Should I Quit?

[Fringle/KeyRingCubes]

I've been cubing for around a year and I average around 35 seconds. I'm not improving at all. I can't seem to do cross fast, I'm Abysmal at f2l, I only know 2-look oll and know 6 pll algs, 2 of which I came up with and are very inefficient, I can't seem to improve. I use custom Gan356 Air UM and have relatively fast tps, but nothing seems to help. I've been feeling unmotivated to cube anymore because I feel like I'm at the very bottom and I can't get up any further. Should I quit?

 

[obelisk477]

yes

 

[tx789]

Take a break and see how you feel.

 

[uyneb2000]

up to you

 

[Fringle/KeyRingCubes]

yes

Thanks

 

[obelisk477]

Thanks

Jk. I've been cubing for 10 years and im barely sub-13. keep on chugging

 

[efattah]

I think the problem is the method you are using, which isn't that easy to learn. I recommend a much easier method which is the LMCF beginner's method, which can get you to sub-15 with only 26 algorithms or sub-20 with only 16. You can search the forums for the LMCF thread, or watch the tutorial video and download the full PDF:

 

[Ranzha]

What are faster cubers doing that you aren't? If you want to improve, try doing what they do that you don't currently do.

I would start with learning "proper" algs for those PLLs you mentioned. Those will hold you back.

What's keeping you from solving the cross fast? Start by planning out 2 cross pieces in inspection (regardless how long it takes) and solving them blindfolded. Then when you're comfortable, move up to 3 pieces, then 4.

If you're abysmal at F2L, check out some fast cubers' reconstructions and see how they deal with particular F2L cases, not just in what moves they do, but HOW they do them.

Just some things to consider; you have a lot that you could be learning.

 

[One Wheel]

Don't quit because you're slow. I'm about the same speed as you and I've been at it a year longer than you, so you're not at the bottom. If you're not having fun quit because you're not having fun, but don't quit because you're slow.

 

[Fringle/KeyRingCubes]

Jk. I've been cubing for 10 years and im barely sub-13. keep on chugging

lol thanks.

I think the problem is the method you are using, which isn't that easy to learn. I recommend a much easier method which is the LMCF beginner's method, which can get you to sub-15 with only 26 algorithms or sub-20 with only 16. You can search the forums for the LMCF thread, or watch the tutorial video and download the full PDF:

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

 

[FastCubeMaster]

Don't forget, F2L is a very large and complex subset to be good at, my advice is to not rush it. Slow down your solves, think about how you can do F2L more efficiently. Do this over a few weeks and you should drastically improve. My guess is that you have solidified inefficient, bad F2L cases that really can't do you any faster at a highish TPS.

 

[Fringle/KeyRingCubes]

Don't forget, F2L is a very large and complex subset to be good at, my advice is to not rush it. Slow down your solves, think about how you can do F2L more efficiently. Do this over a few weeks and you should drastically improve. My guess is that you have solidified inefficient, bad F2L cases that really can't do you any faster at a highish TPS.

Thank you so much!

 

[YouCubing]

tl;dr: no

 

[SenorJuan]

Maybe 3x3x3 is not the puzzle for you, and you might find 2x2x2 is more to your liking, especially as you say you have good TPS.

 

[phreaker]

I've been cubing for around a year and I average around 35 seconds. I'm not improving at all. I can't seem to do cross fast, I'm Abysmal at f2l, I only know 2-look oll and know 6 pll algs, 2 of which I came up with and are very inefficient, I can't seem to improve. I use custom Gan356 Air UM and have relatively fast tps, but nothing seems to help. I've been feeling unmotivated to cube anymore because I feel like I'm at the very bottom and I can't get up any further. Should I quit?

Are you enjoying yourself:

No: Stop for a while, maybe try something different like 4x4, BLD.. whatever.

Yes: Keep going, and work on the things mentioned above.

 

[FireCuber]

I agree with phreaker! Just keep going! My average on the 3x3 is only 46.05 but I am still trying to get faster.

 

[CornerCutter]

I would recommend taking a break for a few weeks/months. Or you could try changing things up a bit and taking a break from 3x3. Try other cubes like the 2x2 and Pyraminx. And if there is a competition in your area make sure to go.

 

[NewCuber000]

I would recommend taking a break for a few weeks/months. Or you could try changing things up a bit and taking a break from 3x3. Try other cubes like the 2x2 and Pyraminx. And if there is a competition in your area make sure to go.

Yep, I think trying a new cube or event every once and a while was one of the biggest things that kept me going. That and going to competitions, which are actually really fun, regardless of your speed.

As for your 3x3 improvement, its hard to know where you're going wrong without seeing you solve in a video, or at least knowing your split times (your times for doing cross, f2l, oll and pll seperate). Odds are, you'd improve a lot by doing by doing all of the following things:
1. Actually put in a lot of practice (actual practice too, not just repetitive solving all the time), like 30 minutes a day minimum, which might be difficult if you don't enjoy cubing at the moment, but it might be easier if you start seeing improvement.
2. Practice conscious, slow, pauseless solves where you're always trying to predict to the next step, not the one you are currently doing.
3. Learn all of your F2L pairs well. And I don't mean an algorithm that solves it , but actually understand how to do f2l intuitively, knowing how to solve any pair from any side. you'll start to notice some things, like how the more difficult f2l pairs can often be executed as setting up an easy f2l case, and then executing it (for instance, if you have an edge in a slot and a corner on the top, when you simply take the edge out with RUR' or RU'R' or something similar, you will be left with a basic f2l case. Know these basic cases very well.)
4. Just learn full 2-look oll and 2-look pll at least. It isn't too hard, you should be capable of learning at least 2 algs a day. When I learn algs, I practice each alg until I know it very well by muscle memory, and then I review it the following day. Once you're done with these, learn full pll, 2 algs a day. It will only take you 2 weeks if you just commit about 10 minutes a day to it! Very easy way to cut off a few seconds! I don't reccomend committing to full oll until you are sub-25, though.
5. Watch youtube videos from experienced cubers to get good tips. Don't focus on anything too advanced for you, though. You'd just be wasting your time. Honestly I think you can make sub-20 by simply doing the stuff I said above, maybe learning a few f2l algs for very difficult cases along the way.

So, there you have it. That's pretty much everything I wish I knew when I was your speed. Good luck with your improvements!

 

[Rama]

Hi there, don't give up!

Reading your post tells alot about your current level of cubing... and to be frank there is still much for you to learn.

As an addition to the NewCuber000 post:
Solve the cross in 8 moves or less: http://www.cubezone.be/crossstudy.html
This is where you could start improving, just count how many turns it takes for you to solve the cross and in the span of a week you will consistently solve it in 8 moves or less without thinking about it! How great is that?!

"Not perfection, but progression"

 

[Fringle/KeyRingCubes]

Maybe 3x3x3 is not the puzzle for you, and you might find 2x2x2 is more to your liking, especially as you say you have good TPS.

I'm fairly good at 2x2. I only know Ortega and Sune CLL algs, but I average high 3.