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Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 11:00 pm
by VictorS
Very nice Rob. Thanks for sharing this with us !! I had several assumptions on how it works based on the clue you gave us. However it`s another clever method :)

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 11:23 pm
by Richard W
Why oh why does this have to be $100.00. I would buy it for $49.99 to $69.99 if the color wood matched better. It is amazing to watch it being done messes with your head. Goof

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 1:10 am
by VictorS
Rob Rand wrote:
Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:06 pm
Yes, I have the impression that the arrangement of the different puzzle pieces is done more or less at random.

Here is my demo video:

https://youtu.be/XuPM-nlIZJI
Rob, I will probably make an uncut video in the future using my wooden china version (the one with a black box and drawer) which the effect would be exactly the same to the Mini Tangram (as you shown in your performance). Actually we have discussed this long time ago if you can remember ;) Will let you know once I finished it. I need time to practice it first because I haven`t touched it for a long time. :lol:

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 6:21 am
by Rob Rand
Thanks all for your nice reactions on my video. This version is pretty clean to perform. I agree that it’s a bit overprized, that’s probably to let it remain an exclusive item.

Victor, I thought you had the original Merlins elixir, but I understand now you have the China version. I mean the drawer version.

I saw that the original is still for sale at ZZM for 125 €.

http://www.zauberzentrale.de/shop/produ ... cts_id=414

That’s actually a bargain compared to the small Mini Tangram Paradox!

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 10:22 am
by VictorS
Hi Rob, the merlin's elixir is too expensive for me that's why I made myself the white one you see in the pic (top left) The principal is the same using gimmicked block but unfortunately it is not examinable.

Alright as I promised before this is my handling on the China version. Hope you enjoy it and have a great day everyone :)

https://youtu.be/n5vkcTXtBlA

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 10:34 am
by Steve S.
Nice work Victor!

So, I am assuming that there are 3 versions/methods. First, the standard method where you simply move the blocks around such as the Chocolate Bar and most others. Then, there is the Tenyo version which has a special frame. Finally, a third method like the one Rob just bought where the tray plays a role.

Is that correct?

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 11:01 am
by VictorS
There were 2 gimmicked block versions Steve and the china version has a gimmicked block too but different than merlin's elixir. The chocolate and Tenyo versions are other stories. So far 4 methods plus 1 the mini tangram, which I am not 100% sure how. 5 methods in total so far based on my observation. So i think you are confuse now :)

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 11:39 am
by Steve S.
LOL...yes Victor, a bit confused.

I am curious to know what all of the different methods I don’t have or know about are.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:56 pm
by Rob Rand
I’ve seen the very large stage version on different videos, and now I understand how it’s done. It’s funny to see that no one of the audience... oops I’ll move to the hidden section :)

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:17 pm
by Olaf S
VictorS wrote:
Wed Aug 14, 2019 10:22 am
Alright as I promised before this is my handling on the China version.
Hope you enjoy it and have a great day everyone :)
https://youtu.be/n5vkcTXtBlA

I like that version 😎 a bit smaller would be perfekt 👍

But most versions are not foolproof for eagle eyes 😉

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2019 11:40 am
by Steve S.
I am not certain that the issue of foolproof is a concern with these puzzles.

First, it is a puzzle so more of a curiosity than a magic trick. I suggest that both the performer and the spectator should be fascinated by what takes place.

Second, I am not aware of anyone saying that spectators ever figure it out. I think it’s safe to say that they don’t.

Even when I go through the motions, I am amazed that it actually works! Ingenious indeed.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 2:58 am
by David DeTenyo
What a wonderfull thread. I've been away a week or two and replying with my smartphone takes ages ;)

I like this trick, but it is rather expensive of course. The difference in color of the blocks is a non issue for me.

I own Tenyo's Perpetual Puzzle, the Chocolate bar one (this is my favourite) and one with a m******* block which you steal away.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 6:06 am
by Rob Rand
David DeTenyo wrote:
Wed Aug 28, 2019 2:58 am
What a wonderfull thread. I've been away a week or two and replying with my smartphone takes ages ;)

I like this trick, but it is rather expensive of course. The difference in color of the blocks is a non issue for me.

I own Tenyo's Perpetual Puzzle, the Chocolate bar one (this is my favourite) and one with a m******* block which you steal away.
David, I think I was just unlucky with the color difference. Other copies look much better with a more balanced color combination.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 1:09 pm
by David DeTenyo
It actually doesn't matter to me Rob; in fact I actually like the differences in color, makes it more like a puzzle, which it is supposed to be, no?

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 1:55 pm
by Steve S.
Rob...

Please don’t feel unlucky with your puzzle set. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a unique set with its own special personality.

Your set is terrific! Enjoy it my friend.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2019 4:59 am
by Ralf R
The Mini Tangram Paradox looks really nice and I surely would have considered to purchase it but I already have the version made by Francois Danis - The Challenge of Professor Moriarty - which is also a very beautifully made puzzle that works with the same principle as MTP (well, almost the same...). I also would like to have a nice version of the Winston Freer Tile Puzzle but the one made by John Rogers is a bit too expensive for me. So I got the "poor man's" version (Puzzling Chocolate) from SEO... according to Andy Martin this should also be a good version to work with. And the chocolate theme fits quite well to this kind of puzzle.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 12:38 pm
by Rob Rand
And now, a new variation of this effect, called Clear Mystery:

https://youtu.be/ZTzUpplbZzg

Hmm... why does the frame consist of 2 pieces?

Is that part of the secret?

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2020 6:31 pm
by Rob Rand
Ok, because this puzzle trick fascinates me, I’ve purchased Clear Mystery and received it today.

So now I have 4 versions

1 Original wooden version
2 Tenyo Perpetual Puzzle (also with the laser cut pieces by SimonC:) )
3 Mini Tangram Paradox
4 Clear Mystery

Each has a different way how to come to the end situation (that the blocks fit in the frame)

I was pleasantly surprised by the secret of Clear Mystery.

It is super clean.

It’s ingenious in its simplicity.

I think it’s the best one.

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2020 12:17 am
by VictorS
Thanks for the review Rob. Sounds very interesting. I have some questions and I will PM you to your personal email. Thank you in advance. :)

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2020 8:57 am
by Rob Rand
Even the somewhat weird - but great! - Randi Rain performed the Puzzle trick, in her series In Bed With Randi Rain:

https://youtu.be/-TNmsOpuuUQ

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 5:28 am
by Ralf R
Rob Rand wrote:
Thu Mar 12, 2020 6:31 pm

I was pleasantly surprised by the secret of Clear Mystery.

It is super clean.

It’s ingenious in its simplicity.

I think it’s the best one.
Hi Rob,

I am thinking of buying this one. Is it examinable?

Best,
Ralf

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 7:25 pm
by Rob Rand
Ralf R wrote:
Wed May 27, 2020 5:28 am
Rob Rand wrote:
Thu Mar 12, 2020 6:31 pm

I was pleasantly surprised by the secret of Clear Mystery.

It is super clean.

It’s ingenious in its simplicity.

I think it’s the best one.
Hi Rob,

I am thinking of buying this one. Is it examinable?

Best,
Ralf
At the end of performance everything is examinable, the pieces, the frame, the box, because nothing is gimmicked...

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Thu May 28, 2020 4:48 am
by Olaf S
Rob Rand wrote:
Wed May 27, 2020 7:25 pm
At the end of performance everything is examinable, the pieces,
the frame, the box, because nothing is gimmicked...

This version looks nice and what you wrote sounds tempting 👍

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Thu May 28, 2020 4:54 am
by Ralf R
I am also tempted and a think I am going to purchase a copy. I have a soft spot for this kind of puzzles :smile:

Re: Mini Tangram Paradox

Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 6:15 am
by Ralf R
Yesterday I received my copy of the Mini Tangram Paradox and when I went to the website with the video instructions (yes I know its absolutely not necessary but I did it anyway :wink:) I saw that they now offer also a "Super Mini MTP": a smaller version made of black plastic with the extra pieces in red. And at the end you can "freeze" the completed puzzle and push out both red pieces as one :thinking:. Sounds interesting...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdkKDR5c6UU