Methods for chaining the cards
- Chaindeck Team
- Aug 20, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Chaining refers to arranging the cards in a specific order, flip, and rotation. The original chain must be recreated after the cards are shuffled to be able to retrieve the secret phrase.
While the default is to use the PIN method, there are four broad categories of methods for chaining the cards. These methods are summarized below.
PIN Method
Security: Medium | Convenience: Medium
This is the default recommended method for chaining the cards. It will take 20-45 minutes to set up, and will offer a great balance between security and convenience.
Factory Chain Method
Security: Low | Convenience: High
If security is the lowest concern, then there is technically no need to rearrange the cards beyond the way they come in the box. The cards will come chained so that they're sorted from Card #0 to Card #99, all facing up, and all rotated upright. This Factory Chain can be used to record the secret phrase. Once the cards are shuffled the secret phrase will still be encrypted, and there will not be a PIN to remember.
Shuffle-Record Method
Security: Medium | Convenience: Low
This method gets the owner to start by randomly shuffling the cards. Then, the random chain that is created is written-down and a "Chain Record" is created. This Chain Record will be needed whenever the secret phrase needs to be retrieved later. While the chain is completely random, this method creates a new backup that should not be lost.
Owner-Defined Custom Method
Security: High | Convenience: Low
Chaindeck cards have a lot of random numbers on them. The owner can invent a novel way to chain the cards, that is only known to the owner. For example, Perhaps the Card Number can be added to the Sorting Numbers, or adjustments can be made to how to find the Sorting number. The possibilities are endless. While the security of this method is high since it makes PIN's useless, the owner will have to remember the new method.
Summary of chaining methods
Description | Setup Time | Recovery Time | Deck Security | Complexity | |
PIN Method | Use a 3-digit PIN to chain the deck (1,000 combinations.) This is the default method. | 30 minutes | 20 minutes | Medium | Medium |
Factory Chain Method | Simply use the cards with the default chain as they come in the packaging (by Card #) Deck is stored shuffled. | 2 minutes | 7 minutes | Low | Easy |
Shuffle-Record Method | Randomly shuffle the deck, record the chain, Must have the chain record to recover. | 30+ minutes | 20 minutes | Medium | Medium |
Owner-Defined Custom Method | Use a unique way to chain the deck, potentially utilising the random numbers and markings on the cards. | 20+ minutes | 15+ minutes | High | Difficult |
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