{"title":"6 Piece Puzzles","description":"\u003cp\u003eSix pieces is the classic count. The 6-piece burr, the wooden cross most people have met at least once, has six notched sticks, and so do many of the puzzles that grew out of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/products\/6-piece-star-puzzle\"\u003e6-Piece Star\u003c\/a\u003e is rated Easy, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/6-piece-cross-puzzle\"\u003e6-Piece Cross\u003c\/a\u003e is the classic burr, rated Medium. If you get stuck, there are step-by-step guides for both: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/greg-puzzles-blog\/how-to-solve-the-6-piece-burr-puzzle\"\u003ehow to solve the 6-piece burr\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/greg-puzzles-blog\/how-to-solve-the-6-piece-star-puzzle\"\u003ehow to solve the 6-piece star\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom there it gets serious. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alpacka-1\"\u003eAlpacka 1\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alpacka-2\"\u003eAlpacka 2\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toplun-puzzle\"\u003eToplun\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/conga-line\"\u003eConga Line\u003c\/a\u003e are packing puzzles rated Hard. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/6n-puzzle\"\u003e6N\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/a6l-puzzle\"\u003eA6L\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/shutout-puzzle\"\u003eShutout\u003c\/a\u003e are hide-the-holes puzzles rated Expert.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen there are the separated board burrs by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/frans-de-vreugd\"\u003eFrans de Vreugd\u003c\/a\u003e, six flat boards instead of sticks: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zigzag\"\u003eZigZag\u003c\/a\u003e is rated Hard, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/torture\"\u003eTorture\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/extreme-torture\"\u003eExtreme Torture\u003c\/a\u003e are rated Expert. More in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/burr-puzzles\"\u003eburr puzzles\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a 6 piece puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsually a 6-piece burr: six notched sticks that lock together into a cross or star with no glue or hidden mechanism. In this collection the name also covers six-piece packing puzzles, board burrs and turning interlocking cubes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow do you solve a 6 piece burr puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFind the key piece, the one that slides out first, then take the rest apart in order and note how each piece sits. Reassembly is the reverse. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/greg-puzzles-blog\/how-to-solve-the-6-piece-burr-puzzle\"\u003e6-piece burr guide\u003c\/a\u003e walks through it step by step.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat does 6+1 mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSix pieces plus a box, frame or tray. The extra part is not something you assemble, it is the space the pieces have to fit into, and it is usually what makes the puzzle hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"alpacka-1","title":"Alpacka 1 | Pack 6 Pieces In Frame","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlpacka 1 is a puzzle with a simple goal - pack all the pieces inside. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to the build of the pieces, this puzzle acts as a maze too - where most dead-ends are not in the puzzle, but inside your head. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy the moves and plan your way to get the pieces inside the frame!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUPDATE 1.1 - New Colors!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's special about Alpacka 1?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelops strategic thinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLogical planning and imagination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensional reasoning challenge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/alexander-magyarics\"\u003eAlexander Magyarics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46538358489255,"sku":"GP-ALPA1","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/alpacka_1_marble.png?v=1782042727"},{"product_id":"6-piece-star-puzzle","title":"6-Piece Star Puzzle | Star Brainteaser","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Star Puzzle was one of the first puzzles I ever solved. I remember taking it apart for the first time - what a surprise that was! Putting it back together is the real challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Summary:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 6-Piece Star Puzzle is a classic 3D-printed mechanical brainteaser - 6 interlocking pieces that come apart easily but fight to go back together. Difficulty: Easy. Solve time: 5-30 min. Trains spatial thinking and 3D imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e curious beginners, gift buyers looking for a low-cost, high-delight puzzle that anyone can attempt but not everyone will crack on the first try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt looks simple. Six pieces, a recognizable star shape, no hidden mechanisms. But the moment you take it apart, you realize the real challenge was never the star - it was getting back to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePieces:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolve time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5-30 min\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSkill trained:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spatial Thinking, 3D Imagination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy people love it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Star is one of Greg Puzzles' all-time bestsellers because it nails the sweet spot: approachable enough to hand to anyone, satisfying enough that you won't put it down until it's solved. It's tactile, portable, and endlessly re-solvable - the kind of puzzle you keep on your desk to hand to the next person who says they're bored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the 6-Piece Star Puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Star Puzzle is a 3D-printed interlocking mechanical puzzle. You disassemble the star shape into 6 individual pieces and then reassemble it - no tools, no instructions, one correct solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow hard is the 6-Piece Star Puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt's rated Easy - one of the most approachable puzzles in the Greg Puzzles catalog. Most solvers crack it in 5-30 minutes, though first-timers often find reassembly trickier than expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the 6-Piece Star Puzzle a good gift?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. At Easy difficulty, it's one of the best entry-level mechanical puzzle gifts - compact, beautifully shaped, and satisfying for curious minds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Star is a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/stewart-coffin\"\u003eStewart Coffin\u003c\/a\u003e classic, and one of the most recognisable shapes in mechanical puzzling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Marble White","offer_id":46556039053479,"sku":"GP-6STAR-MARWHI","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Oreo","offer_id":46556039086247,"sku":"GP-6STAR-ORE","price":17.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/6_piece_star_marble.png?v=1782038337"},{"product_id":"6n-puzzle","title":"6N Puzzle | Hide the Holes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6N is an expert-level 3D packing puzzle designed by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/osanori-yamamoto\"\u003eOsanori Yamamoto\u003c\/a\u003e. Using 6 identical N-shaped pieces, your goal is to fill the cage so that every entrance is completely covered - no gaps, no exposed holes. 6 pieces, Expert difficulty, 4+ hours solve time. One of the most elegant same-piece packing puzzles ever designed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e adults who enjoy deep spatial reasoning and long, meditative solving sessions - especially fans of designer puzzles and Osanori Yamamoto's work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBuilding a cube from identical pieces sounds straightforward. It isn't. The genius of 6N is that every N-shaped piece is a mirror of the same logic - and the cage's covered-entrance constraint eliminates almost every intuitive approach you'll try. Most solvers spend hours convinced they're close. They're not.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes 6N Special\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost packing puzzles use varied shapes to guide the solver toward the solution. 6N does the opposite. All 6 pieces are truly identical N-shaped forms - no differentiation, no hints, no asymmetry to exploit. That is a serious design constraint, and Osanori Yamamoto turned it into an award-worthy puzzle. 6N was an entry into the Tokyo Puzzle Design Competition in 2025. The victory condition is exact: all 6 pieces packed inside the cage, all 4 entrances fully covered, no piece protruding. Nothing approximate. Either it's solved or it isn't.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesigner:\u003c\/strong\u003e Osanori Yamamoto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePieces:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 + 1 (pieces + frame)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolve time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4+ hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrains:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spatial Thinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3D-printed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55mm x 55mm x 55mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the 6N puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 6N puzzle is an expert-level 3D packing puzzle by Osanori Yamamoto. You must fit 6 identical N-shaped pieces into a cage so that all entrances are covered - no piece may protrude.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow hard is the 6N packing puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery hard. Rated Expert difficulty with a typical solve time of 4+ hours. The identical-piece constraint eliminates shortcut thinking and demands pure spatial reasoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is the 6N puzzle best for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSerious puzzle enthusiasts, fans of Osanori Yamamoto's designs, and anyone who wants a long, rewarding solo challenge that tests 3D spatial imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47305028567207,"sku":"GP-6N","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/6n_marble.png?v=1781970200"},{"product_id":"toplun-puzzle","title":"Toplun Puzzle | Pack the Pieces","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePack 6 Pieces Into a Perfect Cube - No Holes Allowed\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eToplun is a packing puzzle designed by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/osanori-yamamoto\"\u003eOsanori Yamamoto\u003c\/a\u003e. Your goal is straightforward: fit 6 pieces into the frame to build a solid 3x3x3 cube. The puzzle is solved when every cell is filled - no gaps, no holes, nothing left out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWell - it's much harder than it looks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pieces seem reasonable at first. You'll get a few of them in without much trouble. But the moment you try to close it out, something shifts. A piece that fit perfectly five moves ago is suddenly in the way. Most people will spend 1 to 4 hours working through this. That is, if they finish at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuick Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eToplun is a packing puzzle by Osanori Yamamoto. Pack 6 interlocking pieces into a frame to form a solid 3x3x3 cube with zero holes. Hard difficulty. Expect 1 to 4 hours. Compact at 55mm x 55mm x 55mm. A quiet, absorbing challenge that rewards patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Puzzle collectors who already own a few packing puzzles and want something that will genuinely stop them in their tracks. Also a strong pick for gift-givers who know their person takes puzzles seriously and won't be satisfied with something they crack in 20 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePuzzle Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Packing puzzle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesigner:\u003c\/strong\u003e Osanori Yamamoto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePieces:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eObjective:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pack all pieces into the frame to form a solid 3x3x3 cube with no holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolve time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 to 4 hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55mm x 55mm x 55mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes Toplun different from other cube packing puzzles?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe no-holes rule. Most packing puzzles just ask you to fit pieces into a space. Toplun requires every single cell in the 3x3x3 grid to be filled. No gaps anywhere. That one constraint changes everything - it eliminates a huge number of arrangements that would otherwise seem valid and forces you to think much more carefully about piece orientation from the start.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this a good puzzle for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProbably not as a first puzzle. The difficulty rating is hard, and the solve time reflects that. If you have some experience with spatial puzzles and want a real challenge, Toplun delivers. If you're just starting out, it may be more frustrating than fun.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes it come assembled or disassembled?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease check the product listing or reach out to Greg Puzzles directly for current packaging details.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47305305751719,"sku":"GP-TOPL","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/toplun_marble.png?v=1782032652"},{"product_id":"6-piece-cross-puzzle","title":"6-Piece Cross Puzzle","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe 6-Piece Cross Puzzle - Classic Burr Puzzle\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Cross Puzzle - also known as a 6-Piece Burr Puzzle - is a classic 3D-printed mechanical puzzle where 6 interlocking notched pieces form a symmetrical cross shape. Medium difficulty, 6 pieces, 30-60 min solve time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e first-time puzzle solvers, gift buyers looking for an approachable brain teaser, and puzzle collectors starting with burr puzzles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gpba\"\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n.gpba{--bg:#EAE7E1;--line:rgba(var(--color-foreground,18,18,18),.14);\n --muted:rgba(var(--color-foreground,18,18,18),.64);\n --fg:rgb(var(--color-foreground,18,18,18));--accent:#02A9F7;\n font-family:var(--font-body-family,inherit);margin:2.4rem 0;max-width:46rem}\n.gpba *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.gpba h3{font-family:var(--font-heading-family,inherit);font-size:1.9rem;\n line-height:1.3;margin:0 0 .5rem;color:var(--fg)}\n.gpba p{font-size:1.45rem;line-height:1.65;margin:0 0 1.1rem;color:var(--muted);max-width:60ch}\n.gpba canvas{display:block;width:100%;aspect-ratio:4\/3;background:var(--bg);\n border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:7px;cursor:grab;\n \/* pan-y, not none: a finger landing here must still scroll the page.\n    Horizontal drags turn the model, vertical ones scroll past it. *\/\n touch-action:pan-y}\n.gpba canvas:active{cursor:grabbing}\n.gpba-ctl{display:flex;gap:.6rem;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:.9rem 0 0}\n.gpba-ctl button{appearance:none;border:1px solid var(--line);background:transparent;\n color:var(--muted);font-family:inherit;font-size:1.25rem;padding:.6rem 1.2rem;\n border-radius:5px;cursor:pointer}\n.gpba-ctl button:hover{border-color:var(--accent);color:var(--fg)}\n.gpba-ctl span{font-size:1.2rem;color:var(--muted);margin-left:auto;\n font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWatch the six pieces lock together\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach stick goes in one at a time, in the order on the sheet that comes with the puzzle,\nand each is carried over the ones already seated because there is no straight way past them.\nThe plain uncut bar goes in last. Then the whole thing is shaken and nothing moves.\nDrag to turn it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccanvas id=\"baCanvas\"\u003e\u003c\/canvas\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gpba-ctl\"\u003e\n  \u003cbutton type=\"button\" id=\"baPlay\"\u003ePause\u003c\/button\u003e\n  \u003cbutton type=\"button\" id=\"baReplay\"\u003eReplay\u003c\/button\u003e\n  \u003cbutton type=\"button\" id=\"baSlow\"\u003eSlow\u003c\/button\u003e\n  \u003cspan id=\"baCount\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript\u003e\n(function(){\nvar DATA={\"names\":[\"Blue Offset\",\"Blue Single Wide\",\"Blue Solid\",\"White Double Wide\",\"White Offset\",\"White W Shape\"],\"placed\":[{\"slot\":\"X1\",\"piece\":0,\"cells\":[[0,3,2],[0,3,3],[0,4,2],[0,4,3],[1,3,2],[1,3,3],[1,4,2],[1,4,3],[2,3,2],[2,3,3],[2,4,2],[2,4,3],[3,4,2],[3,4,3],[4,4,2],[5,3,2],[5,4,2],[6,3,2],[6,3,3],[6,4,2],[6,4,3],[7,3,2],[7,3,3],[7,4,2],[7,4,3]]},{\"slot\":\"X2\",\"piece\":1,\"cells\":[[0,3,4],[0,3,5],[0,4,4],[0,4,5],[1,3,4],[1,3,5],[1,4,4],[1,4,5],[2,3,5],[2,4,5],[3,3,5],[3,4,5],[4,3,5],[4,4,5],[5,3,5],[5,4,5],[6,3,4],[6,3,5],[6,4,4],[6,4,5],[7,3,4],[7,3,5],[7,4,4],[7,4,5]]},{\"slot\":\"Y1\",\"piece\":5,\"cells\":[[2,0,3],[2,0,4],[2,1,3],[2,1,4],[2,2,3],[2,2,4],[2,3,4],[2,4,4],[2,5,3],[2,5,4],[2,6,3],[2,6,4],[2,7,3],[2,7,4],[3,0,3],[3,0,4],[3,1,3],[3,1,4],[3,3,4],[3,4,4],[3,6,3],[3,6,4],[3,7,3],[3,7,4]]},{\"slot\":\"Y2\",\"piece\":2,\"cells\":[[4,0,3],[4,0,4],[4,1,3],[4,1,4],[4,2,3],[4,2,4],[4,3,3],[4,3,4],[4,4,3],[4,4,4],[4,5,3],[4,5,4],[4,6,3],[4,6,4],[4,7,3],[4,7,4],[5,0,3],[5,0,4],[5,1,3],[5,1,4],[5,2,3],[5,2,4],[5,3,3],[5,3,4],[5,4,3],[5,4,4],[5,5,3],[5,5,4],[5,6,3],[5,6,4],[5,7,3],[5,7,4]]},{\"slot\":\"Z1\",\"piece\":4,\"cells\":[[3,2,0],[3,2,1],[3,2,2],[3,2,3],[3,2,4],[3,2,5],[3,2,6],[3,2,7],[3,3,0],[3,3,1],[3,3,2],[3,3,3],[3,3,6],[3,3,7],[4,2,0],[4,2,1],[4,2,2],[4,2,5],[4,2,6],[4,2,7],[4,3,0],[4,3,1],[4,3,2],[4,3,6],[4,3,7]]},{\"slot\":\"Z2\",\"piece\":3,\"cells\":[[3,4,0],[3,4,1],[3,4,6],[3,4,7],[3,5,0],[3,5,1],[3,5,2],[3,5,3],[3,5,4],[3,5,5],[3,5,6],[3,5,7],[4,4,0],[4,4,1],[4,4,6],[4,4,7],[4,5,0],[4,5,1],[4,5,2],[4,5,5],[4,5,6],[4,5,7]]}]};\n\/* ---------- how a six piece burr interlocks ---------- *\/\n(function(){\nvar AX={X1:0,X2:0,Y1:1,Y2:1,Z1:2,Z2:2};\nvar P=DATA.placed, NAMES=DATA.names;\nvar cv=document.getElementById(\"baCanvas\"), ctx=cv.getContext(\"2d\");\nvar $=function(i){return document.getElementById(i);};\n\/* order the sticks go home in, and which way each comes from *\/\n\/* The order on the sheet that came with the puzzle: two sticks joined first,\n   then one at a time, with the uncut linchpin last. Pieces cannot all travel\n   at once - each needs the one before it already seated. *\/\nvar SHEET=[\"White Offset\",\"Blue Offset\",\"White W Shape\",\"Blue Single Wide\",\n           \"White Double Wide\",\"Blue Solid\"];\nvar SEQ=SHEET.map(function(nm){\n  for(var i=0;i\u003cP.length;i++) if(NAMES[P[i].piece]===nm) return i;\n  return 0;\n});\n\/* Where each stick comes in from is worked out, not assumed. The direction\n   used to be taken from the slot name, which is arbitrary, so sticks were\n   driven straight through ones already seated. Instead every candidate path is\n   tested against the pieces already in place and only a clear one is used. *\/\nvar APART_=9;\nfunction shifted(i,ax,off,la,lift){\n  var cs=P[i].cells, out=[];\n  for(var k=0;k\u003ccs.length;k++){\n    var c=cs[k];\n    out.push([c[0]+(ax===0?off:0)+(la===0?lift:0),\n              c[1]+(ax===1?off:0)+(la===1?lift:0),\n              c[2]+(ax===2?off:0)+(la===2?lift:0)]);\n  }\n  return out;\n}\nfunction hits(cells,seated){\n  for(var k=0;k\u003ccells.length;k++) if(seated[cells[k].join(\",\")]) return true;\n  return false;\n}\nfunction findEntry(i,seated){\n  var ax=AX[P[i].slot];\n  for(var di=0;di\u003c2;di++){\n    var d=di?-1:1, ok=true;\n    for(var o=APART_;o\u003e=0\u0026\u0026ok;o--) if(hits(shifted(i,ax,o*d,0,0),seated)) ok=false;\n    if(ok) return {dir:d, lift:0, la:0};        \/* a clear straight slide *\/\n  }\n  for(var la=0;la\u003c3;la++){\n    if(la===ax) continue;                        \/* lifting along travel does nothing *\/\n    for(var L=3;L\u003c=9;L++){\n      for(var sgn=0;sgn\u003c2;sgn++){\n        var lv=sgn?-L:L;\n        for(var dj=0;dj\u003c2;dj++){\n          var d2=dj?-1:1, good=true;\n          for(var o2=APART_;o2\u003e=0\u0026\u0026good;o2--)\n            if(hits(shifted(i,ax,o2*d2,la,lv),seated)) good=false;\n          for(var h=Math.abs(lv);h\u003e=0\u0026\u0026good;h--)\n            if(hits(shifted(i,ax,0,la,lv\u003c0?-h:h),seated)) good=false;\n          if(good) return {dir:d2, lift:lv, la:la};\n        }\n      }\n    }\n  }\n  return null;\n}\nvar ENTRY={}, seatedMap={}, UNREACHABLE=[];\nSEQ.forEach(function(i){\n  var e=findEntry(i,seatedMap);\n  if(!e){ UNREACHABLE.push(NAMES[P[i].piece]); e={dir:1,lift:8,la:(AX[P[i].slot]===1?0:1)}; }\n  ENTRY[i]=e;\n  P[i].cells.forEach(function(c){ seatedMap[c.join(\",\")]=1; });\n});\nif(UNREACHABLE.length \u0026\u0026 window.console) console.log(\"no clear path for:\",UNREACHABLE.join(\", \"));\nvar DIR={}; SEQ.forEach(function(i){ DIR[i]=ENTRY[i].dir; });\n\n\/* precompute the faces each stick actually shows, once *\/\nvar FACEDEF=[\n {d:[0,1,0],p:[[0,1,0],[1,1,0],[1,1,1],[0,1,1]],f:1.04},\n {d:[0,-1,0],p:[[0,0,0],[0,0,1],[1,0,1],[1,0,0]],f:0.58},\n {d:[1,0,0],p:[[1,0,0],[1,1,0],[1,1,1],[1,0,1]],f:0.86},\n {d:[-1,0,0],p:[[0,0,0],[0,0,1],[0,1,1],[0,1,0]],f:0.70},\n {d:[0,0,1],p:[[0,0,1],[1,0,1],[1,1,1],[0,1,1]],f:0.78},\n {d:[0,0,-1],p:[[0,0,0],[0,1,0],[1,1,0],[1,0,0]],f:0.64}\n];\nvar FACES=[];\nP.forEach(function(p,i){\n  var own={}; p.cells.forEach(function(c){ own[c.join(\",\")]=1; });\n  p.cells.forEach(function(c){\n    FACEDEF.forEach(function(F){\n      if(own[[c[0]+F.d[0],c[1]+F.d[1],c[2]+F.d[2]].join(\",\")]) return;\n            FACES.push({i:i, f:F.f, n:F.d.join(\",\"), keep:[true,true,true,true],\n        pts:F.p.map(function(q){ return [c[0]+q[0], c[1]+q[1], c[2]+q[2]]; })});\n    });\n  });\n});\n\/* An edge is only an edge of a stick if the two faces meeting along it face\n   different ways. This is worked out per stick, not across the whole model:\n   doing it globally meant that wherever a neighbouring stick also had a face\n   on the same edge, three faces met there, the count was not two, and the\n   seam was kept. Those seams were invisible while assembled and appeared as\n   grid lines the moment the pieces came apart. *\/\n(function(){\n  var byPiece={};\n  FACES.forEach(function(F,fi){ (byPiece[F.i]=byPiece[F.i]||[]).push(fi); });\n  Object.keys(byPiece).forEach(function(pi){\n    var seen={};\n    byPiece[pi].forEach(function(fi){\n      var F=FACES[fi];\n      for(var j=0;j\u003c4;j++){\n        var a=F.pts[j], b=F.pts[(j+1)%4];\n        var k=(a[0]\u003cb[0]||(a[0]===b[0]\u0026\u0026(a[1]\u003cb[1]||(a[1]===b[1]\u0026\u0026a[2]\u003c=b[2]))))\n          ? a.join(\",\")+\"|\"+b.join(\",\") : b.join(\",\")+\"|\"+a.join(\",\");\n        (seen[k]=seen[k]||[]).push([fi,j,F.n]);\n      }\n    });\n    for(var k in seen){\n      var us=seen[k];\n      if(us.length!==2) continue;               \/* a silhouette edge, keep it *\/\n      if(us[0][2]!==us[1][2]) continue;         \/* a real corner, keep it *\/\n      FACES[us[0][0]].keep[us[0][1]]=false;     \/* flat continuation, drop it *\/\n      FACES[us[1][0]].keep[us[1][1]]=false;\n    }\n  });\n})();\nvar CEN=(function(){\n  var n=0,s=[0,0,0];\n  P.forEach(function(p){ p.cells.forEach(function(c){\n    s[0]+=c[0];s[1]+=c[1];s[2]+=c[2];n++; }); });\n  return [s[0]\/n+0.5,s[1]\/n+0.5,s[2]\/n+0.5];\n})();\nvar SHADE=[\"#EFEBE2\",\"#EFEBE2\",\"#EFEBE2\",\"#EFEBE2\",\"#EFEBE2\",\"#EFEBE2\"];\nfunction tone(hex,f){\n  var n=parseInt(hex.slice(1),16);\n  return \"rgb(\"+Math.min(255,Math.round((n\u003e\u003e16)*f))+\",\"\n    +Math.min(255,Math.round(((n\u003e\u003e8)\u0026255)*f))+\",\"\n    +Math.min(255,Math.round((n\u0026255)*f))+\")\";\n}\nvar t=0, playing=true, yaw=0.62, pitch=0.44, last=0, speed=1, userYaw=null;\nvar APART=9, HOLD=34, STEP=30;           \/* frames per stick, then a pause *\/\nvar SHAKE=78;                            \/* the test that it will not come apart *\/\nvar ASSEMBLED=6*STEP;\nvar TOTAL=ASSEMBLED+HOLD+SHAKE+HOLD;\n\nfunction liftAxis(i){ return ENTRY[i].la; }\nfunction moveAt(i,frame){\n  \/* A straight slide along the axis drove each stick through the ones already\n     seated. So it arrives on an arc instead: held clear of the cross while it\n     travels across, then lowered into its slot at the end. *\/\n  var k=SEQ.indexOf(i);\n  var startF=k*STEP, endF=startF+STEP-6;\n  var L=ENTRY[i].lift;\n  if(frame\u003c=startF) return {ax:APART*DIR[i], lift:L};\n  if(frame\u003e=endF)   return {ax:0, lift:0};\n  var u=(frame-startF)\/(endF-startF);\n  \/* cross over first, then come down *\/\n  var across=Math.min(1,u\/0.6), down=Math.max(0,(u-0.45)\/0.55);\n  across=across\u003c0.5 ? 2*across*across : 1-Math.pow(-2*across+2,2)\/2;\n  down=down\u003c0.5 ? 2*down*down : 1-Math.pow(-2*down+2,2)\/2;\n  return {ax:APART*DIR[i]*(1-across), lift:L*(1-down)};\n}\nfunction offsetAt(i,frame){ return moveAt(i,frame).ax; }\nfunction shakeAt(frame){\n  \/* After the last stick is in, give the whole thing a rattle. Each stick is\n     nudged along its own axis by a fraction of a cube and springs back,\n     because there is nowhere for any of them to go. *\/\n  if(frame\u003cASSEMBLED+HOLD) return {amp:0,rock:0};\n  var u=(frame-ASSEMBLED-HOLD)\/SHAKE;\n  if(u\u003e1) return {amp:0,rock:0};\n  var decay=Math.exp(-u*2.1);\n  return {amp:0.13*decay*Math.sin(u*Math.PI*14),\n          rock:0.035*decay*Math.sin(u*Math.PI*11)};\n}\nfunction draw(frame){\n  var w=cv.clientWidth, h=cv.clientHeight, dpr=window.devicePixelRatio||1;\n  if(cv.width!==Math.round(w*dpr)){ cv.width=Math.round(w*dpr); cv.height=Math.round(h*dpr); }\n  ctx.setTransform(dpr,0,0,dpr,0,0);\n  ctx.clearRect(0,0,w,h);\n  var cy=Math.cos(yaw), sy=Math.sin(yaw), cp=Math.cos(pitch), sp=Math.sin(pitch);\n  var sh=shakeAt(frame);\n  var offs=[], lifts=[], spread=0;\n  for(var i=0;i\u003cP.length;i++){\n    var m=moveAt(i,frame), o=m.ax;\n    if(sh.amp) o += sh.amp*((i%2)?1:-1);     \/* strain, then spring back *\/\n    offs.push(o); lifts.push(m.lift);\n    var reach=Math.abs(o)+Math.abs(m.lift);\n    if(reach\u003espread) spread=reach;\n  }\n  \/* zoom with the spread, so the finished cross fills the frame instead of\n     being sized for the moment the pieces are furthest apart *\/\n  \/* Fit from the projected extent rather than a guess. A lifted stick reaches\n     much further up the screen than its offset suggests, and it was being\n     clipped at the top of the canvas. *\/\n  var S=Math.min(w,h)\/(11.5+spread*0.95);\n  var minx=1e9,maxx=-1e9,miny=1e9,maxy=-1e9;\n  var out=[], n=FACES.length;\n  for(var k=0;k\u003cn;k++){\n    var F=FACES[k], a=AX[P[F.i].slot], o=offs[F.i], lf=lifts[F.i], la=liftAxis(F.i);\n    var pts=[], zs=0;\n    for(var j=0;j\u003c4;j++){\n      var q=F.pts[j];\n      var x=q[0]+(a===0?o:0)+(la===0?lf:0)-CEN[0];\n      var y=q[1]+(a===1?o:0)+(la===1?lf:0)-CEN[1];\n      var z=q[2]+(a===2?o:0)+(la===2?lf:0)-CEN[2];\n      var x1=x*cy-z*sy, z1=x*sy+z*cy;\n      var y1=y*cp-z1*sp, z2=y*sp+z1*cp;\n      pts.push([w\/2+x1*S, h\/2-y1*S]); zs+=z2;\n    }\n    for(var jb=0;jb\u003c4;jb++){\n      if(pts[jb][0]\u003cminx)minx=pts[jb][0]; if(pts[jb][0]\u003emaxx)maxx=pts[jb][0];\n      if(pts[jb][1]\u003cminy)miny=pts[jb][1]; if(pts[jb][1]\u003emaxy)maxy=pts[jb][1];\n    }\n    out.push({z:zs\/4, pts:pts, c:tone(SHADE[F.i],F.f), keep:F.keep});\n  }\n  \/* Centre on the content, then scale. Scaling about the middle of the canvas\n     left the model off centre and still clipped, because the pieces spread\n     unevenly while they are arriving. *\/\n  var bw=Math.max(maxx-minx,1), bh=Math.max(maxy-miny,1);\n  var fit=Math.min((w-20)\/bw,(h-20)\/bh,1);\n  var ccx=(minx+maxx)\/2, ccy=(miny+maxy)\/2;\n  for(var q0=0;q0\u003cout.length;q0++){\n    var pp=out[q0].pts;\n    for(var q1=0;q1\u003c4;q1++){\n      pp[q1][0]=w\/2+(pp[q1][0]-ccx)*fit;\n      pp[q1][1]=h\/2+(pp[q1][1]-ccy)*fit;\n    }\n  }\n  S=S*fit;\n  out.sort(function(a,b){ return a.z-b.z; });\n  \/* Fill and outline each face together, in depth order. Stroking every edge\n     in a second pass after all the fills put the back of the model on top of\n     the front and turned it into a wireframe. *\/\n  ctx.lineJoin=\"round\"; ctx.lineCap=\"round\";\n  var EW=Math.max(0.7,S*0.045);\n  for(var m=0;m\u003cout.length;m++){\n    var q=out[m];\n    ctx.beginPath();\n    ctx.moveTo(q.pts[0][0],q.pts[0][1]);\n    for(var j2=1;j2\u003c4;j2++) ctx.lineTo(q.pts[j2][0],q.pts[j2][1]);\n    ctx.closePath();\n    ctx.fillStyle=q.c; ctx.fill();\n    ctx.strokeStyle=q.c; ctx.lineWidth=1.0; ctx.stroke();  \/* hide coplanar seams *\/\n    ctx.beginPath();\n    var any=false;\n    for(var j3=0;j3\u003c4;j3++){\n      if(!q.keep[j3]) continue;\n      any=true;\n      var a2=q.pts[j3], b2=q.pts[(j3+1)%4];\n      ctx.moveTo(a2[0],a2[1]); ctx.lineTo(b2[0],b2[1]);\n    }\n    if(any){ ctx.strokeStyle=\"rgba(62,58,50,.70)\"; ctx.lineWidth=EW; ctx.stroke(); }\n  }\n  var placedN=0;\n  for(var i2=0;i2\u003cP.length;i2++) if(Math.abs(offs[i2])\u003c0.2\u0026\u0026Math.abs(lifts[i2])\u003c0.2) placedN++;\n  var shaking=frame\u003e=ASSEMBLED+HOLD \u0026\u0026 frame\u003cASSEMBLED+HOLD+SHAKE;\n  $(\"baCount\").textContent = shaking ? \"Shaking it. Nothing moves.\"\n    : (placedN===6 ? \"All six in. It will not come apart.\"\n                   : placedN+\" of 6 in place\");\n}\nfunction frameLoop(now){\n  if(playing){\n    if(!last) last=now;\n    t += (now-last)*0.06*speed; last=now;\n    if(t\u003eTOTAL) t=0;\n  } else last=0;\n  \/* A full spin kept passing through face on angles where the cross reads as\n     a flat diagram. A slow sway around a three quarter view stays legible. *\/\n  if(userYaw===null){\n    var sh=shakeAt(Math.min(t,TOTAL));\n    yaw = 0.62 + 0.20*Math.sin(t*0.012) + sh.rock;\n  }\n  draw(Math.min(t,TOTAL));\n  requestAnimationFrame(frameLoop);\n}\n$(\"baPlay\").addEventListener(\"click\",function(){\n  playing=!playing; last=0;\n  $(\"baPlay\").textContent=playing?\"Pause\":\"Play\";\n});\n$(\"baReplay\").addEventListener(\"click\",function(){ t=0; last=0; playing=true; userYaw=null;\n  $(\"baPlay\").textContent=\"Pause\"; });\n$(\"baSlow\").addEventListener(\"click\",function(){\n  speed=(speed===1)?0.4:1;\n  $(\"baSlow\").textContent=(speed===1)?\"Slow\":\"Normal\";\n});\nvar drag=null;\ncv.addEventListener(\"pointerdown\",function(e){\n  drag={x:e.clientX,y:e.clientY,yaw:yaw,pitch:pitch};\n  cv.setPointerCapture(e.pointerId); });\ncv.addEventListener(\"pointermove\",function(e){\n  if(!drag) return;\n  userYaw=yaw=drag.yaw+(e.clientX-drag.x)*0.011;\n  pitch=Math.max(-1.25,Math.min(1.25,drag.pitch+(e.clientY-drag.y)*0.011)); });\ncv.addEventListener(\"pointerup\",function(){ drag=null; });\nrequestAnimationFrame(frameLoop);\n})();\n\n})();\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is a Burr Puzzle?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA burr puzzle is a type of interlocking mechanical puzzle where pieces fit together using only their physical geometry - no glue, no magnets, no tools. The 6-Piece Cross is the most iconic burr puzzle design: six notched sticks interlock to form a three-dimensional cross. Disassembling it is satisfying. Reassembling it is the real challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSix notched pieces. One symmetrical cross. No glue, no tools, no tricks - just geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour goal is simple: take it apart, then put it back together. The disassembly is satisfying. The reassembly is where most people spend their time. Every piece looks identical at first glance. They are not.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost beginners will hold all six pieces in their hands and think they have it figured out. Then they will try to reassemble it. Then they will not.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat is the puzzle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePuzzle Specs\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePieces:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolve Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30-60 min\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60x60x60 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrains:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spatial Thinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assembled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"border:2px solid #e0e0e0;border-radius:8px;padding:1.2em 1.5em;margin:2em 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003eReady for a Harder Burr?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Cross is where most people start. The next step is a board burr: six flat boards instead of notched sticks. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zigzag\"\u003eZigZag\u003c\/a\u003e is the first separated board burr ever built, designed by Frans de Vreugd in 2002. Hard, 1-4 hrs. For the far end of that family, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/extreme-torture\"\u003eExtreme Torture\u003c\/a\u003e takes 70 moves to take apart. Expert, 4+ hrs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlready have one and stuck? \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/greg-puzzles-blog\/how-to-solve-the-6-piece-burr-puzzle\"\u003eHow to solve the 6-piece burr puzzle\u003c\/a\u003e walks through it step by step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a 6-piece burr puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 6-piece burr puzzle is a classic mechanical puzzle made of six interlocking notched pieces that form a cross or star shape. It is one of the most popular introductory puzzles for adults new to mechanical puzzles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow hard is the 6-Piece Cross Puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 6-Piece Cross Puzzle is rated Medium difficulty with a typical solve time of 30-60 minutes. It is approachable for beginners but still offers a satisfying challenge for first-timers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this a good gift for someone new to puzzles?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes - the 6-Piece Cross is one of the best entry-level mechanical puzzles. Its familiar cross shape and clear goal make it easy to understand, while the reassembly provides a real brain challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47842463744167,"sku":"GP-6CROS","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/6_piece_cross_marble.png?v=1782067074"},{"product_id":"alpacka-2","title":"Alpacka 2 | Pack 6 Pieces In Frame","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlpacka 2 is a puzzle with a simple goal - pack all the pieces inside. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the sequel to Alpacka 1!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to the build of the pieces, this puzzle acts as a maze too - where most dead-ends are not in the puzzle, but inside your head. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy the moves and plan your way to get the pieces inside the frame!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's special about Alpacka 2?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelops strategic thinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLogical planning and imagination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensional reasoning challenge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/alexander-magyarics\"\u003eAlexander Magyarics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47889505058983,"sku":"GP-ALPA2","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/alpacka_2_marble.png?v=1782043506"},{"product_id":"a6l-puzzle","title":"A6L Puzzle | Hide the Holes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e A6L is a 7-piece Expert-level packing puzzle by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/osanori-yamamoto\"\u003eOsanori Yamamoto\u003c\/a\u003e. Six identical L-shaped pieces plus one I-piece must be packed inside a cage frame so that every entrance is completely hidden. Solve time: 4+ hours. One of the most respected minimal-piece packing puzzles in Osanori's catalog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e serious packing puzzle solvers who already own Osanori's easier work like Galette or Waltz, collectors who value the same shape repeated across multiple pieces, and puzzle enthusiasts who want a display piece as interesting to hold as it is hard to solve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA6L is another challenging packing puzzle from Osanori Yamamoto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing 6 identical L-Shaped Pieces and a single I piece, you must build an apparent cube inside the frame. The puzzle is solved when all the pieces are inside the cage with all entrances covered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreating a packing puzzle with 6 identical pieces is a significant design challenge. Making it a great puzzle is even harder. This puzzle manages to do both, making you explore it until the sequence finally reveals itself to the strongest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 55mm x 55mm x 55mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is an A6L puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA6L is a packing puzzle designed by Osanori Yamamoto. The goal is to pack 6 identical L-shaped pieces plus 1 I-piece into a small cage frame so that all cage entrances are completely covered. It's rated Expert difficulty with a typical 4+ hour solve time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy is A6L so hard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA6L uses 6 identical L-pieces, which means every piece can potentially occupy any position - creating a massive combinatorial search space. Combined with the goal of hiding all entrances, the solve requires finding a very specific rotational sequence that reveals itself only through patient exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes Osanori Yamamoto packing puzzles special?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOsanori is a master of using the same shape repeated multiple times in a single puzzle. That constraint - fewer piece types, more of each - creates a uniquely satisfying solving experience: no piece feels wasted, and the final sequence often feels inevitable in retrospect even when it took hours to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eShould I start with A6L or an easier Osanori puzzle first?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you're new to packing puzzles, start with Galette or Waltz first - both are Osanori designs at more approachable difficulty. A6L rewards solvers who've already built intuition for how his puzzles work. It's a puzzle you graduate to, not one you learn on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47964805202087,"sku":"GP-A6L","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/a6l_marble.png?v=1782068652"},{"product_id":"shutout-puzzle","title":"Shutout Puzzle | Hide the Holes","description":"\u003cp\u003eShutout is another challenging packing puzzle from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/osanori-yamamoto\"\u003eOsanori Yamamoto\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing 6 identical T-Shaped Pieces, you must build an apparent cube inside the frame. The puzzle is solved when all the pieces are inside the cage with all entrances covered.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreating a packing puzzle with identical pieces is a significant design challenge. Making it a great puzzle is even harder. This puzzle manages to do both, making you explore it until the sequence finally reveals itself to the strongest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 55mm X 55mm X 55mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47964870934695,"sku":"GP-SHUT","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/shutout_marble.png?v=1782067998"},{"product_id":"pedantic-turning-interlocking-cube","title":"PedanTIC | Turning Interlocking Cube","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePedanTIC | Turning Interlocking Cube\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePedanTIC is a 6-piece Turning Interlocking Cube puzzle designed by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/andrew-crowell\"\u003eAndrew Crowell\u003c\/a\u003e. Rated Hard difficulty, with a 1-4 hour solve time. The pieces lock and rotate in ways that defy intuition - assembling them into a perfect 4x4x4 cube requires spatial logic, patience, and a willingness to undo what felt right.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e adults who enjoy hard mechanical puzzles and want a slow, deeply satisfying solve that rewards persistence over speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat makes PedanTIC different?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost Turning Interlocking Cubes run 3-5 pieces. PedanTIC has 6 - and that extra complexity is felt immediately. Andrew Crowell's TIC series is widely regarded as the gold standard of turning interlocking cube design, and PedanTIC earns its place near the top of that list.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe deception is part of the design. From certain angles, the cube looks complete and correct. It is not. You will be convinced you are close. You may not be. Rotation moves are required throughout - straight pushing will never get you there. Every time you think you have it, the puzzle reminds you otherwise.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShips assembled. Size: 60x60x60mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 pieces | Hard | 1-4 hrs | Trains: Spatial Thinking | Designer: Andrew Crowell\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a Turning Interlocking Cube puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Turning Interlocking Cube (TIC) is a 3D mechanical puzzle where pieces must rotate as they interlock - straight pushing alone will never solve it. The goal is to assemble all pieces into a perfect cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow hard is the PedanTIC puzzle?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePedanTIC is rated Hard, with a typical solve time of 1-4 hours. Its 6-piece count makes it more complex than entry-level TICs, which usually have 3-4 pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"gp-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs PedanTIC good for a gift?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gp-faq__a\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes - it is a bestseller and suits adults who enjoy serious mechanical puzzles. Pair it with another TIC or explore a TIC bundle collection for a complete gift set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePedanTIC is included in the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/master-tictician-bundle-34-tics-buy-27-get-7-free\"\u003eTitan TICtician Bundle\u003c\/a\u003e - the best way to build a full TIC collection at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50049169686695,"sku":"GP-PEDA","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/pedantic_marble.png?v=1782125568"},{"product_id":"conga-line","title":"Conga Line | 6-Piece Packing Puzzle","description":"\u003cp\u003eSix unusually shaped turquoise pieces. One marble-white frame. This innocent-looking puzzle may be tricky to figure out!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoal: pack all the blue pieces into the frame so nothing sticks out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThird puzzle from the rising designer \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/samuel-cook\"\u003eSamuel Cook\u003c\/a\u003e following Jigsaw Traffic and Turbulence. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's special about Conga Line?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelops advanced spatial imagination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeceptively tricky piece interactions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSatisfying and clean when solved\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by Samuel Cook\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51109616156839,"sku":"GP-CONGLINE","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/conga_line_marble.png?v=1786011102"},{"product_id":"extreme-torture","title":"Extreme Torture | 70-Move Board Burr","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo be frank, I highly doubt anyone will ever solve our version of this puzzle without outside help.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is not a sales line. The version most people have met came assembled in a box with a solution booklet. Ours arrives as six loose boards and nothing else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExtreme Torture - Quick Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtreme Torture is a six-piece separated board burr designed by Frans de Vreugd in 2002. It takes 70 moves to take apart - burr level 28-22-9-8-3 - the hardest form found in de Vreugd's research. Expert difficulty, 4+ hour solve time. Ships disassembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e solvers who have finished the hard puzzles in their collection and want something that will genuinely beat them for a while, and collectors who measure a puzzle by how long it held out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e70 Moves\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDe Vreugd did not design this by hand. He fed separated board burrs into \u003cstrong\u003eBurrgrower\u003c\/strong\u003e, a program written to raise the level of a puzzle - first drafted by Dic Sonneveld and rewritten in C++ by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goh-pit-khiam\"\u003eGoh Pit-Khiam\u003c\/a\u003e, whose own packing puzzles we carry. Extreme Torture is what came back.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe level notation reads 28-22-9-8-3: twenty-eight moves just to free the first board, then twenty-two more for the second, then nine, then eight, then three.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing about it yields early. You can make twenty correct moves and have nothing visible to show for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Scale of the Search\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDe Vreugd published the numbers himself. He narrowed the design space to \u003cstrong\u003eeleven\u003c\/strong\u003e usable board shapes, which give \u003cstrong\u003e8,008\u003c\/strong\u003e possible six-piece sets. Those sets can be fitted together in \u003cstrong\u003e1,364,932\u003c\/strong\u003e ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly \u003cstrong\u003e2,394\u003c\/strong\u003e of those can be taken apart again - \u003cstrong\u003e0.18%\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat is the context this puzzle sits in. Almost everything that looks like a solved board burr is a dead end, and Extreme Torture is the hardest thing that survived the search.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere the Design Came From\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt started with a suggestion. Jim Gooch told de Vreugd that you could take a standard six board burr and pull the two boards in each pair one unit apart. De Vreugd wrote a search to find piece sets that would still assemble. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zigzag\"\u003eZigZag\u003c\/a\u003e came out first, then \u003ca href=\"\/products\/torture\"\u003eTorture\u003c\/a\u003e at level 17.4, and then he made one last push with the software. Extreme Torture is the end of that road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSold for Years as Gordian's Knot\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis design went into commercial production in 2002 under the name Gordian's Knot, made by ThinkFun, now part of Ravensburger. That is where most people ran into it, on a toy shop shelf rather than in a puzzle collection. It has since been discontinued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreg Puzzles is not affiliated with ThinkFun or Ravensburger. We list the design under the name Frans de Vreugd gave it, and ours comes out of the box in pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIt Arrives in Pieces\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis puzzle ships disassembled, and that is deliberate. Assembly is the challenge, and handing it to you already solved would remove the entire point. It also means you are working those 70 moves in reverse, with no solved reference state to copy and no photograph to work backwards from. You get six boards and the knowledge that they fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect to put it down and come back to it. Most people do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would rather work up to this one, all three are sold together as the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/separated-board-burr-set\"\u003eSeparated Board Burr Set\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many moves does Extreme Torture take?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70 moves to disassemble. The burr level is 28-22-9-8-3 - the first board alone takes 28 moves to free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Extreme Torture arrive assembled?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It ships disassembled, as six separate boards. Assembling it is the puzzle - a solved puzzle in the box would be no puzzle at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow hard is Extreme Torture?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpert, and at the top of that band. Plan on four hours or more spread across more than one sitting, and do not treat it as a reasonable first attempt at interlocking designs. It is the hardest form found in de Vreugd's research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Extreme Torture the same as Gordian's Knot?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the same design. Frans de Vreugd named it Extreme Torture in 2002, and it went into commercial production that year as Gordian's Knot, which has since been discontinued. We use the designer's original name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho designed Extreme Torture?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrans de Vreugd, a Dutch puzzle designer, in 2002, working from Jim Gooch's separated board burr idea and using Burrgrower, the level-raising software written by Dic Sonneveld and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/goh-pit-khiam\"\u003eGoh Pit-Khiam\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51347709919399,"sku":"GP-EXTRTORT","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/extreme_torture_marble.png?v=1790218328"},{"product_id":"zigzag","title":"ZigZag | The First Separated Board Burr","description":"\u003ch2\u003eZigZag - Quick Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZigZag is the first separated board burr ever built, designed by Frans de Vreugd in 2002 from an idea by Jim Gooch. Six flat boards, level 7.8: seven moves to split the puzzle into two identical halves, then eight more to free a board from each half. Hard difficulty, 1-4 hour solve time. Ships disassembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e burr collectors who want the puzzle that started a whole family of designs, and solvers stepping up from standard six-piece burrs into board burrs for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIt Started With One Sentence\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard six board burr has six flat pieces grouped in three pairs. Jim Gooch, a puzzle maker from Oregon, suggested to Frans de Vreugd that you could pull the two boards in each pair one unit apart and see what happened. The shape that came back was more open, with far more room for complicated movement, and nobody knew whether a working set of pieces even existed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDe Vreugd spent a full day on it. Hundreds of combinations came apart into nothing. Then he tried two zigzag-shaped boards, and this puzzle fell out of it. George Miller had a small run made within days, and it was introduced at the fifth Gathering for Gardner in Atlanta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeven Moves, Then It Splits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece set is completely symmetrical, and so is the solution. Seven moves in, the whole lattice comes apart into two identical halves. Then you need another eight to get a board out of each half.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat symmetry is why ZigZag is the right place to start with this family. There is a logic you can actually see once you find it, which is not something you can say about \u003ca href=\"\/products\/torture\"\u003eTorture\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/extreme-torture\"\u003eExtreme Torture\u003c\/a\u003e. It is also not the only way through - there is a shorter route and a couple of longer ones - so the puzzle forgives you a little.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs is printed in two colours, which makes it much easier to keep track of which board you just moved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIt Arrives in Pieces\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix loose boards, no solved reference to copy and no photograph to work backwards from. Assembly is the puzzle. Handing it over already built would remove the point of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you already know you want the whole family, ZigZag, Torture and Extreme Torture are sold together as the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/separated-board-burr-set\"\u003eSeparated Board Burr Set\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a separated board burr?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard six board burr has six flat pieces in three pairs. In a separated board burr the two boards in each pair sit one unit apart instead of flush together. The gap opens the shape up and leaves room for far longer move sequences. Jim Gooch suggested the idea in 2002, Frans de Vreugd designed the puzzles that came out of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow hard is ZigZag?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHard, not Expert. Seven moves to split it and eight more after that, with a symmetry you can lean on. It is the gentlest of de Vreugd's three separated board burrs, and the one to own first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes ZigZag arrive assembled?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It ships as six separate boards. Assembling it is the challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho designed ZigZag?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrans de Vreugd, in 2002, from a suggestion by Jim Gooch. The original run was made by George Miller for the fifth Gathering for Gardner.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51411264110759,"sku":"GP-ZIGZ","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/zigzag_marble.png?v=1790218141"},{"product_id":"torture","title":"Torture | One Solution Out of 7,680 Assemblies","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTorture - Quick Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTorture is a six-piece separated board burr designed by Frans de Vreugd in 2002, burr level 17.4. The six boards form 7,680 assemblies, and exactly one of those is a solution. Expert difficulty, 4+ hour solve time. Ships disassembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e burr collectors who already own a board burr or two and want the one with a genuinely unique solution, and solvers who have finished \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zigzag\"\u003eZigZag\u003c\/a\u003e and want the next step up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOne Solution Out of 7,680 Assemblies\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost interlocking puzzles let you wander a bit. Torture does not. De Vreugd ran a computer search across every combination of pieces this shape allows. 7,680 of them are assemblies, meaning the boards genuinely form the finished shape. Exactly one of those assemblies is a solution, meaning it can actually be built and taken apart. Everything else is a dead end that looks correct right up until the last board will not drop in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe level reads 17.4. Seventeen moves to free the first board, four more for the second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMoves That Look Like Nothing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDe Vreugd noticed a mechanism that keeps turning up in high level puzzles. Boards slide back and forth, apparently getting nowhere, purely to shift one other board a few units across. In Torture it takes seven moves to move a single board three units. Nothing is wasted and nothing looks like progress, which is most of what makes it hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also the design that made \u003ca href=\"\/products\/extreme-torture\"\u003eExtreme Torture\u003c\/a\u003e possible. Torture came first, and once de Vreugd had it he pushed the same search as far as it would go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIt Arrives in Pieces\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix loose boards and the knowledge that they fit. There is no solved state to copy, and with one solution out of 7,680 assemblies there is not much room to guess your way in. Expect to put it down and come back to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTorture sits in the middle of the three. If you want all of them, they come together as the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/separated-board-burr-set\"\u003eSeparated Board Burr Set\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a separated board burr?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard six board burr has six flat pieces in three pairs. In a separated board burr the two boards in each pair sit one unit apart rather than flush. The gap opens the shape up and allows much longer move sequences. Jim Gooch suggested the idea in 2002, Frans de Vreugd designed the puzzles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is Torture so hard to assemble?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause almost every arrangement that looks right is wrong. The six boards form 7,680 assemblies and only one of those is a solution that can actually be built, so recognising the correct arrangement is a real part of the puzzle, not just executing the moves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Torture arrive assembled?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It ships as six separate boards, and assembling them is the challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Torture harder than Extreme Torture?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Torture is level 17.4, Extreme Torture is level 28-22-9-8-3. Torture is the one to solve first.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51411272269991,"sku":"GP-TORT","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/torture_marble.png?v=1790218238"},{"product_id":"packtic-2","title":"PackTIC 2 | Turning Interlocking Cube","description":"\u003cp\u003eSix pieces, twenty-two moves. One of the four graded Hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoal: pack all 6 pieces into the frame to build a complete cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires 22 moves. Ships assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery PackTIC is a Turning Interlocking Cube, so the pieces have to be rotated into place rather than simply pushed. What the series adds is the frame: Andrew describes each one as needing rotations, sliding moves, and thought as to where all the pieces go inside the frame piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's special about PackTIC 2?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotations and sliding moves, not just straight assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 pieces, 22 moves to solve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilds serious 3D spatial reasoning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of the 10-puzzle PackTIC series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty-two moves is the second longest solve of the ten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing for the whole series? The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/packtic-collection\"\u003ePackTIC Collection\u003c\/a\u003e has all 10 - buy 9, get 1 free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/andrew-crowell\"\u003eAndrew Crowell\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51482671939751,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/packtic_2___turning_interlocking_cube_marble.png?v=1791465571"},{"product_id":"packtic-3","title":"PackTIC 3 | Turning Interlocking Cube","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwenty-one moves out of six pieces, and a Hard grade to go with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoal: pack all 6 pieces into the frame to build a complete cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires 21 moves. Ships assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery PackTIC is a Turning Interlocking Cube, so the pieces have to be rotated into place rather than simply pushed. What the series adds is the frame: Andrew describes each one as needing rotations, sliding moves, and thought as to where all the pieces go inside the frame piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's special about PackTIC 3?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotations and sliding moves, not just straight assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 pieces, 21 moves to solve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilds serious 3D spatial reasoning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of the 10-puzzle PackTIC series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty-one moves from only six pieces, so most of the work is in the planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing for the whole series? The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/packtic-collection\"\u003ePackTIC Collection\u003c\/a\u003e has all 10 - buy 9, get 1 free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/andrew-crowell\"\u003eAndrew Crowell\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51482676199591,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/packtic_3___pack_3_pieces_into_a_cube_marble.png?v=1791465701"},{"product_id":"packtic-8","title":"PackTIC 8 | Turning Interlocking Cube","description":"\u003cp\u003eThirteen moves - the shortest solve in the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoal: pack all 6 pieces into the frame to build a complete cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires 13 moves. Ships assembled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery PackTIC is a Turning Interlocking Cube, so the pieces have to be rotated into place rather than simply pushed. What the series adds is the frame: Andrew describes each one as needing rotations, sliding moves, and thought as to where all the pieces go inside the frame piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's special about PackTIC 8?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotations and sliding moves, not just straight assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 pieces, 13 moves to solve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilds serious 3D spatial reasoning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of the 10-puzzle PackTIC series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shortest solve in the series by move count.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing for the whole series? The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/packtic-collection\"\u003ePackTIC Collection\u003c\/a\u003e has all 10 - buy 9, get 1 free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/andrew-crowell\"\u003eAndrew Crowell\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greg Puzzles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51482709196967,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0668\/2827\/1783\/files\/packtic_8___turning_interlocking_cube_marble.png?v=1791466350"}],"url":"https:\/\/gregpuzzles.com\/collections\/6-piece-puzzles.oembed","provider":"Greg Puzzles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}