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How to get faster

brunson

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Feb 17, 2008
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Westminster, CO
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2008BRUN01
this guide seems like someone totally retarded is learning from it. how can it take for you to learn all pll algs in 2-3 months? i have been cubing for 2 months and i know all pll and 35 oll and i average sub 30 generally. (around 27-28)
So, what's taking you so long for those other 27 OLLs, are you retarded? After than you can move on to ZB. Be sure to let us know when you're done.
 
N

nitrocan

Guest
well you can say whatever you want. i am averaging 27-28 right now. f2l in around 20 secs, oll in 3-4 pll in 3-4. and if you are so clever why dont you master all 1121 or something ll algs brunson
 
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nitrocan

Guest
my country doesnt have any cubers so maybe i dont know how cubers advance but 21 plls were not so much of a challenge in 2 months of cubing

and btw isnt all oll algs the way to go sub 20?
 
N

nitrocan

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i know but on the way to sub 20 most of the people learn all oll anyway
 

brunson

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Westminster, CO
WCA
2008BRUN01
My biggest problem is look ahead. I also have plenty of room for improvement in recognition and execution speed of my algorithms.

I think I've improved quite a bit in the past few weeks specifically on look ahead and recognition, but I vowed not to time a solve for six weeks while I practiced. I still have three and a half weeks to go. :)
 
N

nitrocan

Guest
that should be fun, and hard to do lol. not knowing how you are improving
 

brunson

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Location
Westminster, CO
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2008BRUN01
I think one of my biggest annoyances was the seeming slowing of progress. I went from 6 minutes to 3 minutes in no time. Then I went from 3 to 1.5 minutes a coule of months (I apparently don't have as much time to practice as you do ;-) ). Then 90 seconds to 60 in a few more months, but that was extended by learning F2L and all my OLLs and PLLs. Sub-45 took a couple of months, but getting from 45 to 35 just seemed painful. A friend pointed out that 45 to 35 is more than a 20% improvement, but it just doesn't seem like it in cold hard seconds. :p

My goal is to post a sub 30 avg at the Boulder competition in Sept, then sub-20 by the end of the year, but even only timing for the Sunday Contest once a week wasn't showing enough progress to keep me from getting frustrated, so I decided to blow off the timer and keep my nose to the grindstone.

In the process of all this look ahead practice I've also started learning what I think are the most useful and common cases of FBF2L. Case 1, Case 10, Cases 5, 6 & 7 and case 13. They seem to come up quite a bit. But I'm trying to learn these by understanding the way the algs work rather than just memorizing the moves. My long term goal is more of an intuitive edge control than a full ZBF2L.
 

PCwizCube

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May 9, 2008
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I only know 12 OLL algorithms, full PLL, and I am averaging around 23 seconds. Learning all the OLLs will cut down your times like only 3 seconds (if your 2 Look OLL is very fast).... and learning about 50 more algorithms for 3 seconds.... I would rather improve on something else.
 

pcwiz

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How to get faster with the Fridrich Method & Info on Other Methods

Hi Everybody,

I found some other errors and I would like to edit the draft some more:)

I have finished editing the post

---------------------------------------------
**The information provided in this thread was contributed by members in this post**
This thread will be provided as a little tutorial for people who are stuck and want to become faster in solving the Rubik's Cube. Please read this thread and do some forum searching prior to asking questions about becoming faster. First off, the most important factor is practice. Regardless of how many algorithms you cram or optimize, it really boils down to practice. A sub 20 second average can be achieved using a basic beginners method, however, it takes practice. More algorithms are useful to help with your understanding of the cube, and very importantly, your recognition, but these will not get you nearly as far as practice will get you. In spite of this, which is the best way to go about getting those times down, apart from practice alone? Here are some basic, set out steps to follow to help you on your way (note this is only a guideline to help you). You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you.

Here's a video of one of the top cubers, Erik Akkersdijk, getting a sub 20 second average only using a Layer By Layer method with Fridrich 4 Look Last Layer.


Fridrich Method: Step 1
Current Average: 1:30+ or don't know how to solve a Rubik's Cube
Goal Average: 1:00-1:19
Learn the method from one of these two sources: Leyan’s Beginners Method, or Badmephisto's Youtube Video Tutorial.
NOTE: It is possible to achieve sub-1 minute with these methods
If you are still stuck, follow these tips:
  • Try to reduce pauses, meaning try to never stop turning during your solve
  • Sand, Break in, and Lubricate Your Cube (In that order, and only sand if your cube is brand new and you've barely solved it).
  • Decrease your last layer times (about 25 seconds or less) - you can do this by improving your recognition and execution for each case
  • Work on solving the cross. Try to do the cross in 12 moves or less, and under 12 seconds. Here are some links which will help you achieve/learn this:
    http://www.cubefreak.net/cross.html
    http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/cross/cross
  • Use finger tricks (this will speed up your times A LOT)
  • Practice - The more you practice, the faster you'll become
  • Once you get a little used to the beginner method, you can also try inserting the first layer/side corners from different angles. See Macky's guide: http://cubefreak.net/easy_fast.html
  • Use a timer to see your progression : www.cubetimer.com
Estimated Time: 2-4 Weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 2
Current Average: 1:00-1:19
Goal Average: 40 - 50 seconds
  • Learn 4 look last layer (4LLL). (Links to where to learn the algorithms will be at the end of this guide)
    2 Look OLL
    Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
    Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms

    2 Look PLL
    Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb
    Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Z, H
Here are a couple of videos explaining how to use the 4LLL (2 Look OLL + 2 Look PLL) algorithms for your last layer:
2 Look OLL: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DTYvklyOpVM
2 Look PLL: http://youtube.com/watch?v=S61q3FYVFis

Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 3

Current Average: 40-55 seconds
Goal Average: 30-39 seconds
  • Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
  • Your times will temporarily get worse, but after a few days of practicing, they will become better greatly!
  • Practice your F2L, and never give up!
Estimated Time: 2-3 weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 4
Current Average: 30-40 seconds
Goal Average: 20-29 seconds
  • Now, learn the rest of the PLLs so your 2 Look PLL becomes 1 Look PLL - 21 Algorithms (you have already learned 7 algorithms for 2-Look PLL) (Links where to learn the algorithms are at the end of this guide
  • Learn how to look ahead during F2L - this will tremendously help your times

Estimated Time: 2-6 weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 5
Current Average: 20-30 seconds
Goal Average: Sub 20 seconds
  • Practice your F2L, learn/make up your own techniques, and possibly learn some of the algorithms for odd cases. (Links where to learn the F2L algorithms are at the end of this guide) Also, remember to look ahead! Try to complete your cross and F2L in 12 seconds or less on average
  • Master all your PLLs and OLLs that you know. Meaning optimize it to your maximum speed, try to use the triggers, and try to get all of them under 3 seconds for recognition and execution.
  • Get your cross sub 4 seconds consistently (make sure you solve the cross on the bottom of the cube.)
Estimated Time: 1-2 Months

Fridrich Method: Step 6
Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds
Goal Average: 15 Seconds or less
  • Master your Cross and F2L, try to finish them in 10 seconds or less on average
  • Get your cross done in ~2 seconds on average
  • Learn the rest of the OLL algorithms - 57 algorithms (Note that you should completely master everything else before learning these, as they will only help you by about 3 seconds or less)
  • To learn/memorize the OLL's easier look at Badmephisto's video
  • Practice, practice, and keep on practicing!!!
Estimated Time: 4+ months

F2L Algorithms:OLL Algorithms:PLL Algorithms: Corner Permutation are the Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb permutation algorithms.
Edge Permutation are the Ua, Ub, H, and Z permutation algorithms.

You should print out your OLLs/PLLs so you can learn them and use them at any time. Keep in mind that you should choose the algorithms that best suit you. Just because one person is fast with an algorithm doesn't mean you will be fast with the same algorithm.
----------------------------------------
Information about the Different Speed Cubing Methods

Fridrich (CFOP) Method

Basic Description
The Fridrich Method is similar to the Layer-By-Layer (LBL) method, because some of the steps are the same. However, the full Fridrich method uses several more algorithms than the layer by layer method, and combines some steps from the LBL method into one step for the Fridrich Method. Of course, more algorithms are needed for this to be done, but this results in faster times.

The Steps
  1. Cross
    First, make a cross and on any side of the cube
  2. F2L (First Two Layers)
    Then, you fill in the slots where the corners of the cross are missing. You insert a corner and an edge piece simultaneously during each insertion. There are 41 basic cases for this step, but it can be learned intuitively.
  3. OLL (Orient the Last Layer)
    Next, you make the entire top side of the cube a solid color. The top layer does not have to be correctly permuted. This requires 57 algorithms, but can be broken down into two steps (2 Look OLL), which requires 9 algorithms.
  4. PLL (Permute the Last Layer)
    Finally, you finish the cube by permuting the top layer of the cube. There are 21 algorithms to learn, but this step can be done into two steps, (2 Look PLL), which includes 6 algorithms.
Pros
This method is relatively easy to understand when compared to other methods. Therefore, it is the most tested and most popular method used. It has a reasonable number of algorithms to learn, and sub 15 second averages are definitely possible.

Cons
Learning all of the algorithms takes some time, and it requires a lot of practice to solve the F2L consistently in 10 seconds or less. Also, it has a slightly higher move count when compared to block building methods.

Where to lean the Fridrich (CFOP) method Petrus Method

Basic Description
The Petrus Method is a block building method, and most of the First Two Layers is solved intuitively, so there are no algorithms. Additionally, it is the second most popular speed cubing method used.

The Steps
  1. First, build a 2x2x2 block anywhere on the cube.
  2. Next, you expand the 2x2x2 block to a 2x2x3 block.
  3. After that, you fix the "bad edges" or orient the remaining seven edges on the cube that have not been solved.
  4. Then, you finish the First Two Layers (F2L).
  5. Next, you permute the last layer corners, or put them in their proper places (they do not have to be oriented.)
  6. Now, you "twist" or orient the last layer corners, making the whole last layer a solid color.
  7. Finally, you permute the last layer edges, without disturbing anything else, to solve the cube.
Pros
The Petrus Method uses fewer moves than the Fridrich method and most other non block building methods. It is more intuitive than the Fridrich method, and it requires far less algorithms.

Cons
It can be sometimes hard (especially for a beginner) to optimize block building, and it's difficult to keep consistently turning throughout the solve.

Where to learn the Petrus Method
http://lar5.com/cube/
 
Last edited:

pjk

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Mar 13, 2006
Messages
6,686
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2007KELL02
SS Competition Results
I think one of my biggest annoyances was the seeming slowing of progress. I went from 6 minutes to 3 minutes in no time. Then I went from 3 to 1.5 minutes a coule of months (I apparently don't have as much time to practice as you do ;-) ). Then 90 seconds to 60 in a few more months, but that was extended by learning F2L and all my OLLs and PLLs. Sub-45 took a couple of months, but getting from 45 to 35 just seemed painful. A friend pointed out that 45 to 35 is more than a 20% improvement, but it just doesn't seem like it in cold hard seconds. :p

My goal is to post a sub 30 avg at the Boulder competition in Sept, then sub-20 by the end of the year, but even only timing for the Sunday Contest once a week wasn't showing enough progress to keep me from getting frustrated, so I decided to blow off the timer and keep my nose to the grindstone.

In the process of all this look ahead practice I've also started learning what I think are the most useful and common cases of FBF2L. Case 1, Case 10, Cases 5, 6 & 7 and case 13. They seem to come up quite a bit. But I'm trying to learn these by understanding the way the algs work rather than just memorizing the moves. My long term goal is more of an intuitive edge control than a full ZBF2L.
For me, I got down to a minute in around 3 weeks or so, practicing pretty much whenever I had spare time... about 2 hours a day or so. From a minute down to about 25 seconds didn't seem long (although it was like 8 months) because I was into it... I was doing it because I loved doing it, not because I wanted to get fast. 24-20 took me about 4 months, but my practice time went down drastically to some emergencies. Then from 19-17 was like a month, and then 16-15 has come just from practice every now and then. I also have to mention that I was solving tons of other puzzles during these times, which definitely affects how fast you improve on a particular puzzle.

You can get sub-30 by Boulder, for sure. Try to make a goal to do an avg of 12 or 24 each day (shouldn't take too long). It definitely helps though. Make a goal to learn something new each day. Also, I'll be back in the Denver area around the 10th of August, so if you want to get together, let me know. I'm sure Dan and Mike would be interested in a get-together. Dan is in Boulder and Mike is in Arvada, and I'm in Golden. You're in Westminster, right? What part?

Good luck.
 

brunson

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2008
Messages
1,119
Location
Westminster, CO
WCA
2008BRUN01
You can get sub-30 by Boulder, for sure. Try to make a goal to do an avg of 12 or 24 each day (shouldn't take too long). It definitely helps though. Make a goal to learn something new each day. Also, I'll be back in the Denver area around the 10th of August, so if you want to get together, let me know. I'm sure Dan and Mike would be interested in a get-together. Dan is in Boulder and Mike is in Arvada, and I'm in Golden. You're in Westminster, right? What part
Good luck.
That sounds like fun. I'm just off the Boulder Turnpike at 90th and Wads, about two miles from the Sheridan exit. I got a PM from LG saying he has a three hour layover at DIA, I'll have to check my schedule on Monday to see if I can ditch work to hang out at the airport with him. :)
 
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