I have a question about internal pops in 2x2, because this rule is paradoxical : 5b5) If, after the solve, non functional parts of the puzzle are still defect (like a centre cap of a cube) or not fully rotated (like a 5x5x5 centre piece twisted in its spot), but the puzzle is otherwise unambiguously solved, the puzzle is considered solved. (discretion of the main judge) An internal piece is functional, but the puzzle is unambiguously solved... It's the same with the 6x6x6 (TMOY said he popped an internal piece, and was able to continue and finish his solve, so it wasn't such a functional piece...) What would you decide ? DNF or no penality ?

[quote="oranjules":3rz66oc9]It's the same with the 6x6x6 (TMOY said he popped an internal piece, and was able to continue and finish his solve, so it wasn't such a functional piece...) [/quote:3rz66oc9] Since Jules' post doesn't specify it: it happened to me during an unofficial solve. I'm just curious about how it should be ruled if it happened during a comp.

Well, I'm afraid but this is clearly a DNF according to the current regulations: 10d) All pieces of a puzzle must be fully attached to the puzzle, and in their required positions. Exceptions: see Article 5 Puzzle defects. I think it is needless to say that this doesn't make too much sense, but changing this is on the ToDo list for the new regulations.

Sorry Sébastien but you don't answer my question. Let's take a look at the rule concerning the exceptions to the above one:: 5b5) If, after the solve, non functional parts of the puzzle are still defect (like a centre cap of a cube) or not fully rotated (like a 5x5x5 centre piece twisted in its spot), but the puzzle is otherwise unambiguously solved, the puzzle is considered solved. (discretion of the main judge) The actual question I'm asking is: is the internal piece a functional part or not ? It's meant to be one, but the puzzle works just as well without it...

Well, the regulations are very vague in that point. But: How could an internal piece not be functional? It will be part of the mechanism even if it doesn't influence the turning so much.

To my mind, an internal piece is a functional part of a puzzle. The way I define whether a piece is functional or not is simple. Just get all the pieces of a kind out of the cube. If you can't cube anymore , it was a functional piece.