How to Solve a Rubix Cube: Step-by-Step Guide

Beginner's method: Step-by-step guide for solving Rubik's cube

1. Solve the white cross

• Start with the white center: Keep the white center piece on top and the green center in front
• Find the white edge pieces and align them with their corresponding center colors
• Practice moving white edges without disturbing already fixed pieces

2. Complete the white corners

• Position white corners: Twist the bottom layer to place a white corner under its correct spot
• Use one of three algorithms based on the corner's orientation
• If a corner is in place but turned wrong, pop it out and insert another one

3. Solve the second layer (F2L)

• Use symmetric algorithms: Apply Right and Left algorithms to insert edge pieces from the top layer to the middle layer
• Match the non-white part of each edge to its center
• If an edge is in the correct position but incorrectly oriented, use the Right algorithm twice to pop it out

4. Create the yellow cross

• Apply the algorithm: Use F R U R' U' F' to form the yellow cross on top
• Repeat the algorithm based on the pattern: three times for a dot, twice for an "L" shape, once for a horizontal line
• Focus on forming the cross without worrying about side colors yet

5. Position yellow edges

• Switch front and left yellow edges: Use the algorithm R U R' U R U2 R' U
• Apply this algorithm multiple times if needed

6. Solve yellow corners

• Position corners: Move a piece to the correct spot and apply U R U' L' U R' U' L twice
• If no corners are in place, execute the algorithm once to get a good piece
• Repeat until all corners are correctly positioned

Advanced techniques for speedcubing

CFOP method overview

• Learn CFOP: The most popular speedsolving method for how to solve a Rubix cube, averaging 56 moves compared to the beginner's 110 moves
• CFOP stands for Cross, F2L (First Two Layers), OLL (Orientation of Last Layer), and PLL (Permutation of Last Layer)
• Practice F2L, which has 41 possible variations but many are mirror cases

2-look OLL and PLL

• Master 2-look OLL: Orient the top layer in two stages - edges first (3 cases), then corners (7 cases)
• Learn the standard algorithm: F (R U R' U') F' f (R U R' U') f' for 2-look OLL
• For 2-look PLL, use R U2 (R2' U') (R2 U') (R2' U') U' R

FAQ

How long does it take to learn how to solve a Rubik's cube?

With the beginner's method for solving Rubik's cube, most people can learn to solve it within a week of consistent practice. Mastering the basic method typically takes 2-3 hours of focused learning, followed by regular practice to improve speed and efficiency.

What is the easiest method to solve a Rubik's cube for beginners?

The easiest method for beginners is the layer-by-layer approach outlined in the Rubik's cube solution guide above. This method involves solving the white cross, white corners, second layer edges, and finally the yellow face. It's straightforward and requires memorizing only a few algorithms.

Do I need to memorize many algorithms to solve a Rubik's cube?

For the beginner's method of solving Rubik's cube, you only need to memorize a handful of algorithms. The basic method requires about 4-5 core algorithms. As you progress and want to solve faster, you can learn more advanced methods like CFOP, which involve more algorithms but lead to quicker solves.

What should I do if I get stuck while following the Rubik's cube solution guide?

If you get stuck, double-check that you've correctly followed each step of the beginner's method for solving Rubik's cube. Make sure you're holding the cube in the correct orientation for each algorithm. If you're still having trouble, try resetting that particular step and starting over. Practice each step individually before combining them.

How can I improve my solving speed after learning the basic method?

To improve your speed, practice regularly and focus on finger tricks to execute moves more efficiently. Learn to look ahead while solving, anticipating your next moves. Gradually transition to more advanced methods like CFOP, which is popular among speedcubers. Learn additional algorithms for last layer orientation (OLL) and permutation (PLL) to reduce the number of moves needed to solve the cube.