Rubix cube has inspired, and at times frustrated, many gamers since its invention in 1974. Today, Rubix cube is considered to be the world’s most famous puzzle. Some people took up the challenge to solve this complex colorful puzzle, and came up with different methods.
While some ways of solving the Rubix Cube are to be memorized, there are others that rely on the understanding of the complex algorithms behind the Cube. Here are a few techniques to solve a Rubix cube:
1. Learn the Terminology:
Rubix Cube is not just any puzzle, it’s a complex one. There are certain terminologies that you must be aware of before attempting to solve the Cube. Here are a few important ones:
- Edge Pieces: Pieces with two colors, in the middle rows, and are 12 in number.
- Corner Pieces: Pieces with three colors, in the corners, and are 8 in number.
- Center Pieces: Pieces with one color, in the center of each side, are 6 in number and do not move.
- Each side of the cube is represented by a letter (R)ight, (L)eft, (U)p, (D)own, (F)ront and (B)ack.
- Three types of turns are used; clockwise, counter-clockwise, and half turns.
2. Learn the Techniques to solve a Rubix Cube:
Get your hands on a good book that details different Rubix Cube solutions. Most books also explain the logic behind the solutions, so that you may solve a Rubix Cube anywhere, anytime, and impress your friends and family with your good grasp of the solution. Try to find a book with pictorial content. All you need is practice and lots of patience!
Some of the famous techniques for solving a Rubix Cube are:
- Speed cubing: The faster method, in which the gamer has to learn up to 78 algorithms!
- Fridrich Method: The layer-by-layer method in which the gamers begins by solving a cross on one side/face of a cube. It’s the fastest method in use today.
- ZB Method: A little different from the former one, this method requires a few hundred algorithms.
- ZZ Method: This method has three basic, but technical steps.
- Petrus Method: It is a famous one and is often used in fewest moves contest. In this method, the cube is solved layer by layer.
- Heise Method: This method does not require any algorithms, one inner square and three outer squares are built instinctively.
- Corner First Method: Two approaches are used known as Waterman and Jelinek Methods.
3. Search the Web:
Gone are the times when solving a Rubix cube was considered impossible. Now, there are many websites that provide Rubix Cube solutions, starting from the tutorials for dummies to complex and technical solutions. Some websites also support animations that clearly show the proper moves for the solved puzzle. There are sites which allow you to enter the current configuration of your Rubix Cube and then click the ‘solve’ button. From there on, follow the instructions and solve your very own Rubix Cube!
4. Watch a Video on how to solve a Rubix Cube:
Different websites, like YouTube, have various videos that you can watch and learn from. These videos allow the viewer to watch and slowly follow the moves the experts make. You may learn a few skills this way as well. There are other video-based blogs and tutorials available as well.
