Algorithm Explanation on Fridrich Method - Dan Harris site

[DPCube]

Hello,

I am attempting to learn the Fridrich method having gotten bored solving it with the Rubik's guide that came with the cube.

I really like Dan Harris' site and have solved the cube a few times via finding the correct case, etc.

My question is probably pretty dang easy, but I have looked everywhere for this - to no avail.

Ok, please look at the following sample Algorithm :

(can be found at : http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/f2l/frrd - second one down)

Case #Rd2
Do F' L' U2 L F R U R' to set-up
R U' R' U2 (y') R' U' R U' R' U R
(y2) L U' L' U2 (y) R' U' R U' R' U R

I have found that EVERY time I solved it using his diagrams - it is always the second one that works. And you can ONLY do that one.

Can I ask what the "set-up" line means (the first one). The times I have tried that FIRST, it did not work.

Some of his cases have 5 or 6 lines. What are all those there for? Especially, the "set-up" one which seems to do nothing.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[mpohl100]

If you perform the "set-up" on a solved cube then you will have the case shown. "set-up" means to set up the case. Pretty obvious I think.

 

[blgentry]

Hello,
Can I ask what the "set-up" line means (the first one). The times I have tried that FIRST, it did not work.

Some of his cases have 5 or 6 lines. What are all those there for? Especially, the "set-up" one which seems to do nothing.

As the other poster said, the setup alg is what you do to a solved cube in order to yield the state you see on Dan's page for each case.

The other lines are each alternative solutions to that case. Any of them, individually, should solve that case. In this case (Rd2) I tried both of Dan's solutions and they both worked for me. I of course used his setup routine before trying each one.

Just a little advice: I think learning F2L (Fridrich First 2 Layers) via algorithms is a daunting task. I'd recommend learning them intuitively instead. That way you aren't stuck memorizing 40+ cases, *and* you'll understand the mechanics of how F2L works.

Badmephisto's infamous video tutorial on F2L is a good place to start:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-xbcAMfWwM

Brian.

 

[DPCube]

Hey, thanks for the VERY QUICK reply. And, yes, it is totally obvious now, as is the reason behind having that there.

And to be honest, I never tried any of the alg. below the second - because that always, obviously now, did the trick.

I am going to check out the videos you recommended.

Again, I appreciate the help - both of you!

Mark