Cmetrick

Par

This puzzle consists of a frame containing a 3×3 array of coloured balls. The balls are identical, and have 6 colours, arranged like the 6 sides of a cube. If you rotate any ball to the left or right, all three balls in the same row are rotated in the same way. If you rotate a ball up or down, then the balls in the same column rotate with it. The aim is of course to get all the balls in the same orientation, so that they show the same colour on the front and sides. The Cmetrick Mini is just the same as the ordinary Cmetrick, except that it is a 2×2 square, so only has 4 balls. It is of course easier to solve, but also easier to handle because it is easier to keep the balls aligned enough to do the moves. This puzzle is related to the Rolling Cubes Puzzle in that it has a 3×3 array containing cubes which are reoriented. Mechanically it is somewhat related to the Rubik's Clock, as the nine parts are connected with an internal set of cogs. With regards to difficulty this puzzle is more like the Rubik's Clock than the Rolling Cubes Puzzle. CMetrick was invented and patented by Dror Rom, 8 January 2004, WO 2004/002587. If your browser supports JavaScript, then you can play the Cmetrick or Cmetrick Mini by clicking the links below: