Magic 

Magic: a folding panel puzzle

Magic is a puzzle that's completely different from a 3x3 cube. Nothing rotates here. The puzzle is made of square panels connected with strings, and you can fold and unfold it in practically any direction. The panels are printed with fragments of rings. Your task is to rearrange the puzzle so that the rings are joined together or separated. The first design of this kind was created by Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik's Cube. In this category you'll find versions made by LingAo.

Which Magic puzzle: 8 or 12 panels?

The versions differ mainly in the number of panels. It determines how many moves the solution takes and how long it takes to learn.

• LingAo Magic 8p is the classic version with 8 panels arranged in a 2x4 rectangle. You start with three separate rings that need to be linked. This is the best version to start with.
• LingAo Magic 8p mini works just like the 8p version but is smaller. It's easier to take with you, e.g. in a backpack or a jacket pocket.
• LingAo Magic 12p is a larger version with 12 panels, the equivalent of Master Magic. It has more pieces and a harder solution, so it's better suited to those who have already mastered the 8-panel version.

How do you solve Magic?

The solution consists of a few repeating folding sequences. Once you memorize them, each attempt gets faster and smoother. That's why Magic works well as a first puzzle for a child or as a break from cubes: you don't need to know notation or algorithms in the speedcubing sense. Magic and Master Magic were once official WCA events, which is why some cubers still solve them for time.

During your first attempts, fold the panels calmly and without yanking. The strings are the part that wears out fastest, and forcing the puzzle the wrong way puts unnecessary strain on them. If a move feels stiff, it usually means the panel needs to be folded in the opposite direction.