Square-1 WCA 

Square-1 WCA: puzzles for the official Square-1 event

This category features the Square-1 in its classic version, the same as used in the official WCA event. After just a few moves, the Square-1 (SQ-1, commonly called "squan") no longer looks like a cube. The top and bottom layers turn independently, and the slice move rotates half of the puzzle by 180 degrees. That means you first have to bring the puzzle back into a cube shape, and only then do you solve the colors. Here you will find non-magnetic, magnetic and MagLev models, from budget to flagship.

What makes the Square-1 tricky?

A slice is only possible when the top and bottom layers are perfectly aligned. If either one is even slightly misaligned, the move gets stuck and you get a lockup. In fast solving this is the most common problem, and this is exactly where magnets help: they pull the layers into the right positions, so your slices are more reliable.

Types of Square-1 puzzles in our range

• Non-magnetic: ShengShou Square-1, YuXin Little Magic, QiYi QiFa, MoYu Meilong, YJ GuanLong. These are inexpensive models for learning the shapes and your first algorithms. You have to align the layers by hand, so they require more precision.
• Magnetic: YuXin Little Magic Magnetic, YJ MGC Square-1, YJ MGC SQ-1 V2 (with UV coating), SengSo SQ-1 M, X-Man Volt Square-1 V2. The Volt V2 comes in two versions: Full Magnetic has magnets throughout the puzzle, while Half Magnetic has them only in some of the pieces, which makes it feel lighter.
• Advanced designs: according to the manufacturer, the GAN Square-1 MagLev + UV has 36 positioning magnets and a MagLev tension system. The category also includes the EStar Square-1 UV, Stellar Ultra SQ1 and the Picube MGC SQ1 series.

Picube MGC SQ1: how do the versions differ?

The Picube MGC SQ1 was developed in cooperation with YJ. The versions differ in features, and each one is also available with UV coating:

• standard version, without additional magnets,
• Edge Magnet, with magnets that help align the top and bottom layers,
• Edge Magnet + Equator Magnet, with additional magnets in the middle layer that stabilize the slice,
• Edge Magnet + Equator Magnet + MagLev, in which the tension is set by magnets instead of classic springs.

More magnets don't always mean better. Some people prefer a lighter, less "clicky" feel, so the Edge Magnet-only version may suit you better than the full configuration.

How to choose a Square-1?

For a first puzzle, including one for a child, a cheaper model is enough. If you want comfort right from the start, a simple magnetic model such as the YuXin Little Magic Magnetic or YJ MGC is a good compromise. If you compete or want to fine-tune the feel to your liking, magnetic puzzles with tension adjustment and MagLev will give you the most options.