Two Keys is a laser cut dual layer maze designed by Jean Claude Constantine. Thanks to Puzzle Master for sending me a copy of this puzzle to review. This maze puzzle will have you guiding the Steel rivet through two mazes from the start square, to the exit hole.
Two Keys by Jean Claude Constantine
As you can see this is a plain but good looking puzzle which is accurately cut from Maple Ply and Walnut Ply, with a top frame of perspex. Overall, the puzzle measures just 4″ x 2.5″ x 0.5″ so this is almost a pocket sized puzzle. The perspex serves little purpose other than to hold the top Maple maze in place as you navigate the steel rivet through both mazes. The puzzle is very similar in concept to several other puzzles by Jean Claude Constantine such as the Laby Box which I have reviewed previously, and many of his lock style puzzles. Many of his puzzles are based on Gray Code and this is in a similar vein.
One of the dead ends
The Lower maze which is fixed interferes with the movement of the pin as you move the upper maze requiring you to backtrack several times to get to the exit. There are a number of dead ends in the maze, however most of these are fairly obvious so should not provide much of an extra challenge.
Two Keys Solved
Puzzle Master ranks this as a Level 5 (Easy) puzzle, and I have to agree. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to solve, although it’s a good puzzle to give to new puzzlers since it’s fairly easy to solve, and you can see everything in the puzzle. With no hidden elements, most people will be able to solve this quickly before they lose interest and feel fairly good about doing so.
Two Keys Alternate Challenge
If you’re looking for an extra challenge, then try flipping the top maze section over once you’ve solved, it and re-solve with the maze in as seen above. This adds a slightly different challenge, although not any tougher than the original orientation.
This is a fun puzzle, and a good distraction to sit and idly fiddle with it, moving the pin back and forth through the maze. This is an affordable introduction to many of Jean Claude Constantine’s puzzles, and a good place to start if you’re looking for a simple challenge.