Remembering Algorithms, Visual Focus

[darthdustin]

I'm a noob and this might be a really dumb and/or personal question, but I'm in the process of trying to learn the basic algorithms for a 3x3, and the longer ones are really holding me up. I understand that it has a lot more to do with muscle memory than actually memorizing the algorithms themselves. I have them written down, but my question is this. Do you guys recommend:

A) Take a mental note of the entire algorithm (no matter how long it is), then look at the cube while you employ it so you can get used to seeing the cube go through the motions.

or

B) Look at the written algorithm the entire time, and just let your hands do their thing without looking at them.

Does one method typically result in learning these things more quickly than the other, or does it really just depend on the individual? Thanks in advance!

 

[miniGOINGS]

I would say that A would make it easier to memorize but B would allow faster transition to muscle memory. I would still go with A though, because with practice, muscle memory will come fast. Go with A.

 

[Zarxrax]

I would recommend looking at the cube. When it gets to the last few moves, you should generally be able to "see" how to finish it, even if you cant remember the moves.
To learn them, I normally try to do about half of the algorithm from memory repeatedly, until I become comfortable with it, and then I keep adding new moves, until I have the whole alg.

 

[4Chan]

Choice A.

I know a thing or 2 about algorithm memorization, and that's definitely better.

 

[miniGOINGS]

ZZ+ZBLL. Fast, and move efficient!

Do you use ZBLL with ZZ? What times do you have?

 

[4Chan]

I think around low 20s.

I've gotten recorded sub-20 averages of 5, but there's still a lot of progress to be had.

 

[magicsquares]

A would be better and after a while you'll get used to the algorithm. You get used to the algorithms after sometime and muscle memory should take over.

 

[darthdustin]

Thanks, guys, I really appreciate your time.

 

[MichaelErskine]

I'd add that if you want to remember the written form then that is what you want you'll want to study. I remember this stage in my learning of the cube and I really wanted to remember the algorithm as it was written so that I could transcribe it or replay it mentally. This was the case especially for the algorithms:

FURU'R'F'

FRUR'U'F'

RUR'URU2R'

The first two (both last layer edge orientation algorithms) I remembered as "FUR-EARTH", a furry globe, and "THROUGH-RUFF", passing through a Elizabethan ruff! These odd images were very memorable and quite quickly became associated with the patterns of last layer edge cases to which they apply. For the third algorithm (a Sune) I memorised a rhythmic growling sound which was more associated with the action of performing the algorithm. A sort of part muscle memory, part mnemonic.

I more recent successful algorithm learning experiences I find that simple repeated execution of the algorithm is enough to identify small groups of two or three moves that link together into a larger whole. The memorisation is mostly muscle memory but it is important to me that I am able to remember the written notation as I still need to write it down on post-it notes, everywhere!

 

[TheMachanga]

I never memorize the letters. I have trouble writing down PLL's for people because i never learned it like that. My hands memorize the movements

 

[rubiknewbie]

I remember by finger-tricks and sometimes by how the patterns change on the cube so I don't mess up.

There are some algorithms which my mind doesn't know how to do but my fingers know. If you practice one-handed your mind will learn to know better.