Extended Cross

[jacob15728]

So, I've been learning extended cross for the past few days. I jsut did an Average of 12 using X-cross with Fridrich and got 42.xx. I usually average around 34-36. So, here's my dilemma. X-cross is supposed to be faster, but it's making me slower. I'm sure if I practiced it more and got the hang of the block-building, it would be faster.

So, should I keep working on it or just forget about it for now and continue using the normal cross? Also, with X-cross, my times are varying more than usual. This is because if I can't find a pair on my starting scramble, I have to make one. I plan the pair in my inspection time. Having to plan a pair means it's harder to keep track of all the peices I need for the 2x2x2 block, so I have to find them later on and it takes several seconds longer.

 

[wing92]

i started looking into X-cross a bit a while back and here's what i came up with:
stick with what you know (normal cross) unless you see a really obvious X-cross. if that's the case, do that, and more often than not, it will be faster than a regular cross. before someone else says it: or you could just use petrus

 

[MW1990]

Well, personally, I don't really try to make an X-cross unless I see two adjacent cross pieces and a corner with it (1x2x2 block) and the edge that goes above the corner to make the 2x2x2 block . My best time had an extended cross, but I didn't plan it, but, it could have been planned (I redid the scramble slowly). I'm not to great with making extended crosses to begin with, but on a normal basis.

I would just work more on your look-ahead as far as finding your first F2L pair goes right after you make the cross, but be able to recognize if you have an easy x-cross build, then take the x-cross build if you can and inspect further for the 2nd F2L pair.

 

[puzzlemaster]

Well, personally, I don't really try to make an X-cross unless I see two adjacent cross pieces and a corner with it (1x2x2 block) and the edge that goes above the corner to make the 2x2x2 block . My best time had an extended cross, but I didn't plan it, but, it could have been planned (I redid the scramble slowly). I'm not to great with making extended crosses to begin with, but on a normal basis.

I would just work more on your look-ahead as far as finding your first F2L pair goes right after you make the cross, but be able to recognize if you have an easy x-cross build, then take the x-cross build if you can and inspect further for the 2nd F2L pair.

X-cross can't be used everytime. Only when everything can be done simultaneously. If nothing stands out, or it is difficult, then just go with a regular cross.

 

[Kolraz]

The ability to see/create x-cross is a useful skill, but it shouldn't be forced if there isn't a good opportunity to do so.