Snake cube solver

How to describe your puzzle

A snake cube is described by the length of its straight segments, meaning the runs of aligned cubes between two bends. Hold the snake by one end and count the cubes up to the first bend, bend cube included: that gives you the first segment. The bend cube also counts for the next segment, which you count the same way, and so on until the other end.

In Emboîto, first choose the size: 3 x 3 x 3 (27 cubes) or 4 x 4 x 4 (64 cubes). Then tap “+2”, “+3” or, for the 4 x 4 x 4, “+4” for each segment you count. The segments appear as numbered pills, and a counter reads “Cubes counted: x of 27”. Since two neighboring segments share their bend cube, the counter takes that into account for you.

If you make a mistake, “Remove the last one” cancels the last segment and “Clear all” starts over. If your snake isn't at hand, “The most common snake” fills in a 17-segment model. Your entries are saved on your device as you go, so you can close the page and come back later.

How Emboîto finds the solution

When the count is right, tap “Find the solution”. Solving runs in your browser, on your phone or your computer, and your snake isn't sent anywhere.

Emboîto looks for a path that fills the whole cube. It tries every starting cell, lays down the first straight segment, turns at a right angle at the bend, lays down the next segment, and so on. When a segment leaves the cube or runs into a cube that is already taken, it steps back and tries another path. This method is called backtracking. It keeps the first path that fills every cell.

Solving can take up to a minute, and the page stays usable in the meantime. If the count is wrong or if the snake can't form the cube, the site tells you so.

The result comes with one step per segment: the segment to place arrives from above, with a written sentence. You follow the folding at your own pace, or you prepare a PDF to print, with every step shown as a picture.

History and variants

The snake cube is made of 27 small cubes threaded on an elastic cord. A snake is defined by the sequence of its straight segments and its bends, so two snakes with different segments are two different puzzles.

The most common model has 17 segments and has only one solution, up to the symmetries of the cube: turn the cube around or flip it, and you always find the same assembly. Emboîto offers it in one tap with “The most common snake”.

The site also accepts a 64-cube snake, for a 4 x 4 x 4 cube. For a model other than the most common one, Emboîto shows you the first path it finds, which is enough to complete the cube.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the snake cube puzzle solution?

Right here: describe your snake segment by segment, tap “Find the solution”, then follow the folding step by step. The solution is calculated for your own snake.

How do I solve a snake cube step by step?

Count the segments, enter them, and let Emboîto work out the path. The page then shows one step per segment, with a “Previous” button, a “Replay” button and a “Next” button, so you can go back to any step.

How do I count the segments of a snake cube?

Hold the snake by one end and count the cubes up to the first bend, bend cube included. That cube also counts in the next segment. Keep going to the other end, always in the same direction. If the site says your snake can't form the cube, a segment was probably counted wrongly: count again from the same end and check that the counter reaches exactly 27 cubes.

Can Emboîto handle a 4 x 4 x 4 snake cube?

Yes, choose “4 x 4 x 4 (64 cubes)” as the size and use “+4” as well as “+2” and “+3”. The counter must then reach exactly 64. The search is larger than for a 3 x 3 x 3, and if it takes too long the site tells you so.

Can I print the solution?

Yes. The “Download the solution (PDF)” button prepares an A4 document with your snake and every step as a before and after picture.

Other puzzles

• Devil's knotSix sticks that lock together.
• Wooden cubeThe Soma cube, and cubes made of your own pieces.
• Calendar puzzleThe solution for today.