Dayan Tangram Extreme Cube

DaYan Tangram Extreme Cube

The DaYan Tangram Extreme Cube is a harder version of the Tangram Cube. In China it is sold as the "11 Tangram". From the outside it looks similar to the original: it has the same cut pattern, repeated and rotated on all six faces. However, DaYan added extra cuts on the top and bottom layers, which together form a hexagonal pattern. The middle layer is the same as on the regular Tangram. We offer the stickerless bright version.

How it differs from the regular Tangram Cube

The original Tangram is a cube-shaped shape mod of the DaYan Pentahedron. It has 5 axes of rotation: three turn 180° and two turn 120°. The Extreme version keeps the same set of moves. The difference is that, thanks to the new cuts, layers can also be turned when other layers are not aligned. As a result, pieces appear that the regular Tangram doesn't have, and the puzzle loses its cube shape when scrambled (shape-shifting). The regular Tangram always stays a cube.

How to solve it

According to people who have solved both versions, you only need a few algorithms. The main challenge is figuring out the order in which to solve the pieces. Usually you solve the middle layer first, then the centre triangles on the top and bottom, and finally the pieces that form the hexagon. After scrambling it's easy to get lost, because many of the small triangular pieces look alike even though they play different roles. The regular Tangram is solved in a few fairly simple steps. The Extreme demands much more thinking.

This is a puzzle for working things out, not for speedcubing. In user reviews the turning is generally rated as average, so don't expect the smoothness of a modern speed cube.

Who is it for?

For collectors and anyone who enjoys unusual puzzles and has already solved the regular Tangram, the Pentahedron or other shape mods. For your first unusual puzzle, the standard Tangram Cube is a better choice: it's easier and doesn't change shape.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: DaYan
• Type: shape mod puzzle with 5 axes of rotation, based on the Tangram Cube
• Shape-shifting: yes
• Dimensions: approx. 6.3 x 6.16 x 6.1 cm
• Weight: approx. 141 g (with packaging)
• Colour scheme: stickerless bright