Welcome back to your puzzle-solving adventure! This month, we’re introducing you to the Redi Cube—a visually stunning and deceptively simple puzzle that’s perfect for taking your skills to the next level. Its corner-turning mechanics and bold design make it a favorite among beginners and experienced solvers alike.
Don’t let its intricate appearance intimidate you; with a little patience and practice, you’ll have this puzzle mastered in no time. Let’s dive in!
But first, how was the Ivy Cube??? If you weren’t able to solve the cube in your first month, no need to worry – go back and check out our Guide to Your First Cube here. You can also drop a comment if you’re really stuck and we can help with some tips.
We want to hear from you! If you’re loving Puzzlcrate or if you have suggestions for how it can be better, please send us an email at dan@puzzlcrate.com.
Now, let’s get started with the Redi Cube!
A Reminder – Some 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.
Getting to Know Your Redi Cube
The Redi Cube is a corner-turning puzzle with six faces, each made up of 12 triangular pieces. The goal is to align all the pieces so that each face is a uniform color. Unlike the traditional Rubik’s Cube, the Redi Cube’s turns occur at the corners, creating unique patterns and movements.
Before we start solving, give your Redi Cube a good scramble to mix up the colors. Ready? Let’s go!
Note: Would you rather learn by video? Here’s another great tutorial by Z3 Cubing!
Step 1: Solve the First Layer
- Pick Your Starting Color
Choose a color to start with—white is a common choice, but any color works. The first step is to solve all the triangular pieces of that color, forming a complete face. - Position the Center Pieces
Since the Redi Cube’s center pieces don’t move, they’ll guide you. Begin by aligning the corner pieces around your chosen center color. - Turn the Corners Intuitively
Rotate the corners to move the matching triangular pieces into place. Take your time and experiment with the movements until all the triangles of your chosen color form a single, solid face.
Step 2: Align the Adjacent Faces
Now that one face is complete, it’s time to solve the adjacent layers.
- Identify the Neighboring Colors
Look at the edges of the solved face to determine which colors should align with the adjacent centers. - Use Simple Corner Rotations
Turn the corners that affect these adjacent pieces. The goal is to position the triangular pieces of the neighboring faces without disrupting your solved face. This step might take a little trial and error, but you’ll notice patterns in how the puzzle responds.
Step 3: Final Layer Adjustments
- Match the Remaining Pieces
Once the adjacent layers are solved, you’ll have only a few pieces left to align on the final layer. Focus on matching the colors of these pieces with their respective centers. - Tidy Up Using Trial and Error
At this stage, you might encounter cases where a few pieces seem to be out of place. Use corner rotations to cycle through the positions until all the faces are perfectly aligned.
Congratulations, You Did It!
You’ve just solved the Redi Cube—another exciting milestone in your puzzle journey! With its unique mechanics, the Redi Cube is as satisfying to solve as it is fun to explore.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different solving strategies or timing yourself for an extra challenge. And remember, there’s a whole world of twisty puzzles out there waiting for you.
Keep practicing, and we’ll see you next month with a brand-new puzzle to conquer. Happy solving!
