How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: A Beginner's Guide
The Rubik's Cube is a 3-D combination puzzle that was invented in 1974 by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture. He originally called it the Magic Cube and designed it as a tool to model three-dimensional movement and structure to his students. In 1980, he licensed his invention to Ideal Toy Corp, which renamed it after him and sold it to the masses. The Rubik's Cube became the most popular puzzle game and toy in the world, with more than 350 million sold as of 2018.
The cube consists of six faces, each covered by nine stickers of one of six colors: white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow. The cube can be twisted on any of its faces, which allows the colors to be scrambled and mixed up. The goal of the puzzle is to restore each face to have only one color, by applying a series of moves that rotate and permute the pieces.
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Solving a Rubik's Cube is not only fun and satisfying, but also has many benefits for your brain and mental skills. Some of these benefits include:
Improving your memory: Solving a Rubik's Cube requires you to memorize and recall various patterns, algorithms, and sequences of moves.
Developing your problem-solving skills: Solving a Rubik's Cube involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller and simpler steps, applying logic and strategy, and finding creative solutions.
Enhancing your spatial awareness: Solving a Rubik's Cube helps you visualize and manipulate three-dimensional shapes and orientations, which can improve your spatial intelligence and geometry skills.
Boosting your concentration: Solving a Rubik's Cube demands your full attention and focus, which can help you block out distractions and improve your mental clarity.
Increasing your confidence: Solving a Rubik's Cube can give you a sense of achievement and pride, which can boost your self-esteem and motivation.
The Rubik's Cube also has a rich history and culture, with many remarkable records and achievements related to it. Some of these include:
The current world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube is 3.13 seconds, set by Max Park from the United States in 2023.
The current world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube blindfolded is 12.78 seconds, set by Tommy Cherry from the United States in 2023.
The current world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube with one hand is 6.20 seconds, set by Max Park from the United States in 2022.
The current world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube with feet is 16.96 seconds, set by Daniel Rose-Levine from the United States in 2019.
The current world record for solving the most number of 3x3x3 Rubik's Cubes in one hour is 1,010 cubes, set by Shivam Bansal from India in 2019.
The largest functional Rubik's Cube is 2.022 meters (6 feet 7 inches) on each side, created by Tony Fisher from the United Kingdom in 2016.
The smallest functional Rubik's Cube is 0.99 millimeters (0.039 inches) on each side, created by Evgeniy Grigoriev from Russia in 2018.
The most expensive Rubik's Cube is the Masterpiece Cube, which is made of 18-karat gold and has 185 carats of precious stones, valued at $2.5 million, created by Fred Cuellar from the United States in 1995.
How to solve the Rubik's Cube
If you want to learn how to solve the Rubik's Cube, you need to understand some basic notation and terminology that are used to describe the moves and algorithms that you will apply to the cube. Here are some of the most common ones:
Notation
Meaning
F
Turn the front face clockwise by 90 degrees
F'
Turn the front face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
R
Turn the right face clockwise by 90 degrees
R'
Turn the right face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
U
Turn the upper face clockwise by 90 degrees
U'
Turn the upper face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
L
Turn the left face clockwise by 90 degrees
L'
Turn the left face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
D
Turn the down face clockwise by 90 degrees
D'
Turn the down face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
B
Turn the back face clockwise by 90 degrees
B'
Turn the back face counterclockwise by 90 degrees
M
Turn the middle layer between the left and right faces clockwise by 90 degrees
M'
Turn the middle layer between the left and right faces counterclockwise by 90 degrees
E
Turn the middle layer between the upper and down faces clockwise by 90 degrees
E'
Turn the middle layer between the upper and down faces counterclockwise by 90 degrees
S
Turn the middle layer between the front and back faces clockwise by 90 degrees
S'
Turn the middle layer between the front and back faces counterclockwise by 90 degrees
x
Rotate the whole cube around the right face axis (R becomes U, U becomes L, L becomes D, D becomes R)
x'
Rotate the whole cube around the left face axis (L becomes U, U becomes R, R becomes D, D becomes L)
y
Rotate the whole cube around the upper face axis (U becomes F, F becomes D, D becomes B, B becomes U)
y'
Rotate the whole cube around the down face axis (D becomes F, F becomes U, U becomes B, B becomes D)
z
Rotate the whole cube around the front face axis (F becomes R, R becomes B, B becomes L, L becomes F)
z'
Rotate the whole cube around the back face axis (B becomes R, R becomes F, F becomes L, L becomes B)
There are many different methods and algorithms for solving the Rubik's Cube, but one of the most common and easy to learn is the layer-by-layer method. This method involves solving the cube in three steps: the first layer, the second layer, and the last layer. Here is a brief overview of each step:
Step 1: Solve the first layer
The first layer consists of the four edge pieces and four corner pieces that surround the center piece of one face. You can choose any face as your first layer, but for simplicity, we will use the white face as an example. The goal of this step is to form a white cross on the top face, and then insert the white corners to complete the first layer.
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To form the white cross, you need to find the four edge pieces that have a white sticker on them, and move them to the top face, so that they match with the center piece of their respective color. For example, the white and green edge piece should be on the top face, between the white and green center pieces. You can use various moves to bring the white edge pieces to the top face, depending on where they are located on the cube. Here are some examples:
If the white edge piece is on the bottom face, you can simply turn the bottom face (D or D') until it is below its matching center piece, and then turn the corresponding side face (F or F', R or R', L or L', B or B') twice to bring it up.
If the white edge piece is on the middle layer, you can turn the corresponding side face (F or F', R or R', L or L', B or B') to bring it down to the bottom face, and then follow the previous step.
If the white edge piece is on the top face, but not in its correct position or orientation, you can turn the top face (U or U') until it is above an empty slot on the bottom face, and then turn the corresponding side face (F or F', R or R', L or L', B or B') twice to bring it down and up again.
Once you have formed the white cross, you need to insert the four white corner pieces to complete the first layer. To do this, you need to find the corner pieces that have a white sticker on them, and move them to their correct position on the bottom face, so that they match with their adjacent edge pieces. For example, the white, green, and red corner piece should be on the bottom face, between the green and red edge pieces. You can use various moves to bring the white corner pieces to their correct position on the bottom face, depending on where they are located on the cube. Here are some examples:
If the white corner piece is on the bottom face, but not in its correct position or orientation, you can turn the bottom face (D or D') until it is below an empty slot on the top face, and then use the following algorithm to bring it up and down again: R' D' R D.
If the white corner piece is on the top face, but not in its correct position or orientation, you can turn the top face (U or U') until it is above its matching slot on the bottom face, and then use the following algorithm to bring it down and up again: R' D' R D.
Repeat these steps until you have inserted all four white corner pieces and completed the first layer. You should now have a white face with a matching T-shaped pattern on each side.
Step 2: Solve the second layer
The second layer consists of the four edge pieces that are between the first and last layers. The goal of this step is to move these edge pieces from the top face to their correct position on the middle layer, so that they match with their adjacent center pieces. For example, the green and red edge piece should be on the middle layer, between the green and red center pieces.
To do this, you need to find an edge piece on the top face that does not have a yellow sticker on it, and move it to its correct position on the middle layer, using one of two algorithms depending on whether it needs to go to the right or left. Here are some examples:
If the edge piece needs to go to the right, you can use the following algorithm: U R U' R' U' F' U F.
If the edge piece needs to go to the left, you can use the following algorithm: U' L' U L U F U' F'.
Repeat these steps until you have moved all four edge pieces from the top face to their correct position on the middle layer. You should now have two completed layers with a matching color band on each side.
Step 3: Solve the last layer
The last layer consists of the four corner pieces and four edge pieces that surround the center piece of the opposite face of the first layer. In our example, this is the yellow face. The goal of this step is to orient and permute these pieces so that they form a yellow face with a matching color on each side. This step is the most complex and involves several sub-steps and algorithms.
Sub-step 1: Form a yellow cross
The first sub-step is to form a yellow cross on the top face, by orienting the four edge pieces that have a yellow sticker on them. Depending on the initial configuration of the top face, you may have one of four cases: no yellow edge piece on the top face, a yellow L-shape on the top face, a yellow line on the top face, or a yellow cross on the top face. Here are some examples:
If you have no yellow edge piece on the top face, you can use the following algorithm: F R U R' U' F'.
If you have a yellow L-shape on the top face, you can use the following algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to align the L-shape with the front and right faces before applying the algorithm.
If you have a yellow line on the top face, you can use the following algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to align the line with the front and back faces before applying the algorithm.
If you have a yellow cross on the top face, you can skip this sub-step and move on to the next one.
Repeat this sub-step until you have formed a yellow cross on the top face. You should now have a yellow cross with four different colors on each side.
Sub-step 2: Align the yellow cross
The second sub-step is to align the yellow cross with its matching center pieces, by permuting the four edge pieces that have a yellow sticker on them. Depending on the initial configuration of the top face, you may have one of three cases: none of the edge pieces are aligned, one of the edge pieces is aligned, or all of the edge pieces are aligned. Here are some examples:
If none of the edge pieces are aligned, you can use the following algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'. You may need to repeat this algorithm twice to align all of the edge pieces.
If one of the edge pieces is aligned, you can use the following algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the aligned edge piece at the back face before applying the algorithm.
If all of the edge pieces are aligned, you can skip this sub-step and move on to the next one.
Repeat this sub-step until you have aligned the yellow cross with its matching center pieces. You should now have a yellow cross with a matching color on each side.
Sub-step 3: Position the yellow corners
The third sub-step is to position the four corner pieces that have a yellow sticker on them, by permuting them in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Depending on the initial configuration of the top face, you may have one of four cases: none of the corner pieces are in their correct position, one of the corner pieces is in its correct position, two of the corner pieces are in their correct position and adjacent to each other, or two of the corner pieces are in their correct position and opposite to each other. Here are some examples:
If none of the corner pieces are in their correct position, you can use either of these algorithms: U R U' L' U R' U' L or U' L' U R U' L U R'. You may need to repeat this algorithm until one of the corner pieces is in its correct position.
If one of the corner pieces is in its correct position, you can use either of these algorithms: U R U' L' U R' U' L or U' L' U R U' L U R'. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the correct corner piece at the front-right position before applying the algorithm.
If two of the corner pieces are in their correct position and adjacent to each other, you can use either of these algorithms: U R U' L' U R' U' L or U' L' U R U' L U R'. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the correct corner pieces at the front-right and back-right positions before applying the algorithm.
If two of the corner pieces are in their correct position and opposite to each other, you can use either of these algorithms: U R U' L' U R' U' L or U' L' U R U' L U R'. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the correct corner pieces at the front-right and back-left positions before applying the algorithm.
Repeat this sub-step until you have positioned all four yellow corner pieces. You should now have a yellow face with four different colors on each corner.
Sub-step 4: Orient the yellow corners
The fourth and final sub-step is to orient the four corner pieces that have a yellow sticker on them, by rotating them in place. Depending on the initial configuration of the top face, you may have one of seven cases: all of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, one of the corner pieces is oriented correctly, or none of the corner pieces are oriented correctly but they form one of five possible patterns. Here are some examples:
If all of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, you can skip this sub-step and celebrate your success.
If one of the corner pieces is oriented correctly, you can use the following algorithm: R' D' R D R' D' R D. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the correct corner piece at the front-right position before applying the algorithm.
If none of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, but they form a fish pattern, you can use the following algorithm: R' D' R D R' D' R D. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the fish pattern at the front-left position before applying the algorithm.
If none of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, but they form a dot pattern, you can use the following algorithm: R' D' R D R' D' R D. You may need to repeat this algorithm twice to orient all of the corner pieces.
If none of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, but they form a line pattern, you can use the following algorithm: R' D' R D R' D' R D. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the line pattern at the front and back positions before applying the algorithm.
If none of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, but they form a T pattern, you can use the following algorithm: R' D' R D R' D' R D. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the T pattern at the right and left positions before applying the algorithm.
If none of the corner pieces are oriented correctly, but they form a L pattern, you can use the following algorithm: R' D' R D R' D' R D. You may need to turn the top face (U or U') to place the L pattern at the front-right and back-left positions before applying the algorithm.
Repeat this sub-step until you have oriented all four yellow corner pieces. You should now have a solved Rubik's Cube with a matching color on each face.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned how to solve a Rubik's Cube using a simple and easy method that involves three steps and four sub-steps. You have also learned some basic notation and terminology that are used to describe the moves and algorithms that you apply to the cube. You have also discovered some of the benefits and history of this amazing puzzle game and toy.
Of course, this is not the only way to solve a Rubik's Cube, nor is it the fastest or most efficient one. There are many other methods and algorithms that you can learn and practice to improve your skills and speed. Some of these methods include CFOP, Roux, ZZ, Petrus, and more. You can also try solving different types and sizes of Rubik's Cubes, such as 2x2x2, 4x4x4, 5x5x5, Pyraminx, Megaminx, Skewb, and more.
If you want to learn more about the Rubik's Cube and its various aspects, you can visit some of these websites and resources:
[Rubik's Official Website]: The official website of Rubik's brand, where you can find more information about the Rubik's Cube and its various aspects, such as products, events, news, and more.
[Grubiks]: A website where you can play online 3D puzzles, such as Rubik's Cube, Pyraminx, Skewb, and more. You can also use solvers to get step-by-step solutions for your puzzles.
[CubeSkills]: A website where you can learn speedcubing tutorials from Feliks Zemdegs, a two-time Rubik's Cube world champion. You can find videos and guides for different methods and levels of difficulty.
[Rubik's Solve It]: A website where you can find helpful guides to solve the most popular Rubik's puzzles, such as 3x3x3, 2x2x2, 4x4x4, Pyramid, and more. You can download PDFs or watch videos to learn the steps.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new and useful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family who might also be interested in learning how to solve the Rubik's Cube. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Rubik's Cube and how to solve it:
Q: How many possible combinations are there on a Rubik's Cube?
A: There are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 (or 43 quintillion) possible combinations on a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube. That means that if you had one cube for every person on Earth, you would still need more than 6 billion cubes to have one of each possible combination.
Q: How do I know if my Rubik's Cube is solvable?
A: A Rubik's Cube is solvable if it has not been tampered with or taken apart and put back together incorrectly. There are some basic rules that determine if a cube is solvable or not, such as:
The center pieces of each face cannot be moved or swapped, so they determine the color of each face.
The number of edge pieces that are flipped (have the wrong orientation) must be even.
The number of corner pieces that are twisted (have the wrong orientation) must be divisible by three.
The number of edge pieces that are swapped (have the wrong position) must be even.
The number of corner pieces that are swapped (have the wrong position) must be even.
If any of these rules are violated, then the cube is unsolvable and needs to be fixed or replaced.
Q: How do I lubricate my Rubik's Cube?
A: Lubricating your Rubik's Cube can help it move faster and smoother, which can improve your solving speed and experience. However, you should not use any oil-based or sticky substances to lubricate your cube, as they can damage the plastic or stickers. Instead, you should use a silicone-based lubricant that is designed for Rubik's Cubes or similar puzzles. You can find these lubricants online or in some hobby stores.
To lubricate your cube, you need to apply a small amount of lubricant to the core and the pieces of your cube. You can do this by either taking apart your cube and applying the lubricant directly to the parts, or by inserting a syringe or a needle into the gaps between the pieces and injecting the lubricant inside. You should not over-lubricate your cube, as this can make it too slippery or gummy. After applying the lubricant, you should turn your cube several times to distribute it evenly and wipe off any excess.
Q: How do I clean my Rubik's Cube?
A: Cleaning your Rubik's Cube can help it look nicer and last longer. However, you should not use any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your cube, as they can damage the plastic or stickers. Instead, you should use a soft cloth or a paper towel dampened with water or mild soap to wipe off any dirt or dust from your cube. You should not submerge your cube in water or expose it to high temperatures or direct sunlight, as this can warp or fade the plastic or stickers.
Q: How do I customize my Rubik's Cube?
A: Customizing your Rubik's Cube can make it more personal and unique. There are many ways to customize your cube, such as:.
Changing the stickers: You can replace the original stickers of your cube with different colors, shapes, patterns, or images. You can find various sticker sets online or in some hobby stores, or you can make your own using a printer and a sticker paper. You can also remove the stickers altogether and paint or dye the plastic pieces instead.
Modifying the mechanism: You can alter the internal structure and mechanism of your cube to change its performance and feel. You can find various parts and tools online or in some hobby stores, or you can use a 3D printer or a cutter to make your own. Some of the modifications you can do include changing the springs, screws, washers, magnets, cores, or pieces.
Shaping the cube: You can reshape the external appearance and size of your cube to create different forms and challenges. You can find various shaped cubes online or in some hobby stores, or you can use a 3D printer or a cutter to make your own. Some of the shapes you can create include cuboids, pyramids, spheres, stars, hearts, and more.
These are just some of the ways to customize your Rubik's Cube. You can also combine different methods and techniques to create your own unique and original cube. However, you should be careful and follow the instructions when customizing your cube, as you may damage or ruin it if you do it incorrectly or without proper tools. 44f88ac181
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