YuXin Football 2x2

YuXin Football 2x2

YuXin Football 2x2 is a puzzle shaped like a soccer ball. Inside it's a regular 2x2 cube, but instead of a cube you get a sphere with a pattern of pentagons and hexagons, just like a classic football. YuXin released it as part of its series of 2x2 sports balls, which also includes basketball, volleyball and softball versions, among others. The ball has no stickers: the pattern is part of the plastic pieces (stickerless).

How to solve the 2x2 ball

The layers turn exactly like on a 2x2 cube, so the same methods and algorithms work here. What changes is recognition. Instead of six coloured faces, you have to match the lines and patches of the pattern so the complete ball appears again. During your first solves it's easy to get confused, because a piece can look correctly placed even though it's twisted. It's a fun change for anyone who knows the 2x2 and wants to see how they do without colours.

This is a novelty puzzle, not a speedcube. There are no magnets or tension adjustment inside, and the round shape is harder to grip than a cube. For setting records, a regular magnetic 2x2 is a better choice. The Football 2x2 is great for a collection, for display on a shelf or for relaxed solving.

Things to watch out for

Don't twist the corners with your fingers to change their orientation. On 2x2 puzzles of this type, that can easily break a piece. Orient the corners using normal layer turns.

Who is it for?

For football fans who solve cubes or are just getting started, and for collectors of unusual puzzles. It also makes a good gift for a child. For learning to solve for the first time, however, a regular 2x2 cube with coloured faces is a better choice. The ball works well as a next step once your child knows the basics.

Specifications

• Type: sphere-shaped 2x2 puzzle (football), stickerless
• Manufacturer: YuXin
• Size: approx. 64 mm
• Magnets: none
• Colour: White