The graphic represents an unfolded cylinder that has a rotatable ring around its girth. Nine blocks, labeled 1 to 9 in order, occupy that band initially. There are three vertical grooves which intersect this band; the slots will always carry 2 blocks although the slot length is for three.

At any one time, if a block in one vertical is moved up or down, the blocks in the other slots move simultaneously in the same direction. Horizontal bands may be rotated left or right as many places as you wish (but one place per mouseover).

Position at initialisation:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9       x   x     x

and then after several moves:

	U
L	6   7     1 2 3 x x x 4 9 8 5	R
	D

Note: All of the links provide interaction.


1. Suggest how I can "backtrack" to the initial position in the shortest possible moves.
   Consider R4, 4R or RRRR, all being equivalent, as 4 moves.

2. Then, is it possible to reverse the order of the digits? If so, how?

Reset to the download position.     Set to the initialisation position.
Note: mouseover on links is very sensitive.