Welcome to your Puzzlcrate Beginner Puzzle Subscription! Whether you’re just starting your journey into the fascinating world of cube puzzles (sometimes called twisty puzzles or Rubik’s cube-like puzzles) or rekindling a long-lost interest, we’re thrilled to have you here. Each month, you’ll receive a new puzzle tailored to help you grow your skills while having fun. Think of this as your gateway to the vibrant world of twisting, turning, and solving mysteries one move at a time.
Oh, and did we mention they get more difficult each month? Don’t worry – the Puzzlcrate community is here to help!
This month’s featured puzzle is the Ivy Cube, a beautiful and unique puzzle that’s perfect for beginners. But before we dive into solving it, let’s set the stage with some tips to sharpen your puzzle-solving skills.
General Pointers for Solving Rubik’s Cube-like Puzzles
If you’re new to the world of twisty puzzles, don’t worry! Solving these puzzles is all about understanding patterns, staying patient, and enjoying the process. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Learn the Basics
Every twisty puzzle operates on a system of layers or segments. Familiarize yourself with the mechanics—how the puzzle moves and what its solved state looks like. Though it may sound impossible – try to solve the puzzle without the tutorial first, using only your intuition. If you can’t, be kind to yourself – this will become easier after you’ve solved more puzzles. Trust us! - Start with Simple Goals
Instead of attempting to solve the entire puzzle at once, break it into smaller steps. For example, focus on solving one side or one piece at a time. - Understand Notation (If Applicable)
Some puzzles, like the Rubik’s Cube, have standard notations for moves. While the Ivy Cube doesn’t require advanced notation, developing this habit is useful as you tackle more complex puzzles. - Be Patient and Experiment
Puzzles are like riddles—trial and error can teach you a lot. Don’t be afraid to play around with the puzzle and learn its quirks. - Use Online Resources and Tutorials
While this blog will walk you through solving the Ivy Cube, many puzzles have robust online communities where you can find videos, guides, and helpful tips. Also, if you have any question, you can ask it in the comments! There are no silly questions – anything you ask may help someone else in the community.
Solving the Ivy Cube
The Ivy Cube is a fantastic beginner’s puzzle. It looks complex, but its mechanics are intuitive and easier to master than a standard 3×3 cube. Let’s break the solving process into simple steps.
Would you rather learn by watching a video? Here’s one of our favorites from Z3 Cubing.
Step 1: Understand the Puzzle
The Ivy Cube is a corner-turning puzzle with curved, leaf-like pieces. The goal is to align all pieces so that each face is a uniform color.
Step 2: Scramble the Puzzle
Before solving, give your Ivy Cube a thorough scramble. Twist the corners to mix up the leaf pieces until you can no longer see any full faces.
Step 3: Solve One Face
- Pick a color to start with (e.g., white).
- Locate all the white leaf pieces and rotate the corners until they form a complete white face.
- Pay attention to how the edges of your solved face interact with adjacent sides. You’re aiming to align not just the center color but also the edge connections.
Step 4: Align Adjacent Faces
Once one face is complete, use intuitive turns to align the adjacent faces. Focus on ensuring the leaf pieces flow naturally into the next color.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
You might find the last few moves require a bit of trial and error. Don’t worry! The Ivy Cube is forgiving, and with a few corner twists, you’ll find your way to a fully solved puzzle.
What’s Next?
Congratulations on solving your first Ivy Cube! As you gain confidence, you’ll discover strategies and shortcuts to speed up your solves. Keep practicing, and don’t forget to look forward to next month’s puzzle. It’ll be another step toward puzzle mastery, challenging you just enough to keep things exciting.
Happy puzzling, and welcome to the club!
