Square-1 

Square-1 puzzles for speedcubing and more

After just a few moves, a Square-1 stops looking like a cube. The top and bottom layers are made of wedge-shaped corners and edges, and turning the middle layer (the so-called slice) moves pieces between them. This is what lets the puzzle change shape. Square-1 is an official WCA event and the only puzzle in the programme that changes shape. Today's top solvers average under 5 seconds, with single solves below 4 seconds. In this category you will find both classic Square-1 puzzles and their modifications.

Square-1 for beginners

To learn, a simple, affordable model is all you need, e.g. ShengShou Square-1, YuXin Little Magic, MoYu Meilong, QiYi QiFa or YJ GuanLong. They let you learn how the puzzle works: first you restore the cube shape, then you solve the colours. For a child's first Square-1, that is more than enough. YuXin Little Magic Magnetic is the magnetic version of this budget model. It is a good choice if you want to see how magnets help with solving before spending more.

Magnets, MagLev and UV in Square-1

On a Square-1, most time is lost on misaligned layers. If the top or bottom layer is even slightly off, the slice jams and you get a lockup. Magnets help the layers settle into the right positions on their own, which is why most models used in competition have them. The differences are easy to see with the Picube MGC SQ1. It comes in a non-magnetic version, with magnets in the edges (Edge Magnet), with additional magnets in the middle layer (Equator Magnet) and with MagLev, i.e. magnets replacing the classic springs. A full set of magnets usually means the layers snap into place more strongly. The GAN Square-1 MagLev + UV has 36 magnets, MagLev and numbered tension adjustment, so it is easy to return to a setting you know works. More magnets do not always mean better. Some solvers prefer a lighter, less "clicky" feel. A UV coating (e.g. on the YJ MGC SQ-1 V2) gives a smooth, glossy surface that feels different in the hand than matte plastic.

Modifications: SQ-0, SQ-2, Mirror

The other puzzles in this category are Square-1 modifications that are not used in competition. In the SengSo Mr.M SQ-0 the pieces are joined together, so there are fewer cases and it is easier to solve than the classic model. The SengSo Mr.M SQ-2 and the Lee SQ2 body-shift cube are noticeably harder. In the Mirror and Axis Mirror versions, the pieces differ in size rather than colour, so you solve them by shape. There is also the DianSheng two-layer SQ1. These models are great if you already know the classic Square-1 and are looking for a new challenge, and for collectors.

Models approved for the WCA event are collected in the Square-1 WCA subcategory.