Whether you’ve just learnt how to solve the cube or you’re a veteran, there are many different methods that are available, each with their own unique opportunities to improve in speed (if that’s what you want to do). I’m going to talk about some of the methods people have created to address one of two different aspects – Efficiency and ease-of-learning.
Learn the Beginner's Method »
Efficiency / Speed
There have been many methods created to maximise speed and set records. For some, solving the Rubik’s Cube, although a massive achievement, isn’t enough. Puzzlers may choose to either practice the speed aspect of the cube whilst others may choose to discover different modifications and different puzzles. There’s only so far that the original method can carry a solver in terms of speed, so many more have been created that, whilst increasing the number of algorithms required to learn, have unlocked potential that has before been thought impossible, such as below 10 second solves.
Advanced CFOP / Fridrich Method
The main method that people advance to off of beginner methods is CFOP. In fact, some beginner methods use some, if not all, of CFOP’s steps in a slightly easier to understand way. Since it became popular, CFOP has always been the Old Faithful of speedcubing – Simple to learn and, although harder to get good at, very rewarding to those who put in the time. Nobody has been able to devise a more efficient method and although some different methods are still popular and incredibly fast times are possible on those as well, CFOP has always been the main method. Perhaps one of the reasons for its popularity is the logical sense that each step makes. The steps involve building the foundations for the first two layers and then pairing up pieces before inserting them around the foundations to solve the first two layers. Then the last layer is tackled by learning the algorithms to solve the cube in two extra steps. All steps of this method become incredibly simple once algorithms have been drilled and the solver has practiced enough, which probably contributes to its unbelievable speed capacities.
Learn the Advanced Fridrich Method »
Roux Method
Roux is a metho that is a large competitor with CFOP. The fastest Roux solver is currently 15th in the World for a single solve, although the same solve was 3rd in the World when it was set. He has also used the method to win many UK and European competitions, proving that it truly is a competitor to CFOP. Whereas CFOP relies on mainly on look-ahead with only a small focus on intuitive solving (the F2L stage, although it could be argued that it is intuitive, has only a certain number of possible cases for each pair that eventually become muscle memory, whereas the cross has many more possibilities), two major steps in Roux involve intuitive block building. Also, being able to accurately turn the cube fast is arguably more important in Roux. In CFOP, the last two steps have algorithms that can be drilled normally, but Roux’s last step used the M slice and U moves only, which make accurate turning even more vital so as to avoid pops. In terms of ease of understanding, CFOP is more structured for the average beginner than Roux is. Roux uses some pretty advanced techniques such as block building right off the bat, so almost all people who use Roux have switched to it after getting familiar and fairly quick with CFOP.
Learn the Roux Method »
Metha Method
The Metha method method was made for 3x3 by Yash Mehta, but it has been adapted tobig cubesby Matthew Hinton with the Mehta-MH method, and it also workson Square-1, but the details for that are still being worked out.
There are multiple versions of Mehta. The main group is Mehta-OS, OS standing for Option Select, and the advanced section is Mehta-TDR, named so after the first varying step, TDR, in that path.
Our Metha tutorial presents Mehta 6CO, 6CP, L5EPpath, which is the recommended path for a solver that is not highly advanced. It is also the base for Mehta-OS and is most likely the only path to have fully gennedbeginners' algorithms.
Learn the Metha Method »
ZZ
ZZ method tries to shorten CFOP’s move count and improve finger tricking opportunities. It involves orienting edges as part of the first stage to remove the need for F, B or D moves. The last layer can then be solved in one look as all four edges are oriented, however there are 493 algorithms to learn to do this; something that only a few dozen people have been able to learn in its entirety. You could use simple OLL and PLL from the CFOP method which would mean you only need to learn 7 algorithms for OLL instead of 57, however when the difficulty of the first step in comparison to the lower algorithm requirement means that, for most people, CFOP comes out on top.
Learn the ZZ Method »
Ease-Of-Learning
Some methods are focused at beginners, those who are only now holding a cube in their hands and wanting to learn how to solve the puzzle for the first time. These methods generally focus on avoiding algorithms (which can be confusing for beginners) and solving the cube as logically as possible, so the solver can see what is happening and how it is happening. Any algorithms that are used are normally very simple ones that need repeating a few times to get the desired position. All speedcubers have started with one of these methods before moving on to more advanced methods, whereas these methods may be sufficient for general puzzlers.
Beginner CFOP/Fridrich, also called Layer-By-Layer
Layer-by-layer Rubik’s Tutorial »
There is a beginner version of the CFOP method which minimizes algorithms as much as possible. It is popular due to its logical progression, despite being fairly challenging at times. Concept such as building the cross are difficult to explain at first, which can unfortunately put many people off at the first hurdle. However, those who persevere will see that the cross is probably one of, if not the most confusing stages. Then normal progression for this method is to then use one algorithm over and over to eventually put each corner in to its correct position. Then, two algorithms are used to finish the second layer. This is normally a massive confidence boost for beginners, as the cube looks 2/3 solved. The last two steps can be difficult to understand because there isn’t much opportunity to avoid algorithm learning. The simplest form of OLL is to use one of two algorithms to orient all of the edges before repeating one algorithm until you reach a desired position, where repeating the same algorithm one last time will complete the stage. PLL, similarly to OLL, has many different variations that all achieve the same thing whilst simplifying the last step, for example some beginner variations of OLL result in one of only 3 or 4 different PLL’s compared to the possible 21 with normal OLL. One of the simplest of the PLL explanations is by, once again, repeating two different algorithms after positioning the U layer correctly each time. When time is not an important factor for the solver, the entirety of CFOP can be simplified heavily with the intention of doing what the solver wants – To solve the cube, in the majority of cases for the first time.
There is also a method which solves the corners first, but in terms of logical and easy to follow methods for beginners, most available on the internet are some variation of the beginner CFOP method listed above.
Solve the Rubik’s Cube Blindfolded »
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FAQs
Which method is best for solving Rubik's cube? ›
2.2 CFOP Method (Fridrich Method)
This method is also known as the Fridrich Method since it was popularized by Jessica Fridrich [10]. This method was selected because it is well known and known as the most popular method for quickly solving a Rubik's Cube.
Once again, there are two different methods: two-look and one-look PLL. In this version, you'll solve the cube within two algorithms, which means you have to learn fewer algorithms overall. However, if you want to solve cubes at world-record speeds, you'll want to know all of them.
What's the easiest method to solve a Rubik's cube? ›Position.
Is Fridrich method and CFOP same? ›The CFOP method (Cross – F2L – OLL – PLL), sometimes known as the Fridrich method, is one of the most commonly used methods in speedsolving a 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube. This method was first developed in the early 1980s combining innovations by a number of speed cubers.
What is the fastest 3 by 3 method? ›The CFOP Method (Fridrich) is the most popular speedcubing method. First the bottom layer edges are solved, then the first two layers are filled in either using intuition or algorithms, and finally the top layer is solved in two steps: OLL then PLL.
Is the roux method better than CFOP? ›The CFOP is more widely used than the Roux. Most world records have been attained using the CFOP, so we can conclude that it is the fastest method in terms of numbers.
What is the IQ of a person who can solve a Rubik's cube? ›So the answer maybe is 100–130 . This will only happen if you use the rubik's cube frequently .
Is solving Rubiks cube in 2 minutes good? ›When you start out it can even be challenging to beat 5 minutes, but once you master them you can definitely hit 2 minutes, but that really is a good time.
How do you solve a 1 by 1 Rubik's cube? ›Learn How to Solve a 1x1 Rubik's Cube - YouTube
What is the cube formula? ›Length = Breadth = Height = a. Thus, the measure of each edge of the cube = a. Therefore, the volume of cube formula is a × a × a = a3. It is to be noted that the number obtained using cube formula is the perfect cube number.
Can you solve a Rubik's Cube in 2 moves? ›
Solve The Rubiks Cube With 2 Moves! - YouTube
How do you solve a Rubik's Cube in 4 moves? ›How to Solve the Rubik's Cube in 4 Moves - YouTube
Is CFOP better than beginners method? ›Of course CFOP is faster. But if you are learning the CFOP and you master the beginner's method(BM), you may be faster at BM. But on mastering the CFOP, you will find that CFOP is faster. Now what makes CFOP faster?
Who invented ZZ method? ›History. The ZZ method was invented in 2006 by a Polish speedcuber called Zbigniew Zborowski as an efficient (for speedsolving) and ergonomic blockbuilding/LBL method for the 3x3 Rubik's cube.
Who invented F2L? ›René Schoof is a Dutch professor of mathematics. According to Guus Razoux Schultz, Schoof was the original 1981 proposer of F2L, the speedsolving concept of using corner-edge pairs to finish the first two layers of a 3x3 Rubik's Cube.
What is the easiest speedcubing method? ›What is the easiest method? The easiest method to learn is probably the beginner's layer-by-layer (LBL) method in which you solve the first, second, and the finally the last layer one by one. It's pretty basic, therefore easy to learn.
How do you solve F to L? ›Learn F2L in 6 minutes (Full Intuitive F2L Tutorial) - YouTube
How do you get sub 10 on 3x3? ›How To Be Sub-10 on 3x3 | My 4 Best Tips! - YouTube
Is ZZ faster than CFOP? ›The ZZ method has fewer moves than CFOP, with ZZ averaging 45-55 compared to CFOP's 55-60 moves. Because ZZ uses EO and block building, it is very move-efficient, these techniques are used in FMC (Fewest Move Challenge).
Which is faster Roux or ZZ? ›I'm method neutral, and I've experimented with plenty of methods before, and to be honest, the ones with the lowest move counts are Roux and Petrus. Both the methods have average move count of 40; ZZ comes next, with around 50 moves.
Which is easier Roux or ZZ? ›
ZZ is more helpful if you are interested in one-handed (OH). Petrus is more helpful in making the X-cross. ZZ probably involves the most number of algorithms which can be difficult to learn. Petrus, on the other hand, is more intuitive and requires very few algorithms.
Does Rubiks cube increase IQ? ›You may have heard that solving a Rubik's cube makes you more intelligent, but no, this is just a myth. Of course, there are many benefits of solving a Rubik's cube and cubing has several other mental as well as physical advantages, but making you more intelligent isn't of those.
What is lowest possible IQ? ›However, the lowest IQ score possible is zero. Can someone actually get this low of a score? In theory, yes. But no one in recorded history has officially scored zero on an IQ test, even if that result is theoretically attainable.
Is solving a Rubik's cube a talent? ›Cubing is more like a trained skill that we developed with hours of practice. There are exceptions, for example, things like a brute force blindsolve with the LBL method (before you have a clue what a memory method is) shows some talent in visual perception and memory.
How quickly can the average person solve a Rubik's cube? ›It takes the average person about three hours to solve a Rubik's cube for the first time, but it can take a speedcuber only seven seconds. As the name implies, speedcubing is a sport in which participants solve, most commonly, the 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube as quickly as possible.
How long does the average person take to solve a Rubik's cube? ›In many cases, according to some sources, it should be possible for the average person to complete a Rubik's cube in around 20 to 25 minutes. Of course, there are those exceptional people who can solve a cube in less than a minute. The world record for the standard 3 by 3 by 3 cube is 3.47 seconds.
How many moves does it take to solve a Rubik's cube on average? ›The results suggest that there are more than 100 million starting positions - of a possible 43 billion billion - that can be solved in exactly 20 moves. However, the majority of solutions take between 15 and 19 moves to solve.
Is there a 100x100 Rubik's cube? ›The 100x100 Rubik's Cube is a theoretical Rubik's Cube with 100 layers, unlike the normal Rubik's Cube, with only 3. The pure immensity of this Rubik's Cube assembled requires you to assemble 58,808 (fifty-eight thousand eight hundred and eight) parts, which are the visible part.
What is the fastest 1x1 solve? ›The current Unofficial World Record for the 1x1 is 8 minutes 59 seconds.
What's the 1x1 world record? ›It cannot be turned in any way because it is only one little cubie. The cube's only purposes are for fun and collecting, although some people will correctly say that it is the hardest cube to solve. The unofficial world record is 0.02 seconds when the subject had a lucky Cross, F2L, OLL and PLL skip.
What is ZZ method in Rubik's cube? ›
ZZ method. The ZZ method (short for "Zbigniew Zborowski") is a modern speedcubing method originally proposed by Zbigniew Zborowski in 2006. The method was designed specifically to achieve high turning speed by focusing on move ergonomics, and is the combination of a block-building method and a layer-by-layer method.
What is the Petrus Method? ›The Petrus method is a method for solving the Rubik's Cube created in 1981 by Lars Petrus. There are seven steps - 2x2x2 block, expand to 2x2x3, twist bad edges, finish first two layers, position last layer corners, twist last layer corners, and position last layer edges.
What is the roux method? ›Roux (French: [ʁu], English: [ɹuː] ROO) is a Rubik's cube speedsolving method invented by Gilles Roux. Roux is based on Blockbuilding and Corners First methods. It is notable for its low movecount, lack of rotations, heavy use of M moves in the last step, and adaptability to One-Handed Solving.
Does Go cube teach CFOP? ›The GoCube academy (training zone) currently supports the basic LBL (Layer By Layer) method. The app does not support advanced algorithms (CFOP, ROUX) in terms of stats and analytics, but we are definitely working on adding them to heighten your playing experience!.
Is ZZ better than CFOP? ›ZZ is better than CFOP for OH because of its lower movecount and rotationless solving but still worse than Roux because the ergonomics are worse and the movecount is higher.
What is the easiest speedcubing method? ›What is the easiest method? The easiest method to learn is probably the beginner's layer-by-layer (LBL) method in which you solve the first, second, and the finally the last layer one by one. It's pretty basic, therefore easy to learn.
Is ZZ method faster than CFOP? ›Both the methods have average move count of 40; ZZ comes next, with around 50 moves. CFOP (aka Fridrich) has an average move count of 55 to 60 moves, while 4LLL CFOP has an average move count of 70.
How do you do the Waterman method? ›- Step 1: Solve one layer of the cube. ...
- Step 2: Solve the corners of the opposite layer. ...
- Step 3a: Solve two of the edges on R, while at the same time placing a third somewhere in the R layer.
- Step 3b: Finish the R edges while orienting the M edges, all in one algorithm. ...
- Step 3c: Solve the M edges.
The Speedcubing Method We All Invented... - YouTube
How do you solve f2l advanced? ›Advanced F2L Tutorial (CFOP) - YouTube
Who invented ZZ method? ›
History. The ZZ method was invented in 2006 by a Polish speedcuber called Zbigniew Zborowski as an efficient (for speedsolving) and ergonomic blockbuilding/LBL method for the 3x3 Rubik's cube.
What are the 3 types of roux? ›There are four varieties of roux: white, blond, brown, and dark brown. The different colors are a result of how long the roux is cooked; white is cooked for the shortest time, while dark brown cooks the longest. White and blond roux are the most common, used to thicken sauces, soups, and chowders.
How do you perm AJ? ›How to Solve a 3x3 Using Only J Perm - YouTube
How do you solve f2l in 5 seconds? ›Rubik's Cube: 5 Tips To Immediately Improve Your F2L Look Ahead
Which Smart cube is best? ›| Smart cube | Weight | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| GAN I Carry | 77.5 g | It has solid performance and has all the features of GAN's flagship cubes with replaceable batteries. |
| Rubik's Connected | 112 g | It turns quite smoothly and is stickered. |
| GOCUBE edge | 125 g | Pillowed and a bit heavy but it has a very good build quality. |
It will take hardly two or three days to learn all the algs. But you will find difficulty executing the algs during solves for the rest of the year and to have a good time it needs constant practice and every day you will have practice harder and longer. Which is time consuming.