Mastering the Rubik’s Cube: Three Simple Methods to Solve it

In this guide, we will explore three straightforward methods to solve the Rubik’s Cube and even delve into some essential formulae to aid your solving journey.

Method 1: The Beginner’s Method

Step 1: Solve the White Cross

• – Start by selecting a color to solve first, commonly white or whichever color seems easiest to you.
• – Locate and solve the white center piece, forming a cross with white edges.
• – Position the edge pieces correctly to match the adjacent center colors.

Step 2: Complete the First Layer

• – Focus on solving the white corners by aligning them with the adjacent edge pieces and the center.
• – Rotate the bottom layer to match and position the corners correctly.

Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer

• – With the first layer complete, work on solving the middle layer.
• – Match the edge pieces with their corresponding centers, using simple algorithms to move pieces into place.

Step 4: Form the Yellow Cross

• – Flip the cube to solve the yellow face.
• – Orient the yellow edge pieces to form a cross on the yellow face.

Step 5: Position the Yellow Corners

• – Utilize algorithms to position the yellow corner pieces correctly.
• – This may involve rotating the top layer to align the corners.

Step 6: Solve the Final Layer

• – Apply algorithms to solve the remaining pieces on the yellow face, ensuring all colors match on each side.

Method 2: CFOP Method (Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL)

Step 1: Solve the White Cross (Cross)

• – Similar to the beginner’s method, start by forming a white cross on the bottom layer.
• – Focus on efficiency and speed by solving multiple pieces simultaneously.

Step 2: Solve the First Two Layers (F2L)

• – Unlike the beginner’s method, solve the first two layers simultaneously.
• – Pair up edge and corner pieces and insert them into their correct positions using intuitive or algorithmic methods.

Step 3: Orient the Last Layer (OLL)

• – Orient the yellow face to form specific patterns using algorithms.
• – Aim to reduce the number of moves required to orient all yellow pieces correctly.

Step 4: Permute the Last Layer (PLL)

• – Permute the pieces of the last layer to their correct positions.
• – Utilize algorithms to swap and reposition pieces until the cube is solved.

Method 3: Roux Method

Step 1: Build the First Two Blocks

• – Instead of starting with a cross, focus on building two 1x2x3 blocks on adjacent faces.
• – Utilize intuitive methods to efficiently construct these blocks.

Step 2: Solve the Remaining Pieces

• – Solve the remaining pieces of the first two layers simultaneously.
• – This may involve inserting corner and edge pieces using intuitive or algorithmic methods.

Step 3: Solve the Last Layer

• – Orient the last layer using algorithms or intuitive methods.
• – Permute the last layer pieces to their correct positions to complete the solve.

Formulae:

1. Notation:

• – F: Front face clockwise rotation
  – B: Back face clockwise rotation
  – R: Right face clockwise rotation
  – L: Left face clockwise rotation
  – U: Upper face clockwise rotation
  – D: Down face clockwise rotation

2. Basic Algorithms:

• – F R U R’ U’ F’: Moves a corner piece clockwise around the top layer.
  – R U R’ U R U2 R’: Swaps two adjacent edge pieces.

Remember, practice is key to mastering the Rubik’s Cube. Experiment with different methods and algorithms to find what works best for you. With dedication and persistence, you’ll soon be solving the Rubik’s Cube with ease and impressing friends and family with your newfound skills. Happy cubing!