Dayan BaGua Cube

DaYan BaGua Cube

The DaYan BaGua Cube is a shape-shifting puzzle built on a 3x3 cube. In the manufacturer's catalogue it is also listed as the 6-axis-8-rank cube. Each face has an octagonal center embossed with the bagua symbol, the eight trigrams, which is where the name comes from. The edges have extra cuts. It was released in 2016. The version we offer is Stickerless Bright.

How this puzzle works

In its cube shape, the BaGua turns just like a regular 3x3. The difference is that the layers can also be turned by 45 degrees. The cube then changes shape, and the edge and center pieces get mixed between the faces. After such moves some turns become blocked (bandaging), so when solving you also have to keep track of the orientation of the thin edge pieces. The idea is similar to the mf8 Sun Cube. People who have solved both puzzles consider the BaGua harder, because it has extra pieces in the edges. To solve it you need dedicated algorithms for reducing the centers and edges. Knowing a 3x3 method alone is not enough.

What to be prepared for

To be honest: this is not a cube for speedsolving or for hard turning. Catching and lockups are common when turning by 45 degrees. The mechanism is delicate, and if the tension is too loose or you turn carelessly, the cube can pop apart. Putting it back together is then difficult. A few things help:

• before scrambling it for the first time, tighten the adjustment screws rather more than less,
• lube the mechanism,
• turn calmly and align the layers carefully before the next move.

Who is it for?

The BaGua is for experienced collectors and people who enjoy figuring out unusual puzzles. Patience helps, as does some experience in disassembling and adjusting cubes yourself. We do not recommend it as a first puzzle or as a gift for a child who is just starting to solve. If shape-shifting cubes are new to you, it will be easier to start with a simpler model from this category.

Specifications

• Type: shape-shifting puzzle based on a 3x3 (shape mod), 45-degree turns
• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Weight: approx. 120 g
• Tension adjustment: adjustment screws
• Colour: Stickerless Bright
• Release year: 2016
• Allowed in official WCA competitions: no