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How to get faster

fanwuq

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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?

I can see that you are a fast learner! If you can learn all of them as fast as you are learning them without getting very Bored of learning algs, go for it!

I'm already barely sub-20 on average, and I'll say this -- I will average sub-15 one day without ever knowing more than 23 OLLs (the amount I know now). In fact, I'll even forget a few.
 
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Johannes91

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and btw isnt all oll algs the way to go sub 20?
Yeah, it's nearly impossible to average sub-20 without knowing OLL. But when you know it, your average will immediately drop to sub-12. OLL is everything that matters.
 

oh_well

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aaaaarrrrrrgggggggg!!!!!

i am a complete beginner with an average of 44.36 and i know fridrich F2L
(not extremely good at though) and need to learn the OLL's and PLL's

this is going to take me so long!

on the bright side today i got a new personal best which is 38.96...
using only fridrich f2l and the rest was begginer method so i am happy!
 

pcwiz

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How to Get Faster using the Fridrich Method

Hi Everybody,

I know everybody is lazy to draft some more, but there countless of threads asking, "how do I get faster?" (Example 1, Example 2) And also it's driving some people crazy.

So I'm going to edit some more, and then post it in the "Beginner's Central" sub forum. I think it's better there than the "How to's, Guides, ect." sub forum because beginner's go to "Beginner's Central" more than "How to's, Guides, ect."

After I finish editing, I will post this in the "Beginner's Central" sub -forum unless someone tells me not do so, or someone else makes more changes. I have finished editing
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**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. You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you.

Here's a video of one of the fastest 3x3 cubers, Erik Akkersdijk, getting a sub 20 second average only using a Layer By Layer method with Fridrich 4 Look Last Layer.

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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 below one minute with these methods
If you are still stuck, follow these tips:
  • 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).
  • Use finger tricks (this will speed up your times A LOT). You can become better at finger tricks by practicing.
  • Decrease your last layer times (about 25 seconds or less) - you can do this by improving your recognition and execution for each case (to do this you must practice)
  • Try to reduce pauses, meaning try to never stop turning during your solve. This can be done by practicing a lot!
  • 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 (and then practice it a lot):
    http://www.cubefreak.net/cross.html
    http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/cross/cross
  • 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 : You can use web based timers or PC timers.
Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks

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Step 2
Current Average: 1:00-1:19
Goal Average: 40-49 seconds
Learn 4 look last layer (4LLL). (Links to where to learn the algorithms will be at the bottom 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:Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks

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Step 3
Current Average: 40-49 seconds
Goal Average: 30-39 seconds
  • Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
  • Your times will temporarily worsen, but after a few days of practicing, they will significantly become better!
  • Practice your F2L A LOT, and never give up!
Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks

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Step 4
Current Average: 30-39 seconds
Goal Average: 20-29 seconds
  • Now, learn the rest of the PLL algorithms. Full PLL is 21 Algorithms (you have already learned 7 algorithms for 2-Look PLL) (Links where to learn the algorithms are at the bottom of this guide
  • Learn how to look ahead during F2L - this will TREMENDOUSLY help your times
Estimated Time: 2-6 weeks

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Step 5
Current Average: 20-29 seconds
Goal Average: 15-19 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 bottom of this guide) Also, remember to look ahead (this is EXTREMELY important)! Try to complete your cross and F2L in 12 seconds or less on average
  • Work on improving your speed for your OLLs and PLLs. Use triggers, and try to get all of the algorithms under 3 seconds for recognition and execution.
  • Get your cross below 4 seconds consistently (make sure you solve the cross on the bottom of the cube.)
Estimated Time: 1-2 months

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Step 6
Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds
Goal Average: Below 15 seconds
  • Get your cross and F2L done in under 10 seconds
  • Get your cross done in ~2 seconds on average
  • Learn how to do Extended Cross (x-cross)
  • Learn the rest of the OLL algorithms - 57 algorithms (Note that learning the OLLs will only help you by 2 second or less)
  • To learn/memorize the OLL's easier look at Badmephisto's video
  • Practice, practice, and keep on practicing!!!
Estimated Time: 4+ months

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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.
 
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N

nitrocan

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I memorised the algorithms quite quickly, but I don't average sub20 yet. I know full pll and 53 oll (I don't know the awkward shapes) It took me 4 months to get them down. I have to practice F2L now I guess.
 

PCwizCube

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I memorised the algorithms quite quickly, but I don't average sub20 yet. I know full pll and 53 oll (I don't know the awkward shapes) It took me 4 months to get them down. I have to practice F2L now I guess.
Yes you should practice F2L.

I know around 13 OLLs, and full PLL. My best average of 12 is 19.91 seconds:D

I still see lots of problems with my F2L so I'm not going to start learning new OLLs any time soon.
 
N

nitrocan

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But memorising the oll is a great relief , now I don't go like "aargh this one again" :D. The rest is just practice. I know the f2l algs for special cases too, but my look ahead is totally crap.
 

PCwizCube

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But memorising the oll is a great relief , now I don't go like "aargh this one again" :D. The rest is just practice. I know the f2l algs for special cases too, but my look ahead is totally crap.
I guess you could say that about OLLs. But still I wouldn't want to memorize ~45 more OLLs, even if they're easy. My OLL stage is like 4 seconds, not too bad. But my F2L can range for 10-17 seconds. So I would rather work on that then learning OLLs....

Yeah I learned like 20 F2L algorithms, I will learn some more for the annoying cases that make me do like 12 turns (and slow me down).
 

BlazingSlow

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So, for this instructions in the first post:

-I strongly suggest you learn 4 look last layer. (Links to where to learn them will be at the bottom of this post.)
-DO NOT learn F2L yet.
Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms
Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Zb, H
Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa, Ab, E

i need to learn this ?

At this time i'm solving the bottom and then, the third layer.

Learning that i will be able to solve the bottom and the third layer simultaneous and more FASTER ?

Please correct me if i'm wrong. :)
 

AvGalen

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So, for this instructions in the first post:

-I strongly suggest you learn 4 look last layer. (Links to where to learn them will be at the bottom of this post.)
-DO NOT learn F2L yet.
Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms
Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Zb, H
Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa, Ab, E

i need to learn this ?

At this time i'm solving the bottom and then, the third layer.

Learning that i will be able to solve the bottom and the third layer simultaneous and more FASTER ?

Please correct me if i'm wrong. :)
You are solving the bottom layer first, then the top layer, then the middle layer :confused:

In the first post a system is described that starts like this:
1) First layer edges
2a) First layer corners
2b) Second layer (edges)
3) Last layer in several steps, depending on your level (http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6815&postcount=4)

It also describes how you can combine 2a and 2b so you do 1 bottom layer corner and 1 middle layer edge combined (repeat 4 times)
 

Jeevan Cuber

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Help !!!!!!

I average in 30s but my Personal best is 13.41 !

Please tell me what should I do meaning how is there so much difference in both.

What should I do ?

Almost learnt PLL

19 OLL

Actually it was a repeated and easy scramble.
That scramble when came first time my Pb was 17 secs.

Please Help ! What should I do ?
 

BillyRain

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I find it so weird when people say that they average around 30 but their PB is like between 10-15.

I average 18-19 and my Pb is only 14 :( I don't get it.

Also when people say you should be able to average sub20 with LBL... This depresses me becuase I am full CFOP and my F2L is pretty good, and I only average 18-19 :(

I just don't know what to do. I practice alot.
 

kinch2002

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I agree. My single was never that crazy compared to my average. Probably just people making up stuff. Or you're getting a false impression by selective sampling (i.e. people with crazy singles are more likely to post about it).

You can get sub 20 with LBL. But nobody actually does that before moving to full CFOP. If I went back to it now, maybe I could sub 20, but it's pointless to compare yourself to that. Being just sub20 with full CFOP is nothing to be disappointed by - I think you'll find that the majority of people go through that stage of progression.
 

WBCube

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Most of the time PB solves just depend on the luck of the draw. I'm sub-15 and my PB is 8.584, and it was quite a lucky solve. If you do enough solves, you'll eventually get one that goes just the way you want it to. Also being full CN helps a lot.
 

Janakos

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I average about 1:15 with and fastest/lucky time of 45 using 2 look oll/pll. I struggle mostly with the cross and F2L. Should i abandon F2L? ( I've been using F2L for about 1 week) and go backwards to the easier method till i get my average down to 40-50 secs? or should I push on? I've been cubing for 2 weeks now.
 
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kunparekh18

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I average about 1:15 with and fastest/lucky time of 45 using 2 look oll/pll. I struggle mostly with the cross and F2L. Should i abandon F2L? ( I've been using F2L for about 1 week) and go backwards to the easier method till i get my average down to 40-50 secs? or should I push on? I've been cubing for 2 weeks now.

If it's just 2 weeks, give it more time. Also you might've heard that learning F2L will at first make you slower, but then you will get wayyy faster with it if you continue with it and practice.
 

Janakos

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If it's just 2 weeks, give it more time. Also you might've heard that learning F2L will at first make you slower, but then you will get wayyy faster with it if you continue with it and practice.

I'm only concerned cause this guide said to not learn F2L till I average 40-50 secs. And i feel years away from that lol..
 
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