DaYan Bermuda Jupiter

DaYan Bermuda Jupiter

DaYan Bermuda Jupiter is a puzzle from the Bermuda series. The mechanism comes from a 3x3 cube, but some faces have large triangular pieces instead of regular centers. The series consists of eight "planets" (from Mercury to Neptune). They all share the same base and differ in the number and arrangement of the triangular centers. Jupiter has three triangles on three faces that meet at one corner. The right angles of all three triangles point toward that corner.

How to solve it

Each triangular center extends into the adjacent layers, so at any moment it blocks some of the moves. Which faces you can turn depends on how the triangles are positioned. Some layers can be turned by 45°, which changes the shape of the puzzle and lets corners end up in edge positions. In practice, the lockups here come from the design and are part of the challenge, not a flaw in the mechanism. Classic 3x3 algorithms often won't work, because you can only use them when the triangles' positions allow it. You need to plan a move first and only then make it.

According to people who have solved the whole series, Jupiter is solved in a similar way to Neptune. If you've already solved one of these planets, you can reuse some of the same strategies.

Who is it for?

Jupiter is for someone who solves the 3x3 comfortably and is looking for something more challenging than yet another speedcube. Knowing general methods, such as commutators, will help, because memorizing algorithms alone won't be enough here. The puzzle is also a great fit for a collection of bandaged puzzles and shape mods. It isn't a cube for setting times, and for a complete beginner, including a child who is just learning the 3x3, it will likely be more frustrating than fun.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3-based shape-shifting puzzle with bandaged elements
• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Series: Bermuda (8 planets)
• Triangular centers: 3, on faces meeting at one corner
• Size: approx. 57 mm
• Weight: approx. 85 g
• Body color: black