New to cubing

Slowsolving

Slowsolving

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
13
Hi gang,
I finally opened up a Rubik's cube I'd bought years ago and thought it'd be a challenge to memorize how to solve it. I can practice for almost an hour a day. If I can learn to solve within a minute, I would be pretty happy.

Currently using "beginner method" as depicted at http://www.ryanheise.com. Very unfamiliar with all the other methods :C

Cannot completely solve yet, my goal is to be stay fast enough to keep whatever I've learned under a minute. After a week of practicing one~ hour a day I can fix one layer and all middle pieces within a minute.

My Toys'r Us cube locks up a bit but is generally ok, I just ordered a speedcube and some lube. Definitely the cheaper of many hobbies I've been in!

Other interests:
2x2x2, 3x3x3 mini/keychain cubes, one hand solving

Confusions/curiosities:
I currently solve cross on top but am thinking of switching to bottom (or left?)
Not sure if I should skip beginner method and learn something else.

Thats my story... later gang!
 
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I reccommend solving the cross at the bottom from now on, you'll switch to it eventually so better get used to it from the start.

The method Heise describes is the "general" layer by layer beginners method that you can find on a lot of sites.

Definately have a look at Heises advanced solotion too!
It is not really for speedcubing but very, very good for understanding the cube.
 
...and I suggest Friedrich Beginner's method to start... (heise is kinda advanced from my understanding) I hear you can get 40 seconds or better with a store-bought cube with that! But you do what seems a comfortable fit for you!

edit: and welcome to the forum! (i'm only a few months old myself :)
 
DaveyCow said:
...and I suggest Friedrich Beginner's method to start... (heise is kinda advanced from my understanding) I hear you can get 40 seconds or better with a store-bought cube with that! But you do what seems a comfortable fit for you!
Click to expand...

And I suggest that you should actually read Heise's site befor making comments like this!
He's got the std LBL method there too and that is what the OP is using.
 
The Heise method is a very cool method with no algorithms and all blockbuilding.
I've got a video on my channel sp check that out. I'm not fast with it but at least il efficient!
They also happen to be the only Heise speedsolves on YouTube...

You build four squares then make that F2L minus one, then solve all edges while doing some corners. Then commutators.


Edit: @OP
Hi! Try all the methods before judging which is best.
I use Roux. Try these to start with: Roux, Petrus, CFOP, ZZ.

By the way, your username also applies to advanced cubers...
 
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Congratulations mate; sounds like you are travelling well! Things become a lot easier once you trim the unnecessary parts away from the beginner's method. For example, you've probably already realised that you don't have to do Ri Di R D one,two or three times when solving the white corners, as each of the three cases has its own quick algorothm.

Like the others have said, the sooner you solve the white cross on the bottom, the better. When you are comfortable enough with solving the final layer and can do the entire cube in under 3 minutes, then it's definitely time. This not only saves at least one cube rotation, but makes the transition to F2L smoother. But make sure you know the intricacies of the beginner's method before you move on to F2L, and perhaps 2-Look OLL/PLL, as this is where we all began (unless you are "Rain Man" or something....I'm far from it!).

Indeed a cube is to a cuber, as a lightsaber is to a Jedi. Choose, make or modify your cube wisely! Storebought Rubik's are of supreme quality, but are generally not made for speedcubing (and yes, there are anomalies: my mother-in-law's store-bought is incredible.......don't know why). You can't go wrong with Cube4Yous (Da Yans and Edisons are king, but are far more expensive), but the list goes on and on as the market is rich with reasonably-priced quality. But the first rule of cubing is: Lube your Cube. The second rule of cubing is: Lube your cube!

There'll be people who have far better advice than I, but thanks for sharing your story.
 
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DaveyCow said:
So is it the "Heise method" he's describing? or some other method?
Click to expand...

Dont be a Jorghi!

I think the OP was quite clear:

Slowsolving said:
Currently using "beginner method" as depicted at http://www.ryanheise.com.

I currently solve cross on top but am thinking of switching to bottom (or left?)
Click to expand...




5BLD said:
By the way, your username also applies to advanced cubers...
Click to expand...
And especially to me!
I only average about 40s for speedsolving but can solve via numerous methods and average about 31 turns in fewest moves solving.

There's so much more to cubing than trying to go as fast as possible ;-)
 
Yeah... Your skill is in fewest moves :)
Hence your signature. I'd have a real hard time getting a sub-9 FMC lol.

Additionally... I have been actually getting increasing interested in FMC... I just can't do it well yet...
 
what's a Jorghi? and yes it looks like I missed something in his thread - I thought he was referring to the "Heise Method" and didnt realize he was referring to beginner method on Heise's site... so I'm sorry for my obliviousness! BUT at least I know that a store-bought Rubik's is way inferior to the ZhanChi! (that doesnt have to do with anything - just expressing my insane love for my ZhanChi :))
 
Wow, thanks for all the tips and stuff, gang :} Nothing like picking up another new hobby and meeting other people.
I will have to research the techniques suggested, might take a while, there is a lot to figure out for this puzzle!
For now I will probably use Mephisto's "Beginner". The other modes all sound better, but I think I need to get something 'simple' memorized and see how into cubing I still am at that point.

When people say solve the cross on the bottom, do they mean put it together on the bottom or solve it on top then turn the cube over? I thought it meant solve it on the bottom, but in the Mephisto vid he just solves it on top and turns it over.

With one hour practise a day, you'll soon need to change your name ;o)
Click to expand...

Joys of carpooling :} Too loud to sleep or read, gotta do something!

Definately have a look at Heises advanced solotion too!
It is not really for speedcubing but very, very good for understanding the cube.
Click to expand...

I'm glad that someone mentioned this, I was going to ask about it. Looks interesting I'll have to come back to it.

But the first rule of cubing is: Lube your Cube. The second rule of cubing is: Lube your cube!
Click to expand...

The Lubix is in post bud! :D Thanks!

Incidentally what cube did you order?
Click to expand...

I specifically skipped that because I didn't want to start a "cube thread", know what I mean, but I wound up getting a Type 3, a 2x2x2, a mini Type 3, some other mini, cube bags and Lubix.

BUT at least I know that a store-bought Rubik's is way inferior to the ZhanChi!
Click to expand...

Haha, I originally wanted a Lone Goose and almost got a Zhanchi since it was Goose's successor (correct?). Then I read here that ZhanChi's are "too good" for beginners so maybe some other day!

Thanks again for all the links and help!
 
Slowsolving said:
When people say solve the cross on the bottom, do they mean put it together on the bottom or solve it on top then turn the cube over? I thought it meant solve it on the bottom, but in the Mephisto vid he just solves it on top and turns it over.
Click to expand...

You face the white centre on the bottom and solve the edges by inserting them into the bottom layer. It's a lot easier than you think. Badmephisto will say in some videos that a given method is not ideal, but he will demonstrate it for people like myself. I love his videos- they've taught me so much!:tu
I am a big fan of MeMyselfandPi (Billy Hansen) and Rob's World on Youtube too. Their videos are pretty user friendly.
 
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