FanXin 3x3 Octahedron

FanXin 3x3 Octahedron

FanXin 3x3 Octahedron is an octahedron-shaped puzzle with a standard 3x3 cube mechanism inside. Puzzles like this are called shape mods. This design is known as Trajber's Octahedron. It was invented in the 1980s by Josef Trajber, an Austrian speedcuber. FanXin's version has a black body and colored tiles instead of stickers. It has no magnets.

How it works

Every piece of the octahedron corresponds to a piece of a regular cube:

• The triangles in the middle of the faces are the corners of the 3x3 cube.
• The pieces along the edges are the edges.
• The vertices, made up of four parts each, are the centers of the cube. The layers turn around them.

So the moves are the same as on a 3x3, they just look different. When you turn a layer by 90°, the octahedron keeps its shape. Only the colors get scrambled.

How it differs from a regular 3x3

The general method stays the same, but there are two differences. The corners have only one color, so their orientation isn't visible at all. The centers, on the other hand, have colors on several sides and need to be turned the right way. This means that at the end of the solve you may find that one or more centers are twisted. Then you need a center rotation algorithm, the same as for picture cubes or supercubes. On top of that, there's the unusual shape. At first it's hard to tell which layer is the "top". Even if you can solve a 3x3 from memory, you'll usually need a moment to adjust.

Who is it for?

For anyone who can solve a 3x3 cube and is looking for a new challenge. It's also an interesting piece for a shape mod collection. This is not a speedcubing puzzle. It has no magnets or tension adjustment, and it's more about the brain-teasing than about times. If your child is just learning to solve, it's better to start with a classic 3x3. Once the basics are mastered, the Octahedron makes a great next step.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 cube shape mod (Trajber's Octahedron)
• Manufacturer: FanXin
• Mechanism: 3x3
• Dimensions: approx. 70 x 70 x 58 mm
• Weight: approx. 90 g
• Magnets: none
• Body color: black, colored tiles instead of stickers