How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: Tips and Tricks for Beginners and Beyond
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Solving the Rubik's Cube can be a fun and rewarding challenge, but it can also be frustrating if you don't know how to do it. There are many methods and algorithms that can help you solve the cube, but they require some practice and memorization. In this article, I will give you some tips and tricks that can help you solve the Rubik's Cube faster and easier.
Basic terminology and notation
Before we start solving the cube, we need to understand some basic terms and symbols that are used to describe the cube and its movements. Here are some of them:
Face: A face is one of the six sides of the cube, each with a different color. The faces are usually denoted by their initial letters: F (front), B (back), U (up), D (down), L (left), R (right).
Layer: A layer is a group of nine pieces that belong to one face. For example, the top layer consists of all the pieces on the U face.
Piece: A piece is one of the 26 smaller cubes that make up the Rubik's Cube. There are three types of pieces: centers, edges, and corners.
Center: A center is a piece that has only one sticker on it. There are six centers on the cube, one for each color. The centers never move relative to each other, so they determine the color scheme of the cube.
Edge: An edge is a piece that has two stickers on it. There are 12 edges on the cube, each with two different colors. The edges can move around the cube, but they always stay on their own layer.
Corner: A corner is a piece that has three stickers on it. There are eight corners on the cube, each with three different colors. The corners can move around the cube, but they always stay on their own corner.
Move: A move is an action that rotates one layer of the cube by 90 degrees or 180 degrees.. A move is an action that rotates one layer of the cube by 90 degrees or 180 degrees. For example, F means to turn the front face clockwise by 90 degrees, F' means to turn it counterclockwise by 90 degrees, and F2 means to turn it by 180 degrees. There are six basic moves for each face: F, B, U, D, L, R. You can also use lowercase letters to denote wide moves that turn two layers at once, such as f, b, u, d, l, r. Alternatively, you can use the letter w to indicate a wide move, such as Fw, Bw, Uw, Dw, Lw, Rw. There are also three cube rotations that change the orientation of the whole cube: x, y, z. These rotations follow the direction of the R, U, and F moves respectively. For example, x means to rotate the cube so that the right face becomes the front face. You can also use M, E, and S to denote slice moves that turn only the middle layer of the cube. These moves follow the direction of the L, D, and F moves respectively. For example, M means to turn the middle layer between L and R as if you were doing an L' move.
Here is a table that summarizes the basic notation for the Rubik's Cube:
Move
Description
F
Turn the front face clockwise by 90 degrees
F'
Turn the front face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
F2
Turn the front face by 180 degrees
B
Turn the back face clockwise by 90 degrees
B'
Turn the back face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
B2
Turn the back face by 180 degrees
U
Turn the up face clockwise by 90 degrees
U'
Turn the up face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
U2
Turn the up face by 180 degrees
D
Turn the down face clockwise by 90 degrees
D'
Turn the down face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
D2
Turn the down face by 180 degrees
L
Turn the left face clockwise by 90 degrees
L'
Turn the left face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
L2
Turn the left face by 180 degrees
R
Turn the right face clockwise by 90 degrees
R'
Turn the right face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
R2
Turn the right face by 180 degrees
x
Rotate the whole cube so that the right face becomes the front face
y
Rotate the whole cube so that the up face becomes the front face
z
Rotate the whole cube so that the front face becomes the up face
M
Turn the middle layer between L and R as if you were doing an L' move
E
Turn the middle layer between U and D as if you were doing a D move
S
Turn the middle layer between F and B as if you were doing an F move
You can also use parentheses to group moves together, such as (R U R') or (F2 U2). You can also use numbers to indicate how many times to repeat a move or a group of moves, such as R2 U2 (R U R')3. You can also use a dot to separate moves, such as R U R' . F U F'. However, these are optional and not always necessary.
Beginner's method
Now that we know how to describe the cube and its moves, we can start solving it using a simple and easy method that consists of seven steps. This method is also known as the layer-by-layer method, because it solves the cube one layer at a time. Here are the steps:
Make a white cross on the first layer: The goal of this step is to place four white edges on the top layer, forming a cross shape. To do this, you need to find a white edge on any face of the cube, and then move it to the top layer by using one of these three cases:
Case 1: The white sticker is on the bottom face (D)
Case 2: The white sticker is on the side face (F, B, L, or R)
Case 3: The white sticker is on the top face (U)
Solution: Turn the bottom layer (D) until the white edge is under its matching center. Then do F2 to bring it up to the top layer.
Solution: Turn the side face (F, B, L, or R) until the white edge is on the bottom layer (D). Then follow Case 1.
Solution: Turn the top layer (U) until the white edge is above its matching center. Then do R U R' or L' U' L to bring it down to the side face. Then follow Case 2.
Repeat this process for all four white edges until you have a white cross on the top layer. Make sure that each white edge matches with its center color on the side faces. For example, if you have a white and green edge, it should be between the white center and the green center.
Insert the white corners on the first layer: The goal of this step is to place four white corners on the top layer, completing the first layer. To do this, you need to find a white corner on any face of the cube, and then move it to Make a yellow cross on the last layer: The goal of this step is to place four yellow edges on the top layer, forming a cross shape. To do this, you need to look at the top face and identify one of these four cases:
Case 1: No yellow edge on the top face
Case 2: One yellow edge on the top face forming a dot
Case 3: Two yellow edges on the top face forming an L shape
Case 4: Two yellow edges on the top face forming a line
Solution: Do this algorithm from any angle: F R U R' U' F'.
Solution: Do this algorithm from any angle: F R U R' U' F'. Then follow Case 3 or Case 4.
Solution: Do this algorithm with the L shape in the top left corner: F R U R' U' F'. Then follow Case 4.
Solution: Do this algorithm with the line horizontal: F R U R' U' F'. You have made a yellow cross.
Orient the yellow corners on the last layer: The goal of this step is to rotate the four yellow corners on the top layer so that they have the yellow sticker facing up. To do this, you need to look at the top face and identify one of these four cases:
Case 1: All four yellow corners are oriented correctly
Case 2: One yellow corner is oriented correctly
Case 3: No yellow corner is oriented correctly, but two are in a diagonal line
Case 4: No yellow corner is oriented correctly, but two are next to each other
Solution: You have oriented all the yellow corners. Skip this step.
Solution: Hold the cube with the correct corner in the top right corner of the front face. Then do this algorithm: R' D' R D. Repeat this algorithm until all the yellow corners are oriented correctly.
Solution: Hold the cube with the diagonal line horizontal. Then do this algorithm: R' D' R D. Repeat this algorithm until you get Case 2. Then follow Case 2.
Solution: Hold the cube with the two adjacent corners in the top right and bottom right corners of the front face. Then do this algorithm: R' D' R D. Repeat this algorithm until you get Case 2 or Case 3. Then follow Case 2 or Case 3.
Permute the yellow edges on the last layer: The goal of this step is to swap the four yellow edges on the top layer so that they match with their center colors on the side faces. To do this, you need to look at the top face and identify one of these four cases:
Case 1: All four yellow edges are permuted correctly
Case 2: Two yellow edges are permuted correctly and two are opposite to each other
Case 3: Two yellow edges are permuted correctly and two are adjacent to each other
Case 4: No yellow edge is permuted correctly
Solution: You have permuted all the yellow edges. You have solved the Rubik's Cube. Congratulations!
Solution: Hold the cube with the two correct edges on the back and left faces. Then do this algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R' U.
Solution: Hold the cube with the two correct edges on the back and right faces. Then do this algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R' U. Then follow Case 2.
Solution: Do this algorithm from any angle: R U R' U R U2 R' U. Repeat this algorithm until you get Case 2 or Case 3. Then follow Case 2 or Case 3.
Advanced tips and tricks
If you have mastered the beginner's method and want to improve your skills and speed, here are some tips and tricks that can help you:
Use finger tricks: Finger tricks are ways of executing moves faster and more smoothly by using your fingers instead of your whole hand or wrist. For example, instead of turning the right face with your whole right hand, you can use your index finger to push or pull the right face. Finger tricks can reduce the time and effort needed for each move, and also prevent injuries from repetitive motions. You can learn finger tricks by watching videos of fast cubers or practicing with a timer.
Use lookahead: Lookahead is the ability to plan your next moves while executing your current moves. For example, while you are solving the white cross, you can look for the white corners that you need for the next step. Lookahead can improve your efficiency and fluency by reducing pauses and mistakes. You can improve your lookahead by practicing slow solves, where you focus on finding your next pieces rather than turning fast.
Use shortcuts: Shortcuts are ways of skipping or combining steps by using different algorithms or techniques. For example, instead of solving the last layer in two steps (orienting and permuting), you can use one algorithm that does both at once (OLL and PLL). Shortcuts can reduce the number of moves and time needed to solve the cube. You can learn shortcuts by studying more advanced methods or algorithms online or from books.
Learn more advanced methods: There are many methods that can help you solve the cube faster and easier than the beginner's method. Some of the most popular ones are CFOP, Roux, and ZZ. These methods have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and goals. You can learn more about these methods by reading tutorials or watching videos online.
Practice and compete: The best way to improve your skills and speed is to practice regularly and consistently. You can use a timer or an app to measure your progress and set goals for yourself. You can also compete with other cubers online or in person, to challenge yourself and have fun. You can find online platforms or local events where you can join competitions and meet other cubers.
Conclusion
The Rubik's Cube is a fascinating puzzle that can provide hours of entertainment and satisfaction. Solving the cube can also improve your memory, concentration, logic, and creativity. In this article, I have shown you how to solve the cube using a simple and easy method that consists of seven steps. I have also given you some tips and tricks that can help you improve your speed and efficiency. I hope you have enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you want to learn more about the Rubik's Cube, here are some useful resources and links that you can check out: - [Rubik's Official Website]: This is the official website of the Rubik's brand, where you can find more information about the history, products, and events related to the cube. - [World Cube Association]: This is the official organization that governs the competitions and records of the cube. Here you can find the rules, rankings, and calendar of events for cubing. - [CubeSkills]: This is a website created by Feliks Zemdegs, one of the fastest and most famous cubers in the world. Here you can find tutorials, videos, and tips for solving the cube and other puzzles. - [Ruwix]: This is a website that contains a lot of information and tools for cubing. Here you can find online solvers, timers, simulators, and articles for various methods and algorithms. FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Rubik's Cube:
How many possible combinations are there on the Rubik's Cube?
There are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible combinations on the Rubik's Cube. That's a very large number that is hard to imagine. To put it in perspective, if you had one cube for every person on Earth, and each person made one move per second, it would take more than 1.3 billion years to go through all the combinations.
What is the world record for solving the Rubik's Cube?
The current world record for solving the Rubik's Cube is 3.47 seconds, set by Yusheng Du from China in 2018. The current world record for solving the cube blindfolded is 15.50 seconds, set by Max Hilliard from the USA in 2019. The current world record for solving the cube with one hand is 6.82 seconds, set by Max Park from the USA in 2018.
What is the easiest way to solve the Rubik's Cube?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different methods may suit different people better. However, one of the easiest and most popular methods is the beginner's method that I have explained in this article. This method is easy to learn and follow, and can solve any cube in less than 100 moves.
What is the hardest Rubik's Cube?
The standard Rubik's Cube has 3x3x3 dimensions, meaning that it has three layers on each side. However, there are also cubes with different dimensions, such as 2x2x2, 4x4x4, 5x5x5, and so on. The larger the cube, the more complex and difficult it becomes to solve. The largest cube that has been made so far is 33x33x33, which has more than 6.68 x 10^157 possible combinations.
How can I get faster at solving the Rubik's Cube?
The best way to get faster at solving the cube is to practice regularly and consistently. You can also use a timer or an app to measure your progress and set goals for yourself. You can also learn more advanced methods and algorithms that can reduce the number of moves and time needed to solve the cube. You can also improve your finger tricks and lookahead skills that can make your moves faster and smoother.
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