YJ Mastermorphix

YJ Mastermorphix 3x3

Inside, the YJ Mastermorphix is a regular 3x3 cube, just shaped like a tetrahedron, or pyramid. It's one of the classic 3x3 shape mods. After just a few moves it no longer looks like a pyramid, because every turn changes the shape of the puzzle. The pieces differ in form and size, so while solving it's harder to find your way by looks alone. The stickerless bright version is made of coloured plastic, with no stickers that could wear off or peel.

How it turns

The mechanism is based on a 3x3, so the turning feels familiar. The shape does change it a bit, though. When the puzzle is scrambled, it's easier to grip it imprecisely than a regular cube. That's why the Mastermorphix is better suited to calm, precise solving than to high TPS. Turning is smooth, and layers shouldn't lock up. In reviews, buyers rate it as smoother than some other Mastermorphix puzzles. If a piece pops, it's easy to put back in. Tension is adjusted with adjustment screws, so you can set the cube looser or tighter.

How it differs from a regular 3x3 cube

If you can solve a 3x3, you can use the same method, but a few things will surprise you:

• The centres have two colours, so they need to be oriented the right way. On a regular 3x3, their rotation doesn't matter.
• The puzzle has only four colours, one for each face of the pyramid. This changes how you recognise the pieces.
• The shape is deceptive. The counterparts of 3x3 edges and corners look completely different from those on a cube, so they're harder to locate.

Who is it for?

The YJ Mastermorphix is a great first shape mod for anyone who can already solve a 3x3 and wants to try something different without learning a new method from scratch. It also works well as an inexpensive puzzle for your collection. It's not a competition cube, as the Mastermorphix is not an official event. If you're just starting out and can't solve a 3x3 yet, it's better to get a classic cube first.

Specifications

• Type: Mastermorphix (3x3 cube shape mod), stickerless bright
• Manufacturer: YJ
• Size: approx. 69 mm
• Weight: approx. 79 g
• Adjustment: adjustment screws
• Release year: 2019
• Official competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle, solving instructions