YIGUIGE / WOODEN PUZZLES
How to play with a Luban lock
A Luban lock is an interlocking puzzle: the challenge is to discover how its pieces separate, then rebuild the original shape. Different designs have different sequences.
01 — Observe before moving
Photograph the assembled puzzle from several sides. Look at the meeting edges and the directions in which the pieces might slide. Work on a clean tabletop so small parts stay together.
02 — Explore one movement at a time
Use gentle hand pressure. Try a small movement, observe what changes, then return to the starting position if needed. Do not force, pry, hammer or sand pieces to make a move work.
03 — Keep the sequence
As a piece comes free, photograph its orientation and place it beside the other pieces in order. Keep pieces from different puzzles separate.
04 — Rebuild with patience
Use your photographs and the instructions supplied with your particular set. Assembly often reverses disassembly, but some designs require several pieces to move together.
If you get stuck
Stop if a joint will not move gently. Send us the set name and a photo so we can help identify the puzzle and the relevant instructions. These general tips are not a step-by-step solution for every design.
Instructions for your set
Find the videos for your exact set, or browse all 36 puzzle demonstrations. Pause at each step and compare the shape and piece pattern with your own puzzle.