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Many versions of the CalmPlex MindBlockTM puzzle have been produced over the years since inception in 1981 with The Snowie CubeBoard.

The wooden puzzle has done very well over the internet and by 2004 I knew it was time to get these to final market.

These are pictures of various versions over the years.


See More:
Puzzle Details
Puzzle History
Versions Produced
Solutions List
Solution Examples


The CalmPlex MindBlockTM Versions

Version_01 1981: Aside from various cardboard models, I finally produced 3 working puzzles in 1981. This first version was constructed of white maple and black walnut, bevelled and varnished.

Version_02 1988: I found a shop that produced quality birch cubes and I built over 40 puzzles that were used as gifts and promotions. Brown or black stain was used to achieve the desired tessellated effect.

Version_03 1994: The plastic monocolored version was produced. The initial factory run was 700 puzzles comprised of red, yellow and green solid plastic injection molded pieces (4 of each color). At one trade show we sold over 200 units in one afternoon. This prompted a further run of 2,000 puzzles and the colors chosen were red, white and blue.

Version_04 1995: The painted birch wood version was produced and again used as gifts and promotions. In 1998 I put this version on my internet site.

Version_05 1999: The 'natural wood' version was produced. The wood used was light and dark birch. The colors although quite presentable were not as defined as the stained version.

Version_06 1999: The Pocket version was produced and in these first units I used various hardwoods and included a wooden box with sliding lid.

Version_07 2000: This Pocket version was produced using Eastern yellow birch and African mansonia walnut. The wood box was replaced with a carboard box with full graphics.

Version_08 2002: The 2 cm cube constructed version using birch and walnut went on sale.

Version_09 2002: A wooden boxed pocket version was produced from a company in Vietnam for the Xmas buying season. Made from beech and ebony wood, this was well received.

Version_10 2003: This version of the puzzle was produced using 2 cm birch and walnut cubes. Enclosed in a beech wood box and cardboard sleeve with full graphics. Included also a printed brochure and beech wood checker playing board.

Version_11 2004: A test marketing version for the retail sector, The CalmPlex MindBlockTM.

Version_12 2006: This latest version was produced through Philos GmbH & Co. KG, my European distributor and wholeseller.


"Andy,
I enjoyed solving your 4x4x4 cube puzzle. I was entertained for many hours making all types of shapes. Thought I would share my cube solution with you in a Visio graphic converted to a GIF file.
Thanks for the wonderful puzzle. I will recommend it to everyone I know that likes puzzles."
Dan Thomasson
Charlotte, NC

"Andrew,
Just to let you know, I've really enjoyed the set of puzzles. CalmPlex: I've never been a big fan of pentominoes, but I was able to make it into a cube. Still can't get the checkerboard though.
Your puzzles are ingenious. Superb craftsmanship. Challenging. Can't wait to see your next puzzle.
Feel free to quote me. A lot of puzzle people know me."
Tom Cutrofello, NY

"Dear Andy,
I built the wooden cube puzzle and I can not solve it. I've turned to you for help because it was you, after all, who unleashed the puzzle upon the world, and I feel that makes you at least partially responsible for the terrible consequences it hath wrought.
It has been weeks or possibly even months (it's difficult to tell) since I've gotten a full night's sleep. And every waking moment I am distracted with thoughts such as "hmmm... maybe the 'H' shaped piece fits here...". And the brief snatches of sleep I am able to manage are tormented by haunting dreams of small wooden cubes that never quite form a perfect 4x4x4 cube. I realize it is (mostly) my own fault, but I am unable to free myself from this burden, and there is no one else to whom I can turn. Please Sir, please share with me the solution to your infernal puzzle."
Chris, UT


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