QiYi Two Colors 2x2x3 Cube

QiYi Two Colors 2x2x3 Cube

QiYi Two Colors 2x2x3 Cube is a cuboid: a puzzle with three layers along one axis and two layers along the other two. It works much like a 2x2 cube, but adds a middle layer and different move restrictions. It's a good puzzle for anyone who can already solve a 2x2 or 3x3 and wants something different from yet another classic cube. Available in the Black variant.

How the 2x2x3 cuboid works

The key difference from a regular cube is that the top and bottom layers turn 90 degrees, while the side faces turn only 180 degrees. A quarter turn of a side is impossible because the layers on each axis have a different number of pieces. That's why 2x2 algorithms don't carry over one to one. Some moves have to be replaced with half turns, and the middle layer has to be solved separately.

In practice, solving usually goes like this: first you sort out the middle, then the corners on the top and bottom. A cuber who knows the 2x2 will quickly grasp the idea. Your first solves will still take some thinking, though, because the restricted side moves change how you look for solutions.

Who is it for?

The 2x2x3 cuboid is one of the simpler puzzles outside the standard NxN cubes. That's why it's often the first step towards cuboids and shape mods. It's a great fit for someone who:

• already solves a 2x2 or 3x3 and wants to practise understanding the mechanics, not just memorising algorithms,
• collects unusual puzzles and wants a QiYi cuboid in their collection,
• is looking for a gift for a child who has mastered the basic cube and needs a new challenge.

For a very first puzzle, it's better to choose a classic 2x2 or 3x3 cube. There are many more beginner tutorials for those cubes.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: QiYi
• Type: 2x2x3 cuboid
• Moves: top and bottom layers 90°, side faces 180°
• Dimensions: approx. 63 x 61.6 x 61 mm
• Colour variant: Black
• EAN: 6948154233100