MoYu Rainbow Ball (12 Holes)

MoYu Rainbow Ball (12 Holes)

MoYu Rainbow Ball (12 Holes) is a ball-shaped logic puzzle. Unlike a 3x3 cube, you don't turn any layers. The shell has 12 round holes and 11 coloured balls, so one spot is always empty. You can push a ball into the empty hole only if it is right next to it. In practice it works like a "15 puzzle" sliding puzzle, just laid out on a sphere. Our version has a black shell.

How do you solve it?

Each hole has a coloured ring. Your goal is to move every ball into the ring of its own colour. After scrambling, the balls end up in random places and you have to guide them one by one through the free hole. The rules are simple, but placing the last colours without breaking up the ones you've already solved takes a bit of planning. You don't need any algorithms, just some trial and error and patience.

Which Rainbow Ball version?

The MoYu Rainbow Ball comes in several sizes that differ in the number of holes. The small version has 8 holes and is the quickest to solve. The large one has 20 holes and requires more planning of your moves. The 12-hole version sits in the middle: it takes more thinking than the mini, yet you can still solve it in a reasonable time, even without any puzzle experience.

Who is it for?

For anyone who wants a break from cubes and fancies trying a puzzle that works on a different principle. It also makes a great gift for a child or someone who doesn't solve the 3x3 cube, as the rules can be explained in a few seconds. The ball fits in your hand, so it's easy to take on a trip. If you want items outside the NxN category in your collection, this is a good, simple start.

Specifications

• Type: spherical puzzle, sliding puzzle (no layer turning)
• Manufacturer: MoYu
• Number of holes: 12
• Number of balls: 11 coloured balls and one empty spot
• Diameter: approx. 68 mm
• Weight: approx. 95 g
• Magnets: none
• Shell colour: black