Message #1330

From: Melinda Green <melinda@superliminal.com>
Subject: Blindfolded hypersolving
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:37:03 -0800

I’m changing the subject line so as to not steal any thunder from Matt
and Ethan’s amazing accomplishments.

Although it would be neat if the first ever blindfolded 3^4 solution
were done without macros, I think that you should be able to make full
use of predefined macros. I see no reason to make this harder than it
needs to be. To me the feat is about the ability to hold an entire
solution in your head for long enough to affect the solution. Other
people may feel that the experience should be closer to the 3D version
and I fully respect that view. Whatever the majority opinion of those
who are thinking of attempting this is just fine with me.

Although I have no concern that anyone on this list would ever cheat in
such a contest, I think it would be good if we at least addressed the
possibility. My suggestion for a simple safeguard is to require the
solver to declare a witness willing to affirm that they observed that
the entire solution was performed fairly. This should also make any such
solution a bit more formal which might feel more satisfying because it
makes it very clear when you are making a serious attempt.

-Melinda

On 1/11/2011 6:06 AM, Matthew wrote:
> Congrats to my namesake for beating the 120-cell, and to Ethan, welcome to the club! Membership includes a free straight-jacket and a psychiatrist (just kidding of course). I would also love to hear about your experiences with the solves. When I get the time I plan to try and have a look at Ethan’s solution to see how he went about the solve, though a description would be a good place to start.
>
> To answer some of Melinda’s points: I believe that any challenge available for these puzzles which is humanly possible will eventually be conquered by someone. Also, 3^4 blindfolded is already on my to-do list. I have already posted about trying to solve the 2^4 this way, though after several attempts I have not been successful yet (my closest was off by 2 corner twists). I have a memorisation method planned out for the 3^4, all I need is to finish planning the execution method and enough free time (and to get better at blindsolving). I will try and beat the 2^4 first though, and maybe get the solve stage on video if I can.
> This presents a question, are pre-recorded macros allowed? Are macros recorded during the solve allowed? Solving the 2^4 blind without them is easy enough, but it will be significantly more difficult to conquer the 3^4 without them. I also wonder about the commutator and conjugate ability of MC7D. Part of the difficulty of blindfold solving is doing and undoing the setup moves correctly (significantly harder in 4D!), and these functions would reduce that difficulty. My aim is to blindfold solve without these aids, but I was wondering what other people’s thoughts are.
>
> Sorry for getting a little carried away when this is supposed to be about these two great solves (and solvers). Now we have to wait and see what they solve next!
>
> Matt