dinged your new Escalade in the parking lot.
Grab Right Ear
alpha
Grab Left Ear
Your broker called with bad news about that
investment in pork bellies.
Cover Eyes
beta
Slap Left Hip
Watch your mouth. We could lipread that last epithet.
Kick Left Foot
The owner is calling your bluff. He said “No” to your
salary demands.
Muss Hair
We should dock your pay for that last one.
Hitch up Pants
The team doctor says I should cut back on
the steak dinners.
