IDEAL Rubik's Cage - User Manual

INSTRUCTIONS
www.rubiks.com
Take Rubik’s Cage On The Move:
When not in use, players can store the Cubies in the
Rubik’s Cage, so they can take this game anywhere!
Look for other Rubik’s Games as well as our
entire line of games and puzzles at:
www.idealboardgames.co.uk
© 1974 Rubik’s
®
used under license Rubik’s Brand Ltd. All rights reserved .
©2019 John Adams Leisure Ltd. IDEAL
®
is a registered trademark
of John Adams Leisure Ltd. John Adams Leisure Ltd., is constantly
endeavouring to improve quality standards and therefore colours, sizes
and contents may sometimes vary from those shown.
John Adams Leisure Ltd., Hercules House, Pierson Road, Enterprise
Campus, Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. PE28 4YA.
Please retain this information for reference. MADE IN CHINA.
Tel: 01480 414361 or email customerservices@johnadams.co.uk

Summary

How to Play

Drop a Cubie

Remove top door, place Cubie into any section. Replace door at end of turn.

Twist the Cage

A player may turn one layer of the Rubik's Cage one quarter turn (90 degrees) in either direction.

Flip the Cage

A player can turn the Cage upside down by rotating it 180 degrees.

Winning the Game

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Rubik's Cage is a strategy game designed for 2-4 players, aged 8 and up. It involves placing colored "Cubies" into a rotating and flipping cage with the objective of aligning three of one's own Cubies of the same color in a row, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, on any face of the cage.

Function Description:

The core function of the Rubik's Cage is to provide a dynamic 3D puzzle-like environment for strategic gameplay. Players interact with the cage by dropping Cubies into its sections, twisting its layers, and flipping the entire cage to manipulate the arrangement of Cubies and achieve their winning condition. The game challenges players to think spatially and anticipate opponents' moves while adapting to the changing configuration of the cage.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Components:
  • Rubik's Cage: The central game apparatus, which is a cube-like structure with multiple sections for Cubies, removable top and bottom doors, and the ability to rotate on two axes.
  • 24 Cubies: These are small, colored cube-shaped pieces. The set includes 4 Cubies each of red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and white.
  • Instructions: A manual detailing game setup, rules, and winning conditions.
• Player Count: 2-4 players.
• Age Recommendation: 8 years and older.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Drop a Cubie: Players can remove the top door and place one Cubie into any of the eight sections of the cage. The door is replaced at the end of the turn.
  • Twist the Cage: Players can rotate one layer of the Rubik's Cage by a quarter turn (90 degrees) in either direction.
  • Flip the Cage: Players can turn the entire cage upside down by rotating it 180 degrees.
• Winning Condition: The first player to align three of their own Cubies of the same color in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) on any one face of the Rubik's Cage wins.
• Draw Condition: If the game continues until all Cubies are placed in the Rubik's Cage and no player has achieved the winning condition, the game is a draw.
• Restriction: A player cannot directly reverse another player's immediately previous move.
• Storage: The Rubik's Cage is designed to store the Cubies when not in use, making it portable.

Usage Features:

• Setup:
  • Players begin with an empty Rubik's Cage.
  • The cage has a removable door at the top and bottom and rotates on two axes.
  • 2-Player Game: Each player selects three different sets of colored Cubies, totaling 12 Cubies per player. For example, Player 1 might choose red, blue, and yellow, while Player 2 chooses green, orange, and white.
  • 3-Player Game: Each player selects two different sets of colored Cubies, totaling 8 Cubies per player. For example, Player 1: red and blue; Player 2: yellow and green; Player 3: orange and white.
  • 4-Player Game: Each player selects one set of colored Cubies. Any unused Cubies are set aside.
  • Players place the Rubik's Cage in the center of the table and their chosen Cubies in front of them.
  • Players must remember their chosen Cubie colors throughout the game, especially if they run out of Cubies.
• Gameplay Flow:
  • The youngest player takes the first turn.
  • On each turn, a player chooses one of the three available actions: dropping a Cubie, twisting a layer of the cage, or flipping the entire cage.
  • Play continues until a winner is determined or the game ends in a draw.
  • If a player runs out of Cubies, they must still take a turn, choosing to either twist a layer or flip the cage.
• Strategic Depth: The game encourages strategic thinking due to the 3D nature of the cage, the ability to manipulate its orientation, and the need to block opponents while creating one's own winning lines. The "no direct reversal" rule adds another layer of tactical consideration.
• Portability: The design allows for Cubies to be stored within the cage, making it convenient for travel and playing on the go.

Maintenance Features:

• Storage: The game is designed for self-contained storage, with Cubies fitting inside the Rubik's Cage when not in use. This helps keep all components together and prevents loss.
• Durability: The product is manufactured by John Adams Leisure Ltd., which states it is "constantly endeavouring to improve quality standards and therefore colours, sizes and contents may sometimes vary from those shown." This implies a commitment to manufacturing quality, suggesting the components are designed to withstand regular play.
• Cleaning: While not explicitly stated, typical care for plastic game components would involve wiping them with a dry or slightly damp cloth if they become dirty. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the plastic or colors.
• Information Retention: The manual advises players to "Please retain this information for reference," indicating that the instructions contain important details for ongoing use and troubleshooting.
• Customer Support: Contact information (Tel: 01480 414361 or email customerservices@johnadams.co.uk) is provided for customer service inquiries, which is useful for addressing any issues with components or gameplay.
• Manufacturing Origin: The product is "MADE IN CHINA," which is a common manufacturing origin for toys and games.
• Copyright and Licensing: The product is © 1974 Rubik's® used under license Rubik's Brand Ltd. All rights reserved, and ©2019 John Adams Leisure Ltd. IDEAL® is a registered trademark of John Adams Leisure Ltd. This ensures the authenticity and legal backing of the product.

IDEAL Rubik's Cage Specifications