Online since 2002. The most comprehensive site for all around twisty puzzles.

Variant
Above:Solved
Click a thumbnail to see its larger version and description.
Six layers and six columns of marbles moved with the help of an additional single hole.

The original name of the puzzle is ???????, transliterated Variant, meaning Option.
The concept of this puzzle is identical to the Babylon Tower and many other puzzles. There are several layers with marbles in them. These marbles can be moved because the uppermost layer contains one hole to store one marble in.

This version has six layers and six columns. This puzzle is obviously similar to the other Varikons which have four, five or seven layers. The main differences are the top and bottom caps which have a cone-like shape and do not contains the extra hole to make the puzzle functional.

The differently sized varikons (described as "versions of Whippit type") were mentioned in David Singmasters Cubic Circular Issues 2 from Spring 1982. This gives an upper bound for the year.

It is unknown whether this puzzle originates in the soviet union but there was at least one variant produced there. See the third image.
The original price given here is based on the official exchange rate (0.6 roubles per dollar) although in socialist time this was completely theoretical. The price (in roubles) is printed on the package.

Height: 70 mm

Links

Contributors

Thank you to the following people for their assistance in helping collect the information on this page: Andreas Nortmann.

Collections

This puzzle can be found in collections of these members:


Found a mistake or something missing? Edit it yourself or contact the moderator.
join »login » Community