MoYu 2x2x3 Cube

MoYu 2x2x3 Cube

A small cuboid from the MoFang JiaoShi (MFJS) series and a common starting point for puzzles with an uneven number of layers. The MoYu 2x2x3 has a 2x2 cross-section and three layers vertically. The body is black, and it has coloured tiles instead of stickers. Your first solve won't take long, but the puzzle makes you think differently than a regular cube does.

How the 2x2x3 cube works

The top, bottom and middle layers are 2x2 squares, so they turn normally, in 90-degree steps. The side faces measure 2x3, and because of the cuboid shape they can only be turned by 180 degrees. That is where the fun lies. Algorithms from the 3x3 don't carry over directly, and you have to plan your move order around this restriction. The puzzle also has far fewer possible positions than a 3x3, so it is more of an enjoyable change than a long challenge.

Build

The tiles are coloured plastic plates set into the body. They don't wear off or peel like stickers, so the cube stays looking new for longer, even with heavy use. The mechanism is simple, and descriptions and reviews describe the turning as stable and smooth. For a cube in this class, that is all you need: the point here isn't high TPS, but comfortable, predictable turning. The cube is light and small, so it's easy to take with you.

Who is it for?

This cube is a great fit if you can already solve a 2x2 or 3x3 and want to try something different without jumping straight to hard puzzles. The 2x2x3 is also a good first step before bigger cuboids such as the 3x3x4 or 3x3x5. As a parent, you can safely buy it as the next puzzle for a child who knows the basics. Speedcubers should know that the 2x2x3 is not a WCA event, so this puzzle is more for fun and for your collection than for competition training.

Specifications

• Type: 2x2x3 cuboid
• Manufacturer: MoYu (MoFang JiaoShi series)
• Manufacturer code: MF8974
• Body colour: black, coloured tiles instead of stickers
• Turning: 2x2 layers in 90-degree steps, 2x3 side faces in 180-degree steps
• Weight: approx. 61 g (cube only)