Rubik's Flip

Amo Oy, Arxon, Ideal · Board game · 1981
2 · best 2 10 min Weight 1.4/5
rating Ludopedia
5.9 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love fast‑paced reasoning games and enjoy a logic challenge, Rubik's Flip will surprise you with its move‑and‑place mechanic on a 4×4 board.

Highlights
  • Quick and engaging
  • Unique piece‑flipping mechanic
  • Clear and direct goal
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Requires careful move planning
  • Can be frustrating with locks
  • Not for those who prefer complex themes
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Rubik's Flip is an abstract strategy game that pits two players against each other on an initially empty 4×4 board. Each player starts with eight distinct pieces: the Moon player has purple tiles with a gold moon on one side and a silver moon on the other, while the Sun player receives magenta tiles featuring a gold sun and a silver sun. The goal may sound simple, but the mechanics create a real-time logic challenge: the first player to align three of their pieces of the same color (gold or silver) in a “locked” line wins.

How does it work? On the very first turn a player may only place one of their tiles on any empty square. After that, turns alternate: first you move an opponent’s already‑placed tile one orthogonal square, flipping its face; then you place one of your own tiles on any vacant spot, choosing which side faces up. The flip is critical because it can change the active color and alter your strategy for locking the line.

A line of three pieces becomes “locked” when none of the tiles can be moved to an adjacent square because all surrounding spaces are occupied. This means you must not only build the sequence but also prevent future opponent moves from breaking your formation. The game ends when someone reaches a trident of gold or silver, or when no more legal moves exist, resulting in a draw.

Rubik's Flip was originally released as Rubik's Magic and Rubik's Eclipse, and although it shares the name, the rules are identical. The aesthetic nods to the Rubik’s Cube, but the gameplay is unique, blending pattern building with strategic piece movement. If you enjoy short, tense, decision‑heavy duels, this calm yet challenging logic showdown is right up your alley.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Category: Combinatorial Components: 4 x 4 Grids Players: Two-Player Only Games Theme: Rubik's Cube
Publisher Amo Oy, Arxon, Ideal, Irwin Toy Ltd., Matchbox, oddz on, Toy Brokers Ltd, University Games, Winning Moves Games (USA)
Designer Tom Kremer
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
Two players.
How long does a game take?
About 10 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
Medium, requiring logic and focus.
What pieces are used?
16 pieces: 8 Moon (purple) and 8 Sun (magenta).
How does the “locked line” work?
A line of three pieces is locked when there are no empty adjacent spaces, preventing future moves.
Who is this game for?
Perfect for players who enjoy quick, logical duels and direct competition.