Pyraminx is a challenging puzzle that requires logic, strategy, and fine motor skills. It has 30 “manipulable” pieces and is shaped like a truncated tetrahedron. It was invented by Uwe Meffert a few years after the Rubik’s Cube.
To solve a pyraminx, you need to memorize 5 different algorithms for the first layer. The most popular methods are V-first and top first.
It is a twisting puzzle
Developed several years prior to the Rubik’s Cube craze of the 1980s, the Pyraminx is a tricky tetrahedron-shaped brainteaser that requires twisting along multiple axis points to align pieces of the same color. It has a large number of possible positions and can be solved intuitively without using algorithms.
Each side of the puzzle has three centers, or ‘hubs’, as well as edge pieces that connect the hubs. The axial pieces are located on the top and bottom of each face. The center pieces cannot be moved, but the axial ones can, allowing for the formation of four equilateral triangles on each side.
To solve the pyraminx, first ensure that all of the corner stickers are oriented correctly. This will take at most one move per corner. After doing this, the next step is to memorize the algorithm for five unique cases. This way, you can identify the correct algorithm and perform it. Then, you can solve the pyraminx quickly and easily.
It is a truncated tetrahedron
A pyraminx is a 3D twisty puzzle consisting of four equal sized triangle shaped sides which form a tetrahedron. It is sometimes also referred to as a pyramid cube. Solving a pyraminx requires matching up the centers and then inserting the edges. Depending on the color, this can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. The pyraminx is one of the most challenging WCA events, with the fastest solve times being less than a second.
This patent describes extensions of the 2x2x2 Rubik’s Cube mechanism to truncated and other polyhedral shapes. These include a deep-cut order-2 vertex-centered octahedron, a cross cube and a stella octangula, as well as variations on these mechanisms that produce other polyhedra, such as the Masterball and a bi-pyramid octahedron.
The patented extension has only 18 (-30-8-4) “truly movable” pieces, which is 10% fewer than the 20 of a Rubik’s Cube. However, the tips and center axes are fixed and cannot move. As a result, the solvability is still very similar to that of a regular rubik’s cube.
It is a four-layer puzzle
The Pyraminx consists of four axial pieces, six edge pieces, and four trivial tips that can be twisted independently. It can be manipulated in 96 different ways. The corner pieces can be solved in two ways: either they can be paired up with the correct centers or their colors can be swapped. The last method is the most common, and it is a very simple algorithm to learn.
To solve the first layer of the pyraminx, look for yellow edges on the front face and match their color with the bottom center piece. If the edges are not matched up, move the top of the cube clockwise or counterclockwise to line them up.
The best pyraminxes have vibrant and controllable turnings. QiYi is the top manufacturer, and their flagship model has a stickerless frosted finish and excellent colors. X-Man Design also offers a competitive model for under $8 USD. The GAN pyraminx is the latest addition to this lineup and features GAN’s core-edge magnetic positioning system.
It is a magnetic puzzle
The Pyraminx is a four-layered tetrahedron puzzle that is similar to the Rubik’s Cube. The Pyraminx has a unique cut that allows its edges to rotate independently from the centers. The Pyraminx’s corners and edges are also trivially oriented, making it easy to solve by following simple algorithms. The fastest Pyraminx solvers can solve the puzzle in less than a second. The Pyraminx has sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Other puzzles that resemble the Pyraminx include the Master Pyraminx and Jing’s Pyraminx.
The new Drift Pyraminx M from Cubelelo features medium strength magnets, resulting in added stability and smooth turning. It has a durable construction and comes in vibrant stickerless colors. The QiYi MS Pyraminx is a magnetic pyraminx designed for performance, and it has gained popularity among a few world-class solvers. It has a frosted surface, vibrant colors, and controllable turning, making it a great choice for any level of cuber. The MFJS MeiLong Pyraminx M from YuXin is another option, with a budget $8 price tag and sturdy feel.