RunAway

Designed by Minoru Abe, this one made by J. A. Storer 2011.
(cardboard sleeve, Purple Heart, Cherry, Maple tray and pieces, 4.6" x 8" x 5/8")

The start position has pieces labeled 1, 2, 3, 4 (in that order) along the bottom, and on top a U-shaped piece X that has piece O captured inside. The goal is to slide the pieces so that 1, 2, 3, 4 (in that order) is on top. One way to think of solving is to repeatedly place the puzzle in a position where there is an empty vertical column that allows pieces to be exchanged. Here are the start position, the end position, and each of the empty column positions in a 45 move solution (and with 1 or 2 additional moves the X and O pieces can be arranged as desired on the bottom).


A Commercial Version Of RunAway


Purchased 2012.
(wood tray and pieces in a cardboard box, 3.7" x 5" x 7/8")