Grip Theory

Grip theory is a framework for analyzing many different kinds of twisty puzzles in a geometry-independent way. It was first developed on the TwistyPuzzles forum in 2009. Grip theory was originally used to describe doctrinaire puzzles in 3D, but it can be extended to describe bandaged puzzles, jumbling puzzles, higher-dimensional puzzles, and more.

Originally, this page contained a Formal Introduction to Grip Theory, which is recommnended for readers who are comfortable with dense mathematical formalism. For readers who prefer a simpler introduction, we recommend the Slightly Wrong Explanation of Grip Theory.