Curvy Copter with Jumbling

The Curvy Copter is a twisty puzzle which is a cube when solved, but which can shapeshift when scrambled and jumbled. This tutorial will involve jumbling, which is a complex theoretical topic. Its effects are fairly straightforward on this puzzle though.

The Basic Plot

1. Return to Cube Shape
2. Solve Bottom Half
3. Solve Top Half

Step 1: Return to Cube Shape

A normal scramble of this cube involves turning the edges 180°. If, however, we turn an edge part way, we can jumble this puzzle. This essentially means that a center piece will change its orbit. This is clearly explained in the video.

To return the puzzle to cube shape, we need to isolate two corners which are "sticking out" and apply a jumbling type move to put both of them back. As is often the case, this is far far easier to see in action than to explain. The video  below will help return your cube to its correct shape.

Step 2: Solve Bottom Half

To begin with, solve the white face edges and centers. (Any colour face will do but I prefer to start with white.) The edges cannot move, but only rotate in position. Therefore, move the white centers by turning adjacent edges, until they are positioned next to the white edge. 

Since the cube was jumbled, it's almost certain that some of the white centers will not be in their correct orbits. To fix this, swap the white center with any other unused center, by using the jumbling move. Then turn it into its position.

Once the white face is solved (apart from corners), turn the cube so that the white face is on the bottom.

Now, for each of the four middle edges,

• Ensure the middle edge is "upside-down" or "backwards".
• Place the desired corner by turning it around the top face until the white is facing upwards.
• Move each of the correct colour centers into place by turning edges.
• If a center is not in its correct orbit, transfer it into its orbit via the jumbling move.

This video will show how simple this all is.

Step 3: Solve Top Half

At this point, turn the yellow (top face) edges into place. Look for any middle face centers which can be placed using any convenient 3-cycle, for example FRFR.

Almost certainly, some centers will not be able to be cycled home simply. This is due to the jumbling. The goal from here is to unjumble these centers one by one until all are placed.

The only potentially tricky situation is where you are left with a yellow center and a non-yellow center needing to swap places. This can be accomplished by swapping two other yellow centers via the jumbling move. This essentially creates a 3-cycle with the two centers needing to be swapped.

Once all centers are placed, it's time to deal with the yellow corners.

To place corners, use the cycle LBRF R FRBL R (or its mirror). This moves 3 corners around the top face.

To orient corners, use the cycle (LBRF)x6 or its mirror.

Again, all will be made clear in the following video.

And that's it. Your Curvy Copter is now solved. I trust this site has been helpful. If you have any questions or want some clarifications, please use the comments to do so.

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