DaYan BiYiNiao Cube

DaYan BiYiNiao Cube

DaYan BiYiNiao Cube is a cube-shaped puzzle with 12 axes of rotation. In English descriptions it is listed as "12-axis 3-rank". From a distance it looks like an ordinary cube, but it doesn't turn by faces like a 3x3. After a few moves it is no longer a cube, and some layers stay locked until other pieces are lined up. The name comes from Chinese and is sometimes translated as "lovebirds". The Stickerless Bright version has pieces made of coloured plastic, with no stickers.

A shape-shifting cube with jumbling

On the BiYiNiao you can turn a layer by less than a full turn. The edges of neighbouring layers then line up and new moves become possible. This lets pieces reach positions that a regular move could never take them to. This is called jumbling. Once scrambled, the cube has an irregular shape, and solving it requires understanding which moves are possible at any given moment. Shops rate it as a difficult puzzle. The DaYan Shuang FeiYan has a similar design, with four more axes.

How it turns

This is not a speed cube and it has no magnets. Users report that a new cube turns quite stiffly and often catches when moves are not precise. Lube and calm, precise turning help. Fast turning and TPS don't matter here. The goal is to solve the puzzle, and many people solve it intuitively, without algorithms.

Who is it for?

For collectors of unusual puzzles and cubers who already know the WCA puzzles and are looking for something different. It's a good choice for anyone who enjoys jumbling puzzles. As a first cube for a child, a classic 3x3 is a better option. The BiYiNiao can be discouraging even for experienced solvers.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Type: cube-shaped puzzle, 12 axes of rotation, jumbling (shape mod)
• Size: approx. 65.5 mm
• Magnets: none
• Colour version: Stickerless Bright