MoYu Rainbow Ball 10 cm

MoYu Rainbow Ball 10 cm

MoYu Rainbow Ball 10 cm is a ball-shaped puzzle that has nothing to do with turning layers. The white sphere has 20 round sockets, and 19 of them hold coloured balls. Each socket has a coloured ring, and your task is to place a ball of the same colour in it. One socket always stays empty, and that's what lets you move the balls around.

How it works

You slide a ball with your finger into the neighbouring empty socket. The empty space then moves to where the ball was. So Rainbow Ball works like a 3D version of the classic sliding puzzle (klotski), except that instead of a flat board you have the whole surface of a sphere. Balls only move into adjacent sockets, so to get one into place you usually have to shift several others.

How it differs from the smaller versions

MoYu also makes smaller balls with 8 and 12 sockets in the Rainbow Ball series. The 10 cm version has 20, so it's noticeably bigger and has more balls to sort. The principle stays the same and doesn't require knowing any algorithms. The main difference is that solving takes longer and you have to plan your moves further ahead. If you already have a smaller ball and want something more challenging, this version is for you. For a first puzzle, especially for a younger child, the 8- or 12-socket version will be easier.

Who is it for?

For people who enjoy logic puzzles other than cubes, and for kids and adults who want to start with something they can understand right away, without instructions. Rainbow Ball also works well as something to keep your hands busy, as you can slide the balls endlessly, even without a goal. For the same reason, it makes a great gift for someone who doesn't solve puzzle cubes.

Specifications

• Type: ball-shaped sliding puzzle (non-twisty)
• Manufacturer: MoYu
• Diameter: approx. 100 mm
• Number of sockets: 20
• Number of balls: 19
• Body colour: white
• In the box: puzzle