CUBI 12 is the perfect introduction to Frédéric Boucher’s celebrated Cubi series—deceptively simple in appearance yet wonderfully clever in execution. Crafted by Pelikan in a striking combination of Ash and Wenge, this compact puzzle (65 × 65 × 63 mm) invites you to do just one thing: fit four identical pieces into the box without anything protruding above the top.
It sounds straightforward, but the solution is anything but. The interior of the box features a rotationally symmetric layout with subtle fixed elements that influence how the pieces can be oriented. Each of the four Wenge components is made from three offset cubies, and while they look simple, their interactions inside the box quickly reveal a counterintuitive twist.
Many puzzlers begin by trying to form a 3×3×3 cube outside the box—there are 58 possible assemblies—but only one arrangement works with the internal constraints. And even once you’ve found the correct shape, inserting it requires a clever sequence of rotations and controlled movements that BurrTools can’t solve for you.
CUBI 12 is approachable, elegant, and satisfying—an ideal “taster” for the series that still delivers a genuine aha‑moment. A beautifully made puzzle that rewards creative thinking and a willingness to look at the problem from a fresh angle.
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