Yuga Labs, the creative force behind iconic projects like Bored Ape Yacht Club, recently launched an intriguing on-chain puzzle series called TwelveFold Puzzle. With a prize of 0.12 BTC (approximately $3,000) up for grabs per solved challenge, it's no surprise that crypto enthusiasts and puzzle solvers worldwide rushed to participate. The first puzzle was cracked in just 10 minutes—an astonishing feat. But how was it done?
This article breaks down the complete solving process of the first TwelveFold Puzzle, revealing the logic, clues, and techniques used by the solver. Whether you're preparing for future rounds or simply fascinated by blockchain-based riddles, this guide offers valuable insights.
Understanding the TwelveFold Puzzle Challenge
The TwelveFold Puzzle is part of Yuga Labs’ broader TwelveFold NFT collection, a set of 300 generative art pieces built on the Ethereum blockchain. Each NFT features unique visual patterns, and the puzzle leverages these designs as core components of its challenges.
The first puzzle was released as a PDF containing six abstract images resembling combinations of TwelveFold NFTs, along with a cryptic clue:
"Having two together during hibernation can make the difference."
At first glance, this sentence seems poetic—but in puzzle-solving, every word matters.
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The Solver: JTobcat – Builder and Destroyer of Puzzles
The individual who cracked the code in under 10 minutes was JTobcat, a well-known figure in the crypto puzzle community and a member of the puzzle design firm Cyphage. On Twitter (now X), he describes himself as a “Builder and Destroyer of Puzzles,” indicating both his experience in creating and solving complex challenges.
His deep familiarity with cryptographic thinking and pattern recognition gave him a significant edge. In interviews and social media posts, JTobcat shared his step-by-step approach—a method that can serve as a blueprint for future participants.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: Solving the First TwelveFold Puzzle
Let’s walk through the exact steps JTobcat used to decode the mystery.
Step 1: Interpreting the Clue
The key phrase:
"Having two together during hibernation can make the difference."
Two elements stand out:
- "Having two together" – suggests that each image is composed of two components.
- "Difference" – hints at a mathematical operation: subtraction.
This linguistic clue points toward a process involving pairing and finding differences.
Step 2: Identifying the Image Composition
Each of the six images in the puzzle resembles a composite of two TwelveFold NFTs layered on top of each other. The solver’s task? To identify which two NFTs were combined to form each image.
Through visual analysis and comparison with the official TwelveFold gallery, JTobcat matched each image to its constituent NFT pairs:
185 and #195
63 and #72
39 and #46
184 and #203
136 and #137
181 and #204
These numbers are not random—they are sequential identifiers from the 300-piece collection.
Step 3: Calculating the Numerical Differences
Next, subtract the smaller number from the larger one in each pair:
- 195 – 185 = 10
- 72 – 63 = 9
- 46 – 39 = 7
- 203 – 184 = 19
- 137 – 136 = 1
- 204 – 181 = 23
This yields a sequence: 10, 9, 7, 19, 1, 23
Step 4: Decoding Using A1Z26 Cipher
The final step involves translating numbers into letters using the A1Z26 cipher, where A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26.
Applying this:
- 10 → J
- 9 → I
- 7 → G
- 19 → S
- 1 → A
- 23 → W
Putting them together: J-I-G-S-A-W → JIGSAW
And there it is—the answer: "JIGSAW", a clever nod to the nature of the puzzle itself.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the TwelveFold Puzzle?
A: It's a series of cryptographic challenges created by Yuga Labs, tied to their TwelveFold NFT collection. Solvers who correctly submit answers receive Bitcoin rewards—0.12 BTC per puzzle.
Q: How fast was the first puzzle solved?
A: The first puzzle was solved in just 10 minutes by Twitter user JTobcat, a seasoned puzzle designer and crypto community member.
Q: Is every puzzle going to use the same method?
A: Unlikely. While the first puzzle used visual pairing and numerical subtraction, future puzzles are expected to introduce more complex mechanics to prevent repetition and maintain challenge integrity.
Q: Do I need special tools to solve these puzzles?
A: Not necessarily. Most solutions rely on logic, pattern recognition, and basic cryptography knowledge. However, having access to the full NFT gallery and familiarity with ciphers like A1Z26 is highly beneficial.
Q: Can I still participate if I missed the first puzzle?
A: Yes. Yuga Labs has indicated multiple puzzles will be released over time. Staying updated through their official channels increases your chances of catching new ones early.
Q: Why is "difference" capitalized or emphasized?
A: In puzzle culture, unusual capitalization or phrasing often signals importance. Here, "difference" wasn’t just descriptive—it was a direct hint toward subtraction as an operation.
Tips for Future Puzzle Hunters
While each new challenge may differ in structure, certain best practices can boost your odds:
- Study the NFTs: Familiarize yourself with all 300 TwelveFold pieces. Visual memory plays a crucial role.
- Master basic ciphers: A1Z26, Caesar shifts, Base64, and hexadecimal decoding are common in crypto puzzles.
- Prepare technically: Have a Bitcoin wallet ready with some small BTC balance for transaction fees when submitting answers.
- Act quickly: As JTobcat noted, even after solving in 10 minutes, he spent nearly an hour setting up his submission due to technical delays.
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Final Thoughts
The rapid solution of the first TwelveFold Puzzle highlights both the brilliance of the solver and the elegance of the puzzle design. It blends art, cryptography, and blockchain into a compelling intellectual game—one that rewards observation, lateral thinking, and speed.
As Yuga Labs continues to expand its interactive experiences beyond static NFTs, events like TwelveFold represent the future of community engagement in web3: dynamic, rewarding, and deeply immersive.
Whether you're aiming to win BTC or simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt, understanding how these puzzles work gives you a real advantage. And remember—sometimes, the most poetic clue holds the most precise instruction.
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