My Cubing Journey

[ProStar]

So, instead of this being a thread working toward a singular goal, this is basically a chronicle of my life in cubing. So instead of just making a bunch of profile posts, I'll post progress, struggles, accomplishments, and basically anything in my cubing life going on right now. I'll start by introducing myself.

Hi, I'm ProStar. I started cubing in late August 2019 and joined the forums on October 27, 2019 under the name DarkSavage. The events I enjoy most are 3x3, 2x2, and OH, although I also practice 4x4, Pyraminx, Megaminx, 5x5, and Clock. My averages, mains, and methods:

2x2 - 3.5 Seconds - Valk 2 M - Ortega
3x3 - 18 Seconds - Moyu Weilong GTS3M - CFOP
3x3 OH - 29 Seconds - Moyu Weilong GTS3M - CFOP
3BLD - ~4:30 - Moyu Weilong GTS3M - M2/OP
4x4 - ~1:15 - Moyu AoSu WRM - Yau
Pyraminx - ~6 Seconds - Amazon Puzzle - Intuitive L4E
Megaminx - ~2:35 - Amazon Puzzle - Westlund
5x5 - ~3:45 - Yuxin Cloud - Yau5
Clock - ~12 Seconds - Qiyi Clock - Normal Clock Method

Here's a list of my PLL algorithms(the post below is from before I learned PLL):

Spoiler: My PLL Algorithms

Aa: x R' U R' D2 R U' R' D2 R2
Ab: x R2 D2 R U R' D2 R U' R
F: R' U' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' U R
Ga: R2 U R' U R' U' R U' R2 U' D R' U R D'
Gb: R' U' R U D' R2 U R' U R U' R U' R2 D
Gc: R2 U' R U' R U R' U R2 U D' R U' R' D
Gd: R U R' U' D R2 U' R U' R' U R' U R2 D'
Ja: x R2 F R F' R U2 r' U r U2
Jb: R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R'
Ra: R U R' F' R U2 R' U2 R' F R U R U2 R'
Rb: R2 F R U R U' R' F' R U2 R' U2 R
T: R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'
E: x' R U' R' D R U R' D' R U R' D R U' R' D'
Na: R U R' U R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U2 R U' R'
Nb: R' U R U' R' F' U' F R U R' F R' F' R U' R
V: R U' R U R' D R D' R U' D R2 U R2 D' R2
Y: F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F'
H: M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2
Ua: M2 U M U2 M' U M2
Ub: M2 U' M U2 M' U' M2
Z: M' U M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2

(all last updated April 2022)

 

[ProStar]

Here are my algs for 3x3 PLL, If there are any you'd recommend I'd be happy to try them. I'm especially looking for G-Perm algs.

Spoiler: My Algs

Aa: x R' U R' D2 R U' R' D2 R2 (Learned)
Ab: x R2 D2 R U R' D2 R U' R (Learned)
F: R' U' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' U R (Learned)
Ga: None yet
Gb: None yet
Gc: None yet
Gd: None yet
Ja: x R2 F R F' R U2 r' U r U2 (Learned)
Jb: R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' (Learned)
Ra: R U R' F' R U2 R' U2 R' F R U R U2 R' (Learned)
Rb: R2 F R U R U' R' F' R U2 R' U2 R (Learned)
T: R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F' (Learned)
E: x' R U' R' D R U R' D' R U R' D R U' R' D' (Learned)
Na: R U R' U R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U2 R U' R' (Learned)
Nb: R' U R U' R' F' U' F R U R' F R' F' R U' R
V: R' U R' U' y R' F' R2 U' R' U R' F R F
Y: F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F' (Learned)
H: M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2 (Learned)
Ua: M2 U M U2 M' U M2 (Learned)
Ub: M2 U' M U2 M' U' M2 (Learned)
Z: M' U M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2 (Learned)

All of the algs with an x rotation to start I'll execute as a wide move, instead of doing a full rotation then doing an R move.
I'm slow on E and am not ready to use it in a solve.
I'll get Ra & Rb mixed up sometimes.
Occasionally in the heat of a solve I'll start(do the first move) of the wrong J-Perm, but I always correct it
For both Rs and Js, I know recognition and if I'm looking at it I can tell you which alg to use. It's usually when I do a U2, because for Js it looks like a different case before you AUF it. Correcting those will just come with drilling them
I'm using JPerm.net to practice my algs.
Also my Rb perm is kind of shaky

 

[ProStar]

Since I just got my new 4x4 yesterday, I'm practicing it a lot now. I decided now is a good time to transition to Yau. Currently, I'm using a weird Redux-Yau mix, Centers->Cross Edges->3-2-3->3x3. I know it's worse than Yau, but I switched to it because I was faster at it than Yau when I switched from Redux. Starting now, here are my stats:

Yaudux(lol) average: sub-1:30
Yau average: sub-1:50

Obviously, my main weakness is the cross and L4C. My F2C and 3-2-3->3x3 are just as good, since I was already doing those. I feel like my L4C is really slow because I'm preserving the 3 cross edges. Cross is okay, but still pretty slow.

 

[PetrusQuber]

I use these G Perms

Mats Valk G Perms.pdf

G Permutation : a. Name:G(a) R2 U R' U R' U' R U' R2 D U' R' U R D' G Permutation : b. Name:G(b) R' U' R U D' R2 U R' U R U' R U' R2 D G Permutation : c. Name:G(c) R2 F2 R U2 R U2 R' F R U R' U' R' F R2 G Permutation : d. Name:G(d) R U R' U' D R2 U' R U' R' U R' U R2 D'. ...

www.docdroid.net

 

[NevEr_QeyX]

OK first off, learn the R-U-D G perms they are IMO easier to execute, the same difficulty or harder to learn than the wide movers, but easier to recognize because they all start with headlights on the left, If you look at the top speedsolvers they all use R-U-D. Secondly the Na perm that I use is the first four moves of sune followed by J perm and then insert the resulting pair starting with a U2 I am able to execute it faster but everyone is different, thirdly, where is the name of Felik's left sock did you get that V perm? go to Algdb.net and test out the top v perms or watch j perms video.

 

[Cubingcubecuber]

I use these G Perms

Mats Valk G Perms.pdf

G Permutation : a. Name:G(a) R2 U R' U R' U' R U' R2 D U' R' U R D' G Permutation : b. Name:G(b) R' U' R U D' R2 U R' U R U' R U' R2 D G Permutation : c. Name:G(c) R2 F2 R U2 R U2 R' F R U R' U' R' F R2 G Permutation : d. Name:G(d) R U R' U' D R2 U' R U' R' U R' U R2 D'. ...

www.docdroid.net

Those are what I use, they are great algs

 

[gruuby]

Just saying you average and use the same methods as I do in every event. (Except in 3x3, I use my own method)

 

[WarriorCatCuber]

Just saying you average and use the same methods as I do in every event. (Except in 3x3, I use my own method)

I thought you were switching to CFOP (or maybe I managed to convince you to consider other methods).

 

[ProStar]

Just saying you average and use the same methods as I do in every event. (Except in 3x3, I use my own method)

Cool, what is the method for 3x3?

 

[gruuby]

I thought you were switching to CFOP (or maybe I managed to convince you to consider other methods).

I am. The method I use is a hybrid of beginners, CFOP, and some of my own algs.

 

[ProStar]

An argument was going on in a profile post about methods, and my post was way to long to fit in the character limit, so I'm posting it here. Original post was made by @Etotheipi on @Owen Morrison's profile. @RiceMan_ was also involved.

Spoiler: Original Conversation

[double posts+ will be separated by an empty line]

Etotheipi
Why do you hate all methods but CFOP so much?

Owen Morrison
Not true. I like all methods I just think CFOP is the fastest.

Etotheipi
You have a great way of showing that you like other methods.

Why do you think CFOP is the fastest then?

Owen Morrison
Okay, CFOP might not be the fastest method, but there is no evidence to suggest that it isn't. CFOP has by far the best results in competitions, I know that Roux doesn't have as many users so there is a very slight chance that it is indeed faster than CFOP.

I like CFOP the best because it is much better for cubes like 4x4 5x5 6x6 7x7, and even if other methods were a little faster I would still use CFOP because it is better for big cubes.

I don't want to try to convince people who are using a different method to switch to CFOP, but it does upset me when someone says they are going to try to learn CFOP and 3 people immediately say they should check out other methods. Because, most likely the person learning CFOP has thought about which method and decided on that.

Etotheipi
I think most people saying they are moving on to CFOP from LBL havent tried other methods, and dont know there are other good methods

Owen Morrison
most people going straight from LBL are, but there are quite a few people around 15-30 seconds that use a hybrid method who most likely have thought about it more. My advice to any new cuber would be to learn CFOP after LBL until they average sub 30, and then try out other methods before making their final decision. If people have already made their decision we shouldn't try to change it.

Etotheipi
I think every new cuber should be aware that speedsolving methods other than CFOP exist, so that they dont think that CFOP is the only way to be fast.

Owen Morrison
But also that other methods are not as good for big cubes.

Etotheipi
Idc all that much about big cubes. I use Meyer for 4x4 and redux w CFOP for 5x5. But yes, CFOP is better than Roux for 5x5+

RiceMan_
CFOP is the worst method

Owen Morrison
haha prove it.

RiceMan_
ZZ have no cube rotation, lower move count, no F and B move during F2L.
Roux no cube rotation, lower move count and more efficient

Owen Morrison
Yet somehow CFOP has better official records?

Etotheipi
Here we go again... (I really think you dont need to hear this for the thirteith time Owen.) CFOP has more users and has existed for longer and thus has better results becuase it has more oppurtunities to do so. Roux has good records too, theres an eleven y/o in third for average who uses Roux, and Feliks has been cubing as long as Sean has been alive, and yet Sean is only .5 seconds away from Feliks.

Spoiler: My response

"Not true. I like all methods I just think CFOP is the fastest." - Owen



"Okay, CFOP might not be the fastest method, but there is no evidence to suggest that it isn't. CFOP has by far the best results in competitions, I know that Roux doesn't have as many users so there is a very slight chance that it is indeed faster than CFOP." - Owen

Results based on a skewed distribution isn't real evidence

"I like CFOP the best because it is much better for cubes like 4x4 5x5 6x6 7x7, and even if other methods were a little faster I would still use CFOP because it is better for big cubes." - Owen

That's probably true, I'd agree that right now CFOP is probably best for big cubes

"I don't want to try to convince people who are using a different method to switch to CFOP, but it does upset me when someone says they are going to try to learn CFOP and 3 people immediately say they should check out other methods. Because, most likely the person learning CFOP has thought about which method and decided on that." - Owen

Not everyone likes CFOP the best. Some people choose CFOP not being aware that other methods exist. Some have tried other methods but chose CFOP(like me), while others tried other methods and chose one of them. It's all about personal preference, and people are just suggesting that new users explore other methods before deciding on CFOP. However, I don't think people should just go and say "CFOP SUCKS!! Just switch to ZZ, it's way better than all the other ones" (*cough RiceMan *cough*). They should suggest that the user explores multiple methods before making a decision

"My advice to any new cuber would be to learn CFOP after LBL until they average sub 30, and then try out other methods before making their final decision. If people have already made their decision we shouldn't try to change it." - Owen

Why wait to explore methods? If they hold off on exploring methods until sub-30, then someone may decide to use Roux and realize they wasted a bunch of time. The best time to explore methods is when you're ready to learn a speedsolving method, because you don't want to end up wasting time working at CFOP if you end up liking others

"But also that other methods are not as good for big cubes." - Owen

That's true. When exploring methods, the user should be made aware that almost all main big cube, megaminx, etc. methods favor CFOP solvers greatly. Of course, there are things like 4Z4 and 4Trus, as well as direct solving methods for them to explore.

"Idc all that much about big cubes. I use Meyer for 4x4 and redux w CFOP for 5x5. But yes, CFOP is better than Roux for 5x5+" - Etotheipi

This is completely irrelevant. Your personal preferences shouldn't effect everyone else's, just like Owen's shouldn't effect if someone uses CFOP

"CFOP is the worst method" - RiceMan

CFOP is one of the best methods right now, it has high TPS, easy lookahead, and nice (mostly)RUF F2L. It's also really developed

"ZZ have no cube rotation, lower move count, no F and B move during F2L.
Roux no cube rotation, lower move count and more efficient" - RiceMan

ZZ has a stupid amount of regrips because of RUL F2L, and beginners can't even plan out EO in inspection. You also need lots of algs to be great with it
Roux has hard lookahead, causing slower TPS. It's also hard to turn super fast with MU
RiceMan no grammar.

"Yet somehow CFOP has better official records?" - Owen

Congrats, Owen! You win most unscientific statement of the week! With the very small sample size for Roux, ZZ, etc., you can't compare results directly. Not to mention that earlier you said "I know that Roux doesn't have as many users so there is a very slight chance that it is indeed faster than CFOP"


I'd also like to mention that I use CFOP, but have tried many other methods(Roux, ZZ, Petrus, PCMS, Petrus-W, CFCE, CFEC) and decided that personally, I like CFOP the most. I still like all those other methods. It also may seem like I'm changing opinions(like telling Owen other methods are good but defending CFOP against RiceMan), but really I think that many methods are good, people should always explore other methods before choosing one, and that they all have their pros and cons. I also think that people should be made aware of the lack of good methods for big cubes and megaminx that favor methods other than CFOP. I also know that everyone should shut up about how CFOP has good results.

Edit: I don't have a beef with any of these people, so please don't take anything I said maliciously. Just because I don't agree with Owen or RiceMan on some things doesn't mean I'm angry-ing all their posts and not responding to them

 

[Owen Morrison]

I said "Yet somehow CFOP has better official records" in response to riceman's "CFOP is the worst method"

I KNOW that CFOP has more users, I just think riceman's statement has absolutely nothing to back it up, so I added "Yet somehow CFOP has better official records"

EDIT: Also, I know it is skewed evidence because not as many people use other methods, I was saying that there is NO evidence to suggest that CFOP ISN'T the fastest method.

 

[RiceMan_]

CFOP has better official records cause no one used ZZ.
(btw im not a nerd like you) my main language is french and my second main languange is vietnamese English is my third language.

 

[WarriorCatCuber]

I said "Yet somehow CFOP has better official records" in response to riceman's "CFOP is the worst method"

I KNOW that CFOP has more users, I just think riceman's statement has absolutely nothing to back it up, so I added "Yet somehow CFOP has better official records"

EDIT: Also, I know it is skewed evidence because not as many people use CFOP, I was saying that there is NO evidence to suggest that CFOP ISN'T the fastest method.

EDIT 2: also, yah riceman has no grammar

That's mean! English is literally his third language!
Maybe you have better grammar than him, but you don't speak 3 languages like him.

 

[ProStar]

That's mean! English is literally his third language!
Maybe you have better grammar than him, but you don't speak 3 languages like him.

I don't have a problem with improper grammar, and I think it's cool he knows 3 languages. I just noticed the grammar

CFOP has better official records cause no one used ZZ.

I know, even though I specifically said Roux, it applies to all methods

(btw im not a nerd like you)

And that means...?

 

[Filipe Teixeira]

how come every single thread becomes a method flame war nowadays?

 

[ProStar]

how come every single thread becomes a method flame war nowadays?

I couldn't post it in the profile post

 

[brododragon]

That's mean!

Umm... You called Max an autistic try-hard, so you really can't be talking.

 

[WarriorCatCuber]

I think Riceman_ meant that he wasn't a nerd that had good english like Owen.
I think Riceman_'s "CFOP is the worst method" was a little exagerrated, as it's a good method viable for speedsolving.

 

[ProStar]

Back on topic, I've still been doing 3x3+4x4. I got my first sub-1:10 single, and now PB is 1:09.13, with 3 solves sub-1:10. Hoping for a sub-1 soon! Also I finally got an Ao100, there's 125 solves in my session and my Ao100 is 1:32.00 because of many 1:45-2:15 solves in the beginning. Best Ao5 is 1:18.76, with best Ao5 as 1:13.86(which was quite lucky, I'll admit). Almost globally sub-1:30.

I'll be going to my first comp tomorrow! I'm competing in 2-5, 3BLD, and Skewb. I don't really care about 5x5 and Skewb even less so, and I do kinda(sorta) practice 3BLD. Hoping for a success! Apparently my 4x4 practice has improved my 5x5 solving, I did a couple solves between ~3:45-4:15, with an average of about 4:00. I used to average around 5:00, so that's cool Skewb I'm around 15-25 seconds, purely depending on scrambles.