How to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 5 Easy Steps
Have you ever wondered how some people can solve a Rubik's cube in seconds, while others struggle for hours or even give up? If you are one of those who want to learn how to solve this fascinating puzzle, then you are in luck. In this article, I will show you how to solve a Rubik's cube in 5 easy steps, using simple and clear instructions, diagrams, and videos. You don't need any special skills or talents, just a Rubik's cube and some patience. By the end of this article, you will be able to impress your friends and family with your new skill.
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Introduction
What is a Rubik's cube and why is it so popular?
A Rubik's cube is a 3D puzzle that consists of six faces, each divided into nine smaller squares of one of six colors: white, yellow, red, green, blue, and orange. The goal is to twist and turn the cube until each face has only one color. The cube was invented in 1974 by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian professor of architecture, who wanted to create a model of three-dimensional geometry. The cube became an international sensation in the 1980s, selling over 350 million units worldwide. Today, it is still one of the most popular and challenging puzzles ever created.
What are the benefits of solving a Rubik's cube?
Solving a Rubik's cube is not only fun and satisfying, but also beneficial for your brain. According to various studies, solving a Rubik's cube can improve your memory, concentration, problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, creativity, and mental agility. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, and boredom. Solving a Rubik's cube can also boost your confidence and self-esteem, as you overcome a difficult challenge and achieve a personal goal.
What do you need to solve a Rubik's cube?
To solve a Rubik's cube, you only need two things: a Rubik's cube and some basic knowledge of how it works. You don't need any fancy tools or gadgets, just your hands and eyes. You also don't need to memorize hundreds of complicated formulas or algorithms, just a few simple ones that I will teach you in this article. You can use any type or size of Rubik's cube, as long as it has six faces with nine squares each. However, I recommend using a standard 3x3x3 cube that is smooth and easy to turn.
Step 1: Solve the white cross
How to find and position the white edge pieces
The first step to solve a Rubik's cube is to make a white cross on one face of the cube. To do this, you need to find and position the four edge pieces that have white on them. These pieces are called white edges. To find the white edges, you need to look at the six faces of the cube and locate the pieces that have a white sticker on them. There are only four such pieces on the cube, and they are easy to spot. To position the white edges, you need to move them to the top face of the cube, where the white center piece is. The white center piece is fixed and does not move, so you can use it as a reference point. You need to match the color of the other sticker on the white edge with the color of the center piece on the adjacent face. For example, if you have a white and green edge piece, you need to move it to the top face, next to the green center piece. You can use different moves to bring the white edges to the top face, depending on where they are. Here are some examples:
The letters in the diagram represent the faces of the cube: F for front, R for right, U for up, L for left, D for down, and B for back. A letter followed by an apostrophe means a counterclockwise turn of 90 degrees, while a letter without an apostrophe means a clockwise turn of 90 degrees. For example, F' means turn the front face counterclockwise by 90 degrees, while R means turn the right face clockwise by 90 degrees. How to avoid messing up the white cross
Once you have positioned one white edge piece correctly, you need to do the same for the other three. However, you need to be careful not to mess up the white edge piece that you have already solved. To avoid this, you need to use a simple technique called "holding". Holding means keeping the solved white edge piece on the back face of the cube, while you work on the other white edge pieces. This way, you will not affect the solved piece with your moves. To hold a white edge piece on the back face, you need to rotate the whole cube in your hands until the solved piece is on the back face. Then, you can use the same moves as before to position another white edge piece on the top face. After that, you need to hold again and repeat until you have all four white edge pieces on the top face.
Step 2: Solve the white corners
How to find and position the white corner pieces
The second step to solve a Rubik's cube is to make a white face by solving the four corner pieces that have white on them. These pieces are called white corners. To find the white corners, you need to look at the six faces of the cube and locate the pieces that have a white sticker on them. There are only four such pieces on the cube, and they are easy to spot. To position the white corners, you need to move them to the bottom layer of the cube, where they belong. The bottom layer is opposite to the top layer, where you have made the white cross. You need to match not only the color of the white sticker, but also the colors of the other two stickers on each corner piece with the colors of the center pieces on their respective faces. For example, if you have a white, green, and red corner piece, you need to move it to the bottom right corner of the green and red faces. You can use different moves to bring the white corners to the bottom layer, depending on where they are. Here are some examples:
The letters in the diagram represent the faces of the cube, as explained before. A letter followed by a 2 means a double turn of 180 degrees, either clockwise or counterclockwise. For example, U2 means turn the up face twice by 180 degrees. How to use algorithms to solve the white corners
Once you have positioned one white corner piece correctly, you need to do the same for the other three. However, you need to be careful not to mess up the white corner piece that you have already solved. To avoid this, you need to use a simple algorithm that will move the white corner piece from the bottom layer to the top layer, without affecting the other pieces. An algorithm is a sequence of moves that has a specific effect on the cube. The algorithm that you need to use for this step is called R' D' R D. This means turn the right face counterclockwise, then turn the down face counterclockwise, then turn the right face clockwise, then turn the down face clockwise. You need to repeat this algorithm until the white corner piece is on the top layer, with the white sticker facing up. Then, you can hold again and repeat until you have all four white corner pieces on the top layer.
Step 3: Solve the middle layer
How to find and position the middle layer edge pieces
The third step to solve a Rubik's cube is to complete the first two layers by solving the four edge pieces that belong to the middle layer. These pieces are called middle edges. To find the middle edges, you need to look at the four faces of the cube that are not white or yellow, and locate the pieces that have no white or yellow stickers on them. There are only four such pieces on the cube, and they are easy to spot. To position the middle edges, you need to move them from the top layer to the middle layer, where they belong. You need to match not only the colors of both stickers on each edge piece with the colors of the center pieces on their respective faces, but also their orientation. For example, if you have a green and red edge piece, you need to move it from the top layer to the middle layer, between the green and red center pieces, with the green sticker facing the green center piece and the red sticker facing the red center piece. You can use different algorithms to move the middle edges from the top layer to the middle layer, depending on their position and orientation. Here are some examples:
The letters in the diagram represent the faces of the cube, as explained before. The algorithm on the left is called U R U' R' U' F' U F, and it is used to move a middle edge piece from the top layer to the right slot of the middle layer. The algorithm on the right is called U' L' U L U F U' F', and it is used to move a middle edge piece from the top layer to the left slot of the middle layer. How to use one algorithm to solve the middle layer
Once you have positioned one middle edge piece correctly, you need to do the same for the other three. However, you need to be careful not to mess up the middle edge piece that you have already solved. To avoid this, you need to use a simple technique called "hiding". Hiding means moving the solved middle edge piece to the back slot of the middle layer, while you work on the other middle edge pieces. This way, you will not affect the solved piece with your algorithms. To hide a middle edge piece on the back slot, you need to rotate the whole cube in your hands until the solved piece is on the back slot. Then, you can use one of the two algorithms as before to position another middle edge piece on the right or left slot of the middle layer. After that, you need to hide again and repeat until you have all four middle edge pieces on the middle layer.
Step 4: Solve the yellow cross
How to orient the yellow edge pieces
The fourth step to solve a Rubik's cube is to make a yellow cross on the opposite face of the white face. To do this, you need to orient the four edge pieces that have yellow on them. These pieces are called yellow edges. To orient the yellow edges, you need to move them to the top face of the cube, where the yellow center piece is. The yellow center piece is fixed and does not move, so you can use it as a reference point. You need to make sure that the yellow sticker on each edge piece is facing up, forming a cross shape. You can use different algorithms to orient the yellow edges, depending on their initial configuration. Here are some examples:
The letters in the diagram represent the faces of the cube, as explained before. The algorithm on the left is called F R U R' U' F', and it is used to orient two yellow edge pieces that are opposite to each other. The algorithm on the right is called F U R U' R' F', and it is used to orient two yellow edge pieces that are adjacent to each other. How to use two algorithms to solve the yellow cross
Once you have oriented one or two yellow edge pieces correctly, you need to do the same for the other two or three. However, you need to be careful not to mess up the yellow edge pieces that you have already oriented. To avoid this, you need to use a simple technique called "aligning". Aligning means rotating the top face of the cube until the yellow edge pieces that are oriented match with the colors of the center pieces on their respective faces. For example, if you have a yellow and green edge piece that is oriented, you need to rotate the top face until the green sticker is next to the green center piece. Then, you can use one of the two algorithms as before to orient another one or two yellow edge pieces. After that, you need to align again and repeat until you have all four yellow edge pieces oriented.
Step 5: Solve the yellow corners
How to permute the yellow corner pieces
The fifth and final step to solve a Rubik's cube is to finish the yellow face by solving the four corner pieces that have yellow on them. These pieces are called yellow corners. To solve the yellow corners, you need to do two things: permute them and orient them. Permuting means moving them to their correct positions, while orienting means rotating them until they have the yellow sticker facing up. In this section, I will show you how to permute the yellow corners. To permute the yellow corners, you need to move them from the top layer to the bottom layer, where they belong. You need to match not only the color of the yellow sticker, but also the colors of the other two stickers on each corner piece with the colors of the center pieces on their respective faces. For example, if you have a yellow, green, and red corner piece, you need to move it from the top layer to the bottom right corner of the green and red faces. You can use one algorithm to permute the yellow corners, regardless of their initial configuration. The algorithm is called U R U' L' U R' U' L. This means turn the up face clockwise, then turn the right face clockwise, then turn the up face counterclockwise, then turn the left face counterclockwise, then turn the up face clockwise, then turn the right face counterclockwise, then turn the up face counterclockwise, then turn the left face clockwise. You need to repeat this algorithm until all four yellow corners are in their correct positions.
How to use two algorithms to solve the yellow corners
Once you have permuted one or more yellow corner pieces correctly, you need to do the same for the other three or less. However, you need to be careful not to mess up the yellow corner pieces that you have already permuted. To avoid this, you need to use a simple technique called "aligning". Aligning means rotating the bottom face of the cube until the yellow corner pieces that are permuted match with the colors of the center pieces on their respective faces. For example, if you have a yellow, green, and red corner piece that is permuted, you need to rotate the bottom face until the green sticker is next to the green center piece and the red sticker is next to the red center piece. Then, you can use one algorithm as before to permute another one or more yellow corner pieces. After that, you need to align again and repeat until all four yellow corner pieces are permuted.
After you have permuted all four yellow corner pieces, you need to orient them. To orient them, you need to rotate them until they have the yellow sticker facing up. You can use two algorithms to orient the yellow corners, depending on their initial configuration. Here are some examples:
The letters in the diagram represent the faces of the cube, as explained before. The algorithm on the left is called R' D' R D, and it is used to orient one yellow corner piece that is facing down or sideways. The algorithm on the right is called R' D2 R D2 R' D' R D, and it is used to orient two or three yellow corner pieces that are facing down or sideways. You need to repeat these algorithms until all four yellow corner pieces are oriented. Conclusion
Summary of the main points
Congratulations, you have solved a Rubik's cube! You have learned how to solve a Rubik's cube in 5 easy steps, using simple and clear instructions, diagrams, and videos. You have also learned some basic concepts and techniques of Rubik's cube solving, such as holding, hiding, aligning, and using algorithms. You have improved your memory, concentration, problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, creativity, and mental agility. You have also reduced your stress, anxiety, and boredom. You have also boosted your confidence and self-esteem, as you have overcome a difficult challenge and achieved a personal goal.
Tips and tricks for faster and easier solving
If you want to solve a Rubik's cube faster and easier, here are some tips and tricks that you can use:
Practice makes perfect. The more you solve a Rubik's cube, the more familiar you will become with the moves and algorithms, and the faster and easier you will be able to solve it.
Use a timer. You can use a stopwatch or an app to measure how long it takes you to solve a Rubik's cube. This will help you track your progress and motivate you to improve your speed.
Learn more algorithms. The algorithms that I have taught you in this article are the simplest and most basic ones that you need to solve a Rubik's cube. However, there are many more algorithms that you can learn that can help you solve a Rubik's cube faster and easier. For example, there are algorithms that can solve two or more steps at once, or algorithms that can solve specific cases more efficiently.
Join a community. You can join online forums, groups, or clubs where you can meet other Rubik's cube enthusiasts, share your tips and tricks, learn from others, and participate in competitions and events.
Call to action and resources
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about Rubik's cube solving, I invite you to check out these resources:
[Rubik's Official Website]: Here you can find more information about the history, products, news, and events of Rubik's brand.
[World Cube Association]: Here you can find the official rules, rankings, records, competitions, and results of Rubik's cube solving around the world.
[CubeSkills]: Here you can find free online tutorials, videos, guides, and courses on how to solve a Rubik's cube faster and better.
[SpeedCubeShop]: Here you can find the best quality and variety of Rubik's cubes and accessories for sale at affordable prices.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might also be interested in learning how to solve a Rubik's cube. Thank you for reading and happy cubing!
FAQs
Q: How many possible combinations are there on a Rubik's cube?
A: There are 43 quintillion possible combinations on a Rubik's cube. That is 43 followed by 18 zeros. However, only one of them is the solved state.
Q: How do I know if my Rubik's cube is scrambled enough?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question. However, a good rule of thumb is to scramble your Rubik's cube for at least 20 seconds or until it looks completely random.
Q: What is the world record for solving a Rubik's cube?
A: As of June 2023, the world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's cube is 3.47 seconds by Yusheng Du from China.
Q: What is the easiest way to solve a Rubik's cube?
A: The easiest way to solve a Rubik's cube is to follow the method that I have taught you in this article. It is called the beginner's method or the layer-by-layer method. It is easy to learn and understand, and it only requires a few simple algorithms.
Q: What is the hardest way to solve a Rubik's cube?
A: The hardest way to A: The hardest way to solve a Rubik's cube is to do it blindfolded. This means memorizing the position and orientation of all the pieces on the cube, and then applying the algorithms without looking at the cube. This requires a lot of concentration, memory, and skill. The world record for solving a 3x3x3 Rubik's cube blindfolded is 15.50 seconds by Max Hilliard from the USA. 44f88ac181
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