How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: A Beginner's Guide
Have you ever wondered how to solve a Rubik's cube? The Rubik's cube is one of the most popular and challenging puzzles in the world. It consists of a 3x3x3 cube with six faces, each divided into nine smaller squares of one of six colors: white, yellow, red, blue, green, and orange. The goal is to twist and turn the cube until each face has only one color.
Solving a Rubik's cube may seem impossible at first, but it is actually not as hard as it looks. With some practice and patience, anyone can learn how to solve it in a few minutes. Solving a Rubik's cube can also improve your memory, concentration, logic, and spatial awareness skills.
rubik 39;s cube solve
In this article, we will show you how to solve a Rubik's cube using a simple and easy method that anyone can follow. This method involves solving the cube layer by layer, starting from the white face and ending with the yellow face. You will only need to learn a few algorithms, which are sequences of moves that rotate certain pieces on the cube. Don't worry, we will explain everything step by step with pictures and examples.
Before we start, let's go over some basic terms and notations that you will need to know when solving a Rubik's cube.
Introduction
Face: A face is one of the six sides of the cube. Each face has a center piece, which is fixed and determines the color of that face. For example, the white face has a white center piece.
Edge: An edge is a piece that has two colors and is located between two center pieces. For example, a white-red edge is an edge that has white and red stickers on it.
Corner: A corner is a piece that has three colors and is located at the intersection of three faces. For example, a white-red-blue corner is a corner that has white, red, and blue stickers on it.
Cubie: A cubie is a generic term for any piece on the cube, either an edge or a corner.
Layer:. A layer is a group of nine cubies that form one face of the cube and the adjacent edges and corners. For example, the top layer consists of the white center, the four white edges, and the four white corners.
Notation: A notation is a letter or a symbol that represents a move on the cube. There are six basic moves that correspond to the six faces of the cube: F (front), B (back), U (up), D (down), L (left), and R (right). Each letter means to turn that face clockwise by 90 degrees. To turn a face counterclockwise, add an apostrophe (') after the letter. For example, F' means to turn the front face counterclockwise. To turn a face twice, add a 2 after the letter. For example, U2 means to turn the up face twice.
Algorithm: An algorithm is a sequence of moves that accomplishes a specific goal on the cube. For example, R U R' U' is an algorithm that swaps two edge pieces on the top layer. Algorithms are usually written in brackets and followed by their names or descriptions.
Now that you know the basics, let's start solving the cube!
Step 1: Solve the White Cross
The first step is to make a white cross on the top face of the cube. This means that you need to match the four white edge pieces with the four center colors on the sides of the cube. For example, the white-red edge piece should be next to the red center piece, and so on.
To do this, you need to find the white edge pieces on the bottom layer and move them to the top layer using simple moves. You can use any face as your front face, as long as you keep it consistent throughout this step.
Here are some tips to help you solve the white cross:
Don't worry about the corners or the orientation of the edges at this point. You only need to match the colors of the edges and the centers.
If an edge piece is already on the top layer but not in its correct position, you can move it to the bottom layer by doing F2, R2, B2, or L2, depending on which side it is on.
If an edge piece is on the bottom layer but facing down, you can flip it up by doing F D F' or R D R', depending on which side it is on.
If an edge piece is on the bottom layer and facing up, you can bring it to the top layer by doing F' or R', depending on which side it is closer to.
Once you have an edge piece on the top layer and facing up, you can align it with its center color by doing U, U', or U2, depending on how far it is from its correct position.
After you align an edge piece with its center color, you can lock it in place by doing F2 or R2, depending on which side it is on.
Repeat these steps for all four edge pieces until you have a white cross on the top face.
To check if you have solved the white cross correctly, look at the top face and the four side faces of the cube. You should see a white cross on the top face and four matching colors on the side faces. If not, you may have placed some edge pieces in wrong positions or orientations. In that case, you need to fix them by moving them back to the bottom layer and then bringing them up again in their correct places.
Example
Let's look at an example of how to solve the white cross. Suppose your cube looks like this:
We can see that none of the white edge pieces are in their correct positions or orientations. Let's start with the white-red edge piece, which is on the bottom layer and facing down. We can flip it up by doing F D F', like this:
Now we have the white-red edge piece on the top layer and facing up. We can align it with the red center by doing U', like this:
Finally, we can lock it in place by doing F2, like this:
We have solved one edge piece of the white cross. We can repeat the same steps for the other three edge pieces until we have a complete white cross on the top face.
Step 2: Solve the White Corners
The next step is to solve the four white corner pieces on the top layer. This means that you need to match the three colors of each corner piece with the three center colors on the adjacent faces. For example, the white-red-blue corner piece should be next to the white, red, and blue center pieces, and so on.
To do this, you need to find the white corner pieces on the bottom layer and move them to the top layer using some simple algorithms. You can use any face as your front face, as long as you keep it consistent throughout this step.
Here are some tips to help you solve the white corners:
Don't worry about the edges or the orientation of the corners at this point. You only need to match the colors of the corners and the centers.
If a corner piece is already on the top layer but not in its correct position or orientation, you can move it to the bottom layer by doing R' D' R D or L D L' D', depending on which side it is on.
If a corner piece is on the bottom layer and has a white sticker facing down, you can bring it to the top layer by doing R' D' R or L D L', depending on which side it is closer to.
If a corner piece is on the bottom layer and has a white sticker facing front or right, you can bring it to the top layer by doing F D F' or R D R', depending on which side it is on.
If a corner piece is on the bottom layer and has a white sticker facing left or back, you can bring it to the top layer by doing B' D B or L' D L, depending on which side it is on.
Once you have a corner piece on the top layer and facing up, you can place it in its correct position by doing U, U', or U2, depending on how far it is from its correct position.
After you place a corner piece in its correct position, you can orient it correctly by doing one of these three algorithms: (R U R' U') (R U R' U') R U2 R', (R U2 R' U') (R U2 R'), or (R U R' U) (R U R' U) (R U R'). These algorithms will rotate the corner piece clockwise, counterclockwise, or twice, respectively. You can tell which algorithm to use by looking at the color of the front sticker of the corner piece. If it matches the front center color, use the first algorithm. If it matches the right center color, use the second algorithm. If it matches the left center color, use the third algorithm.
Repeat these steps for all four corner pieces until you have a complete white face on the top layer.
To check if you have solved the white corners correctly, look at the top face and the four side faces of the cube. You should see a white face on the top face and four matching colors on the side faces. If not, you may have placed some corner pieces in wrong positions or orientations. In that case, you need to fix them by moving them back to the bottom layer and then bringing them up again in their correct places.
Example
Let's look at an example of how to solve the white corners. Suppose your cube looks like this:
We can see that none of the white corner pieces are in their correct positions or orientations. Let's start with the white-red-blue corner piece, which is on the bottom layer and has a white sticker facing front. We can bring it to the top layer by doing F D F', like this:
Now we have the white-red-blue corner piece on the top layer and facing up. We can place it in its correct position by doing U2, like this:
Finally, we can orient it correctly by doing (R U R' U') (R U R' U') R U2 R', like this:
We have solved one corner piece of the white face. We can repeat the same steps for the other three corner pieces until we have a complete white face on the top layer.
Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer
The third step is to solve the four edge pieces on the middle layer. This means that you need to match the two colors of each edge piece with the two center colors on the adjacent faces. For example, the red-blue edge piece should be next to the red and blue center pieces, and so on.
To do this, you need to find the edge pieces on the bottom layer and move them to the middle layer using some algorithms. You can use any face as your front face, as long as you keep it consistent throughout this step.
Here are some tips to help you solve the middle layer:
Don't worry about the corners or the orientation of the edges at this point. You only need to match the colors of the edges and the centers.
If an edge piece is already on the middle layer but not in its correct position or orientation, you can move it to the bottom layer by doing one of these two algorithms: (U R U' R' U' F' U F) or (U' L' U L U F U' F'), depending on which side it is on.
If an edge piece is on the bottom layer and has a sticker facing front or back that matches one of the center colors, you can bring it to the middle layer by doing one of these two algorithms: (U R U' R' U' F' U F) or (U' L' U L U F U' F'), depending on which side it is closer to.
If an edge piece is on the bottom layer and has a sticker facing left or right that matches one of the center colors, you can bring it to the middle layer by doing one of these two algorithms: (U2 R U' R' U' F' U F) or (U2 L' U L U F U' F'), depending on which side it is closer to.
Once you have an edge piece on the middle layer and facing front or back, you can align it with its center colors by doing U, U', or U2, depending on how far it is from its correct position.
Repeat these steps for all four edge pieces until you have a complete middle layer.
To check if you have solved the middle layer correctly, look at the four side faces of the cube. You should see four matching colors on each face and no white or yellow stickers. If not, you may have placed some edge pieces in wrong positions or orientations. In that case, you need to fix them by moving them back to the bottom layer and then bringing them up again in their correct places.
Example
Let's look at an example of how to solve the middle layer. Suppose your cube looks like this:
We can see that none of the edge pieces are in their correct positions or orientations. Let's start with the red-blue edge piece, which is on the bottom layer and has a blue sticker facing front. We can bring it to the middle layer by doing (U R U' R' U' F' U F), like this:
Now we have the red-blue edge piece on the middle layer and facing front. We can align it with its center colors by doing U, like this:
We have solved one edge piece of the middle layer. We can repeat the same steps for the other three edge pieces until we have a complete middle layer.
Step 4: Solve the Yellow Cross
The fourth step is to make a yellow cross on the top face of the cube. This means that you need to orient the four yellow edge pieces so that they form a cross shape on the top face. You don't need to worry about their positions or colors at this point, only their orientations.
To do this, you need to use one algorithm that flips two or four edge pieces on the top layer. You can use any face as your front face, as long as you keep it consistent throughout this step.
Here are some tips to help you solve the yellow cross:
If you have no yellow edge pieces on the top face, hold the cube so that any yellow edge piece is on the front face and do this algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. This will flip two edge pieces and make a yellow L shape on the top face.
If you have a yellow L shape on the top face, hold the cube so that the L is in the top left corner and do this algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. This will flip four edge pieces and make a yellow line on the top face.
If you have a yellow line on the top face, hold the cube so that the line is horizontal and do this algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. This will flip four edge pieces and make a yellow cross on the top face.
If you have a yellow cross on the top face, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.
To check if you have solved the yellow cross correctly, look at the top face of the cube. You should see a yellow cross on the top face and no white stickers. If not, you may have flipped some edge pieces incorrectly. In that case, you need to repeat the algorithm until you have a yellow cross on the top face.
Example
Let's look at an example of how to solve the yellow cross. Suppose your cube looks like this:
We can see that we have no yellow edge pieces on the top face. We can hold the cube so that any yellow edge piece is on the front face and do this algorithm: F R U R' U' F', like this:
Now we have a yellow L shape on the top face. We can hold the cube so that the L is in the top left corner and do this algorithm: F R U R' U' F', like this:
Now we have a yellow line on the top face. We can hold the cube so that the line is horizontal and do this algorithm: F R U R' U' F', like this:
Now we have a yellow cross on the top face. We have solved the fourth step of the cube.
Step 5: Solve the Yellow Corners
The fifth and final step is to solve the four yellow corner pieces on the top layer. This means that you need to permute and orient the four yellow corner pieces so that they match the colors of the side faces. For example, the yellow-red-blue corner piece should be next to the yellow, red, and blue center pieces, and so on.
To do this, you need to use two algorithms that swap and rotate the corner pieces on the top layer. You can use any face as your front face, as long as you keep it consistent throughout this step.
Here are some tips to help you solve the yellow corners:
If you have one or more yellow corner pieces in their correct positions but not orientations, you can skip the first algorithm and move on to the second one.
If you have no yellow corner pieces in their correct positions, you can do the first algorithm from any angle until you have one or more yellow corner pieces in their correct positions.
The first algorithm swaps three corner pieces in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on which way you hold the cube. The algorithm is: (R U' L' U) (R' U L) (U2). To swap three corner pieces clockwise, hold the cube so that the corner piece that stays in place is in the front right position and do the algorithm. To swap three corner pieces counterclockwise, hold the cube so that the corner piece that stays in place is in the front left position and do the algorithm.
The second algorithm rotates two or four corner pieces in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on which way you hold the cube. The algorithm is: (R' D' R D) (R' D' R D). To rotate two or four corner pieces clockwise, hold the cube so that the corner piece that needs to be rotated clockwise is in the front right position and do the algorithm. To rotate two or four corner pieces counterclockwise, hold the cube so that the corner piece that needs to be rotated counterclockwise is in the front left position and do the algorithm.
Repeat these algorithms until you have all four yellow corner pieces in their correct positions and orientations.
To check if you have solved the yellow corners correctly, look at all six faces of the cube. You should see a solid color on each face and no stickers out of place. If not, you may have swapped or rotated some corner pieces incorrectly. In that case, you need to repeat the algorithms until you have a solved cube.
Example
Let's look at an example of how to solve the yellow corners. Suppose your cube looks like this:
We can see that we have no yellow corner pieces in their correct positions. We can do the first algorithm from any angle until we have one or more yellow corner pieces in their correct positions. For example, we can hold the cube like this and do this algorithm: (R U' L' U) (R' U L) (U2), like this:
Now we have one yellow corner piece in its correct position, which is the yellow-red-blue corner piece. We can hold the cube so that this corner piece is in the front right position and do the first algorithm again until we have all four yellow corner pieces in their correct positions. For example, we can do this algorithm twice, like this:
Now we have all four yellow corner pieces in their correct positions, but not orientations. We can hold the cube so that the corner piece that needs to be rotated clockwise is in the front right position and do the second algorithm until it is oriented correctly. For example, we can do this algorithm three times, like this:
We have solved one corner piece of the yellow face. We can repeat the same steps for the other three corner pieces until we have a complete yellow face on the top layer.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you have solved the Rubik's cube! You have learned how to solve the cube using a simple and easy method that involves solving the cube layer by layer, starting from the white face and ending with the yellow face. You have also learned how to use some basic algorithms that rotate and swap certain pieces on the cube.
Solving a Rubik's cube is a fun and rewarding activity that can improve your memory, concentration, logic, and spatial awareness skills. It can also impress your friends and family with your amazing puzzle-solving abilities.
Of course, this is not the only way to solve a Rubik's cube. There are many other methods and techniques that you can learn and practice to solve the cube faster and more efficiently. Some of these methods involve fewer moves, fewer algorithms, or different strategies. You can find many resources online or in books that teach you these advanced methods.
The more you practice and learn, the better you will become at solving the Rubik's cube. You can also challenge yourself by trying different types of Rubik's cubes, such as 4x4x4, 5x5x5, or even 17x17x17 cubes. You can also try to solve the cube blindfolded, with one hand, or underwater.
The possibilities are endless. The Rubik's cube is a puzzle that never gets old or boring. It is always a new and exciting challenge that tests your skills and creativity. So what are you waiting for? Grab your cube and start solving!
FAQs
What is the fastest way to solve a Rubik's cube?
The fastest way to solve a Rubik's cube depends on your skill level and preference. Some of the most popular methods used by speedcubers are CFOP, Roux, ZZ, and Petrus. These methods involve fewer moves and algorithms than the beginner's method, but require more practice and memorization. The current world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's cube is 3.47 seconds, set by Yusheng Du in 2018.
How many moves does it take to solve a Rubik's cube?
The number of moves it takes to solve a Rubik's cube depends on the method and technique you use. The beginner's method usually takes around 100 moves or less to solve the cube. The advanced methods can take around 50 moves or less to solve the cube. The theoretical minimum number of moves it takes to solve any scrambled Rubik's cube is 20, which is known as God's number. How many possible combinations are there on a Rubik's cube?
There are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible combinations on a 3x3x3 Rubik's cube. That is a very large number, which is hard to imagine. To put it in perspective, if you had one Rubik's cube for every person on Earth, you would still need more than 6 billion Earths to have all the possible combinations.
Who invented the Rubik's cube and when?
The Rubik's cube was invented by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian professor of architecture and design, in 1974. He originally called it the Magic Cube and used it as a teaching tool to demonstrate three-dimensional geometry. He patented his invention in 1975 and licensed it to a toy company in 1979. The cube became an international sensation in the early 1980s and has since sold over 350 million units worldwide.
What are some other types of Rubik's cubes?
There are many other types of Rubik's cubes that vary in size, shape, color, and mechanism. Some of the most common ones are:
4x4x4 Rubik's cube: Also known as the Rubik's Revenge, this cube has 16 smaller squares on each face and 56 cubies in total. It is more complex and challenging than the 3x3x3 cube, as it involves parity cases and center orientation.
5x5x5 Rubik's cube: Also known as the Professor's Cube, this cube has 25 smaller squares on each face and 98 cubies in total. It is even more complex and challenging than the 4x4x4 cube, as it involves more layers and pieces to solve.
Megaminx: This is a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle that has 12 pentagonal faces and 50 cubies in total. It is similar to the 3x3x3 cube in terms of solving methods, but has more permutations and orientations.
Pyraminx: This is a tetrahedron-shaped puzzle that has four triangular faces and 10 cubies in total. It is one of the easiest twisty puzzles to solve, as it can be solved in as few as 11 moves.
Skewb: This is a cube-shaped puzzle that has six square faces and 14 cubies in total. It is different from the regular cube in that it twists along its corners rather than its faces.
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