Rubik's Magic: Master Edition
A 12-tile folding puzzle with five interlinked rings.
Rubik's Magic: Master Edition (most commonly known as Master Magic) is a modification of the original Rubik's Magic puzzle, manufactured by Matchbox in 1987. It consists of 12 silver tiles arranged in a 2 × 6 rectangle, showing 5 interlinked rings that must be unlinked by transforming the puzzle into a shape reminiscent of a W. The puzzle was an official World Cube Association (WCA) event from 2003 to 2012.
- Manufacturer
- Matchbox
- Year introduced
- 1987
- Tile count
- 12
- Arrangement
- 2 × 6 rectangle
- Initial design
- 5 interlinked rings
- Solved shape
- W-like shape
- Event status
- WCA official event 2003–2012
Lore & Background
Rubik's Magic: Master Edition was published by Matchbox in 1987. It is a modification of the original Rubik's Magic, with 12 tiles instead of the original's 8. The puzzle has 12 panels interconnected with nylon wires in a 2 × 6 rectangular shape, measuring approximately 4.25 inches (10.5 cm) by 13 inches (32 cm). The goal of the game is the same as for Rubik's Magic, which is to fold the puzzle from a 2 × 6 rectangular shape into a W-like shape with a certain tile arrangement. Initially, the front side shows a set of 5 linked rings. Once solved, the puzzle takes the shape of the letter W, and shows 5 unlinked rings on the back side of the previous initial state.
Reader's Guide
As a puzzle, the Master Edition is actually simpler than the original Rubik's Magic. With more hinges, the player can work on one part, mostly ignoring the other parts. The minimal solution involves 16 quarter-turn moves. There are multiple solutions. The puzzle was an official World Cube Association (WCA) event from 2003 to 2012. Its legacy includes being a recognized speed-solving event until 2012, with recorded top singles and averages of five solves. The puzzle's design and mechanism are covered by patents held by Ernő Rubik, including a Hungarian patent (HU 1211/85, issued 19 March 1985) and a US patent (US 4,685,680, issued 11 August 1987).
More in Hungarian inventions 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced