Introduction
If you’re anything like the millions of people who’ve tried to solve the Rubik’s Cube, you know just how challenging it can be. This three-dimensional puzzle is iconic for its colorful and scrambled cube design. The question that many people ask, however, is how can they solve it?
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. From the basics for beginners to advanced techniques for solving blindfolded, we cover all the necessary steps to finally solve this classic toy for yourself. Whether you’re looking for some pointers to improve your speed or how to solve it blindfolded, you’ll find something useful here.
Before diving in, it’s worth noting that this guide is written for people of all ages and experiences. So, if you’re ready to get started, let’s dive in.
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Before you start solving the cube, you need to understand the notation that people use when referring to the different sides, faces, and moves of the cube. While not difficult, it’s an important first step.
The standard notation has four possible moves:
- F – Forward (clockwise rotation of the front side)
- B – Backward (clockwise rotation of the back side)
- R – Right (clockwise rotation of the right-hand side)
- L – Left (clockwise rotation of the left-hand side)
- U – Up (clockwise rotation of the top layer)
- D – Down (clockwise rotation of the bottom layer)
With the notation established, we can begin solving the Rubik’s Cube. These are the steps:
The Cross
The first step is to create a cross that’s the same color on a side. Choose a center piece to be your reference and then look for edge pieces that match the side of the center piece. Once you have found them, align the corresponding centers so that they match and perform the relative moves with the notation to bring the edge piece to the correct side. Repeat this step for the remaining edge pieces until you have created a cross with the same color on every side.
Solve the Corners
Next, we’ll solve the corner pieces. Using the same center piece as before, look for a corner piece that matches one of the adjacent color on the cross. Rotate the cube so that the corner piece is below its intended position, then perform the relative moves with the notation to bring the corner piece to its correct destination. Continue this step for the remaining corner pieces until you have placed all four on the correct sides.
Solve the Second Layer
Now that the first layer’s been completed, our next step is to solve the second layer. Start by finding a piece that has the same color as the center piece, then bring that piece to the correct position. Once the corner piece is at its correct location, look for the complementary edge piece. Position it so that it doesn’t affect the already placed corners, then slide it into place with the relative moves.
Solve the Top Layer
With the first two layers sorted, it’s time now to solve the top layer. If you notice that one edge piece is correctly oriented, focus on placing corner pieces starting from the one directly below the correctly oriented edge piece, counterclockwise. Repeat the below steps until all corner pieces are in their correct spots:
– Rotate the cube so that the unsolved corner is in the front-right-top position.
– Follow the relative moves with the notation to place the unsolved piece in the top layer.
– Rotate the U face of the cube to ensure the unsolved piece is directly above the intended slot.
– Perform the relative moves with the notation to insert the corner piece into its location.
– Repeat these steps for each corner piece until they’re correctly placed.
Once you’ve placed the corners, we need to solve the top layer’s edges. Rotate the U face so that a cross-like figure appears on the top layer. If the edges are not correct or need to be rotated, perform the relative moves with the notation until they are. This stage is often called the “Orient the Top Layer” stage.
Tips and Tricks for Faster Solution
Once you’ve mastered the basic solving method, you might be interested in reducing your solve time. Here are some tips and tricks to take your skills to the next level:
Finger Placement and Cube Manipulation
Efficient finger placement is necessary for speed. Most players use the thumb for making U and D moves while using the index, middle, and ring fingers for the R, L, F, and B moves. By conducting finger tricks quickly and using a cube lubricant to decrease friction, the cube can move faster. Lubricants such as silicone lubricant and Maru lube have become very popular in recent years, as they help to keep the puzzle slick and maneuverable.
Lookahead
As you start solving more quickly, your fingers will have to anticipate up to three or four steps ahead. The ability to “look ahead” is critical to reduce downtime between moves. Experienced players usually look at specific pieces while examining others in their peripheral vision. As time improves, players can anticipate the possible locations of corners or edges before the cube is manipulated. Practicing lookahead can involve writing down an algorithm and memorizing parts of it while solving the rest.
Efficient Cube Rotations and Finger Flicks
The efficiency of doing finger flicks for layer turns or rotations (picking up the cube and rotating it) is something to consider to minimize the move count. The speed can enhance the solving time by enabling the finishes of moves for the next turn to be completed faster. Experienced players will often use wrist or elbow movements to improve their rotation speed.
Solving the Rubik’s Cube Blindfolded
Ready for a challenge? With enough practice, it’s possible to solve the Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded. Here are some steps to follow:
Memorizing the Cube
The first step is memorizing the current Rubik’s Cube configuration. Similar to the previous solving methods, we can start with the cross, then continue to the corners, second layer, and the top layer. However, instead of solving the cube after each step, you should memorize it instead. The technique for memorization might vary between speedcubers, but many use a variety of orders for memorizing, such as image association or a letter system.
Solving Without Looking
Once the cube is memorized, it’s time to execute the moves. The technique used to solve the cube blindfolded is known as “M2,” which involves two clockwise U turns together. These moves are often used with different solving methods to create an algorithm using the notation. Speedcubers recommend starting with an easier cube pattern to become more accustomed to solving while blindfolded.
Solving the Rubik’s Cube Using Algorithms
If you’re considering a more advanced method, using algorithms can help simplify the solving process.
Understanding Algorithms
Essentially, algorithms are a set of moves that are predefined based on the starting and ending cube configurations. Once mastered, one can solve the different layers quickly and efficiently. For instance, we could use a popular algorithm called “R U R’ U'” to solve one of the edges of the top layer. In doing so, there is less time spent figuring out specific moves to be made, because they are already defined.
Example of an Algorithm Solve
With a basic algorithm or two memorized, let’s walk through an example solve. First, solve the white cross with the first-layer edges, using the notation described earlier. Then, use the same notation to solve the white corners. Once that’s finished, solve the second-layer edges using another algorithm. Then, finish the top layer by solving the edge faults and complete the last layer corners. As you finish the last layer corners, find an algorithm to orient the top layer edges according to the preferred method. Repeat as desired.
The Mathematics of Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube has some complex mathematical principles surrounding it, and understanding these principles can help you efficiently solve it.
Permutations and Group Theory
The Rubik’s Cube is essentially a permutation puzzle, and the mathematics of permutation can be explained through a branch of mathematics known as group theory. By understanding permutation theory, a player can reduce and recognize permutations more quickly. With practice, they can develop a sense of intuition about different cube patterns, and this knowledge can enhance the player’s chances of solves within a specific number of moves.
Further Study
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the mathematics of Rubik’s Cube, there are many great study resources to choose from. Books such as “The Cube: The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best-Selling Puzzle” and online courses like the ones offered on Coursera can help you sharpen your mathematical understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solving the Rubik’s Cube takes time and practice, but with the right steps outlined in this guide, anyone can do it. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to solve the cube for the first time or an advanced speedcuber looking to shave off a few seconds from your personal best, we hope that this guide has provided some useful insights and helped to expand your knowledge of the Rubik’s Cube. With a little perseverance, you’ll soon be able to impress your friends and family with your newly acquired skills!
It’s not easy to become a master of the Rubik’s Cube, but as they often say, practice makes perfect. With that in mind, why not give it a try using one of the techniques outlined in this guide? Who knows? You might be surprised at just how quickly and efficiently you can solve the Rubik’s Cube.
