Rubik's Magic is a mechanical puzzle that was invented by Ernő Rubik, the same inventor of the famous Rubik's Cube. It was first introduced in the 1980s and gained popularity due to its unique and challenging design. The Rubik's Magic puzzle consists of a 2x3 grid of squares that are connected with elastic strings. The squares can be rotated and moved to create various patterns and shapes. The goal of the puzzle is to fold and unfold the squares to create a specific pattern or solve a specific configuration. What makes Rubik's Magic intriguing is the way it can be manipulated.
Rubik's Magic
This amazing puzzle consists of a number of tiles arranged in a rectangle. They are connected to each other by wires that run in diagonal grooves on the tiles alternatively under and over them. If two of the tiles lie on top of each other, the wires allow them to be unfolded in two perpendicular directions provided connections to the other tiles do not restrict the movements. The kind of wire arrangement can also be found in certain wallets which can be opened in two different directions because of the ribbons connecting the two halves.
In the rectangular starting position the front of the tiles show a complete picture. The other side however shows a mixed up picture. The aim is of course to rearrange the tiles to unscramble this second picture. In most versions of Rubik's Magic the solved shape is not rectangular.
Ernő Rubik was granted a US patent on 11 August 1987 (US 4,685,680), but there is an earlier Hungarian patent (19 Mar 1985, HU 1211/85).
The original version of Rubik's Magic is a black 2×4 rectangle with rainbow coloured rings, and was made by Matchbox in 1986. It has recently been released again, this time manufactured by Oddzon, but now it is red with yellow rings.
In 1987 Matchbox made several other versions. There were for example Mini Magics that are 2×2 squares of tiles. These are quite rare.
Another fairly rare 1987 version of Rubik's Magic was 'Create the Cube', which had 8 differently coloured tiles, and the aim was to make the cube shape so that the colours matched.
There was also the Master Edition which has 2×6 silver coloured tiles and has 5 rings on each side and, unlike the the normal magic, the rings must be unlinked.
Unofficial versions of the Magic were made too, such as the Magic Rings which is a 2×6 magic and its solved position is on the shape of a cross.
A Polish version called the Magic Balls is 2×8 and has smaller tiles than the official Magics.
What makes Rubik's Magic intriguing is the way it can be manipulated. By carefully rotating and folding the squares, different shapes and designs can be created. The puzzle offers countless possibilities, and it requires both logic and creativity to find the right solution.
Links to other useful pages:
Rubik homepage, the manufacturer of the puzzle..
Maurizio Paolini's page has info on all possible flat shapes and 3D shapes with right angles.
Stefan Pochmann has videos of his fast Master Magic solution.
Juergen Koeller's page. A solution to the cube and Rubik's Magic amongst many other things, in German or English.
Chris Eggermont's page. A list of shapes you can try to make.
Chris Eggermont's page. A solution to the Master Edition.
How to solve Rubik's Magic by TeeJay Wallace. A slightly unusual graphical solution. Part of the strange Swing-machine online humorous magazine.
Twisty Puzzles. This has some pages about restringing the magic, or even making a larger version of the puzzle.
Ronald Bieber's page has a textual solution to Rubik's Magic in German.
Lucas Garron's page has stringing info and designs.
Rubik's Magic is suitable for both beginners and advanced puzzle solvers. It provides a mental challenge that encourages problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The puzzle can be enjoyed individually or in a group, and it can be a great source of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Over the years, Rubik's Magic has become a classic puzzle that continues to captivate people of all ages. Its timeless design and mechanics make it a popular choice among puzzle enthusiasts. The puzzle has also inspired similar variations and spin-offs, all aiming to provide a unique and engaging puzzle-solving experience. In conclusion, Rubik's Magic is a mechanical puzzle that offers a fascinating and challenging experience. Its distinct design and endless possibilities make it a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced solver, Rubik's Magic is sure to provide hours of entertainment and mental exercise..
Reviews for "Rubik's Magic and Mental Health: The Benefits of Solving Puzzles"
1. Jenna - 2/5 - I found Rubik's Magic to be quite disappointing. The concept seemed intriguing at first, but once I started playing with it, I quickly realized how challenging it was to solve. The instructions were unclear and the movements required to solve the puzzle were not intuitive at all. It became frustrating rather than fun, and I eventually gave up. I would not recommend Rubik's Magic to anyone looking for a satisfying puzzle experience.
2. Ryan - 1/5 - Rubik's Magic was a complete waste of money in my opinion. The puzzle is poorly designed and incredibly difficult to solve. It's not enjoyable at all, and I quickly lost interest in trying to figure it out. The quality of the product is also subpar, with pieces falling apart after just a few uses. Save your money and invest in a different puzzle game that actually provides some entertainment value.
3. Samantha - 2/5 - I had high hopes for Rubik's Magic, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The instructions provided were confusing and did not provide clear guidance on how to solve the puzzle. Even after watching tutorial videos, I still struggled to understand the logic behind the movements. It felt like a frustrating exercise in futility rather than an enjoyable game. I would not recommend Rubik's Magic to anyone, especially if you're looking for a puzzle that is both challenging and satisfying.
4. Tyler - 1/5 - Rubik's Magic was a huge disappointment for me. The puzzle seemed intriguing in theory, but in practice, it was a headache. The movements required to solve it felt clunky and awkward, and after struggling for hours, I still couldn't figure it out. The frustration overshadowed any enjoyment I could have had, and I eventually gave up. I wouldn't recommend Rubik's Magic to anyone who is looking for a fun and engaging puzzle experience.