Speed Cubing for Beginners: The Ultimate Trick Guide

Speed cubing is an exhilarating hobby that combines problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and strategy. For beginners, the Rubik’s Cube can seem like an unsolvable puzzle. But with the right tricks and techniques, solving the cube becomes both achievable and fun. Whether you’re looking to improve your solving time or just get started, this guide is packed with every trick to solve cube puzzles efficiently.

Understanding the Basics of the Rubik’s Cube

Before diving into tricks, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the cube’s structure. A standard Rubik’s Cube has:

• 6 faces, each a different color.
• 26 smaller cubes, or “cubies.”
• 3 types of pieces:
  • Center pieces (fixed position, indicate the face color).
  • Edge pieces (2 colors each, located between centers).
  • Corner pieces (3 colors each, at the corners).

Once you understand how the cube is structured, learning the right trick to solve cube puzzles becomes much easier.

Step-by-Step Trick to Solve the Cube

1. Solve the White Cross

The first step is to solve the white cross. This foundational step ensures all white edge pieces align with their corresponding center colors.

How to Solve the White Cross:

1. Locate a white edge piece.
2. Align the edge piece with the center color of the adjacent face.
3. Rotate the white edge to its correct position.

Pro Tip: Use intuitive moves to align edges without disrupting already placed pieces.

2. Solve the White Corners

After completing the white cross, the next step is to position the white corner pieces.

Trick to Solve Cube White Corners:

• Use the R’ D’ R D algorithm (Right Inverse, Down Inverse, Right, Down) to rotate white corners into place.

This trick is essential for beginners as it helps you place each corner correctly without disrupting the cross.

3. Solve the Middle Layer

The middle layer involves aligning edge pieces without disturbing the solved white layer.

Algorithm for Middle Layer:

To move an edge piece to the left or right:

• For left: U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’
• For right: U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F

These algorithms allow you to place edge pieces accurately. Practicing this trick repeatedly will make you faster over time.

4. Solve the Yellow Face

Once the first two layers are solved, the yellow face becomes the next challenge. There are several scenarios for the yellow pieces (dots, L-shapes, or a line).

Trick to Solve Cube Yellow Face:

• Use the F R U R’ U’ F’ algorithm to form a yellow cross.
• Then, use R U R’ U R U2 R’ to position yellow corners correctly.

Mastering these algorithms is a key step in reducing your solving time.

5. Align the Final Layer

The final step is solving the last layer. This involves:

• Positioning the corners with the algorithm U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L.
• Orienting the edges using F2 U L R’ F2 L’ R U F2.

While this step can be tricky, practice will help you perfect the process.

Essential Tricks to Solve Cube Faster

If you’re serious about speed cubing, here are some additional tricks to shave seconds off your time:

1. Learn the CFOP Method

The CFOP method (Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL) is a widely used strategy among advanced cubers. While it requires learning numerous algorithms, it significantly reduces solving time.

• F2L (First Two Layers): Pair corner and edge pieces for faster solves.
• OLL (Orientation of Last Layer): Solve the yellow face in one step.
• PLL (Permutation of Last Layer): Position all pieces in the final step.

2. Practice Finger Tricks

Finger tricks involve minimal hand movement and quick rotations, making your solves more efficient. Focus on:

• Using fingers instead of whole-hand moves.
• Practicing cube rotations to build muscle memory.

3. Memorize Key Algorithms

Memorizing essential algorithms is the most important trick to solve cube puzzles faster. Write down algorithms for specific situations and practice them until they feel second nature.

4. Use a Speed Cube

A standard Rubik’s Cube is great for beginners, but investing in a speed cube can improve your solving time. Speed cubes have smoother rotations, corner cutting, and better durability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right tricks, beginners often make these mistakes:

• Overturning Layers: Keep movements precise to avoid misaligning other pieces.
• Skipping Basics: Mastering the fundamentals (white cross and F2L) is crucial for long-term improvement.
• Ignoring Finger Tricks: Without finger tricks, solving will remain slow and inefficient.

Correcting these errors early will set you up for success in speed cubing.

Practice Tips for Beginners

1. Start Slow: Focus on accuracy before speed. Practice each step until you can do it without hesitation.
2. Time Yourself: Use a stopwatch or a speed cubing timer to track progress.
3. Watch Tutorials: There are countless online videos that demonstrate every trick to solve cube puzzles step-by-step.
4. Join a Community: Participating in speed cubing communities or local competitions can motivate you and help you learn from others.

Advanced Speed Cubing Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the beginner tricks, consider advancing to techniques like:

• ZBLL (Zborowski-Bruchem Last Layer): A more complex version of PLL.
• Roux Method: An alternative to CFOP that’s popular among advanced cubers.

These advanced strategies require dedication but can drastically reduce your solving time.

Popular Speed Cubes for Beginners in India

Choosing the right cube is half the battle. Here are some affordable yet efficient options for beginners:

• Gan 356 M: A premium cube with magnetic alignment for smooth solving.
• QiYi Warrior S: Great for beginners, with excellent corner cutting and stability.
• MoYu RS3M 2020: A budget-friendly magnetic cube for serious beginners.

Using a high-quality speed cube makes practicing every trick to solve cube puzzles much easier.

How to Stay Motivated in Speed Cubing

Sticking to speed cubing as a hobby can be challenging, especially when progress feels slow. Here are a few tips to stay motivated:

• Set Goals: Whether it’s solving under a minute or learning a new algorithm, set achievable goals.
• Compete with Friends: Friendly competition can keep you engaged.
• Celebrate Milestones: Reward yourself when you achieve a personal best or master a new trick.

Conclusion

Solving the Rubik’s Cube isn’t just about memorizing algorithms; it’s about developing a systematic approach and practicing consistently. By mastering each trick to solve cube puzzles, from the white cross to the final layer, you’ll build confidence and improve your speed over time.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, remember that patience and persistence are key. Grab your cube, start practicing, and see how quickly you can unlock the mysteries of speed cubing!