How to go from solved 3x3 cube to various OLL positions for practice?

Charlemagne

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May 22, 2012
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Hello All!
I am in the process of learning Fridrich OLL (Yellow on top) and wondered: Does anyone know an the algorithms to go from a solved cube position to the various 2OLL positions without messing up the F2L's? I have been unable to find a list of algorithms online. Any and all assistance will be most kindly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from anyone.
Thank you.

Charlemagne
 
Don't know why I didn't think of that! :) Many thanks.

The link is fantastic!! Thank you so much! :)
 
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Or what you can do is just keep repeating the alg, after 1,2,5.. repeats you'll get back to your case, that way you don't need to spend time doing anything that isn't a useful alg. Also you can learn OLL's in pairs because the inverse is usually a good OLL too.. such as Sune/Anti-Sune
 
Hey there Charlemagne!

I think I understand what you're asking. Are you looking for a way to practice OLL? There are a couple of levels. There are 57 possible cases, and hence, 57 possible algorithms that you could memorize. But, to start off, there are the basic ones, and then you can build upon that.

The best way to learn them, I've found, is to apply one of the algorithms to a solved cube. All algorithms have what is called a degree, and most of the OLL algorithms don't have degrees above about 3 or 4 (don't quote me, I'm not sure). For instance, if an algorithm has a degree of 3, once you repeat that algorithm 3 times on a solved cube, it will return the cube to the original (solved) state. So, if you're trying to learn an algorithm, just keep repeating the algorithm on the cube. With a few repetitions, you will have it solved again, and it's a very good way to learn the finger tricks involved for the algorithm.

In regards to where to find the algorithms, there are a plethora of web sites out there, but one that I found that helped a lot was Bob Burton's www.cubewhiz.com. If you go to 4LLL (4 look Last Layer), it shows the "beginner" version, and under CFOP, you will find all 57 OLL algorithms. This web site also has a bunch of other stuff, so...have fun!

Good luck! I'm sorry this is so long, but I hope it's what you were asking, and in that case, I hope it helps!
 
Hey there Charlemagne!

I think I understand what you're asking. Are you looking for a way to practice OLL? There are a couple of levels. There are 57 possible cases, and hence, 57 possible algorithms that you could memorize. But, to start off, there are the basic ones, and then you can build upon that.

The best way to learn them, I've found, is to apply one of the algorithms to a solved cube. All algorithms have what is called a degree, and most of the OLL algorithms don't have degrees above about 3 or 4 (don't quote me, I'm not sure). For instance, if an algorithm has a degree of 3, once you repeat that algorithm 3 times on a solved cube, it will return the cube to the original (solved) state. So, if you're trying to learn an algorithm, just keep repeating the algorithm on the cube. With a few repetitions, you will have it solved again, and it's a very good way to learn the finger tricks involved for the algorithm.

In regards to where to find the algorithms, there are a plethora of web sites out there, but one that I found that helped a lot was Bob Burton's www.cubewhiz.com. If you go to 4LLL (4 look Last Layer), it shows the "beginner" version, and under CFOP, you will find all 57 OLL algorithms. This web site also has a bunch of other stuff, so...have fun!

Good luck! I'm sorry this is so long, but I hope it's what you were asking, and in that case, I hope it helps!

Thanks! I have learned Fridrich F2l fairly well (intuitively)...just working on my timing. I know of Burton's great study guides but I use Mephisto's. Anyway, I have been solving the cube and then just mixing it all back up just to get back to practice OLL. I know this might seem really silly for many but it just dawned on me that there is an easier way. All I want to do is this: Once I solve the cube, I want to just go back from the solved position to the completed F2L stage and then practice the OLL's over and over until I have them all. Hope this makes sense. It's just (for me) such trouble to scramble the cube from a solved position just to practice the OLL's.
Thanks to everyone!
 
I also do like badmephisto. In fact, if you have a smart phone, try out his app! It's great! But honestly, going through F2L is kinda the best way to get to practice OLL again. And, it's a good chance to practice it even more!

But one thing I like about badmephisto is that he has the algorithms listed in the order of which he recommends you solve them. Try it like that, and go case by case. I also like how badmephisto chunks the algorithms into "triggers." Learn each part of the algorithm, and that help to put it all together. Just take the case you're working on, and do it over and over and over again. Recognition is pretty easy for OLL; the hard part is memorization. Messing up the cube takes more time. All that you need is the one part, like you said. So, by doing it repeatedly, you'll work the algorithms into your fingers, and once it's in your fingers, they're kinda stuck. I've picked up the cube after not doing it for 6 months, and I can still do the sune like I just learned it! :D
 
I think what I was seeking was "degrees." For example, each OLL has a certain number of "degrees" if you begin from a solved position, perform an algorithm, and then go back to whichever OLL position one chose and, ultimately, to the solved position again. I've heard it is faster to practice OLL algorithms for memorization rather than scrambling the cube and just hope the OLL you seek at a particular time will show up.

Just wondering if there are any lists as to how many "degrees" exist for each OLL (or PLL)?

Many thanks!
 
I think what I was seeking was "degrees." For example, each OLL has a certain number of "degrees" if you begin from a solved position, perform an algorithm, and then go back to whichever OLL position one chose and, ultimately, to the solved position again. I've heard it is faster to practice OLL algorithms for memorization rather than scrambling the cube and just hope the OLL you seek at a particular time will show up.

Just wondering if there are any lists as to how many "degrees" exist for each OLL (or PLL)?

Many thanks!

It depends on the algorithm.
 
just do solves, don't practice 1 step.

Hi,
I will do solves. I do several each day (time permitting). However, I viewed one of Badmephisto's tutorial's and he mentioned doing something akin to what I described. So, for me, I think solving the cube and practicing algorithms in the method I hopefully described, works for me. Afterall, we all are unique and I like this. I'm not fixated on time and just enjoy learning. Keeps my mind sharp. Consequently, I was just wondering; considering all the material available on the 3x3x3 if a printout was available. If not, then I really appreciate everyone's answers.

It depends on the algorithm.

I know. Just wondered if, out of interest, there is some printout available regarding this. Seems there is so much out there regarding the 3x3x3. No big deal if nothing is available. Thanks!
 
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I think what I was seeking was "degrees." For example, each OLL has a certain number of "degrees" if you begin from a solved position, perform an algorithm, and then go back to whichever OLL position one chose and, ultimately, to the solved position again. I've heard it is faster to practice OLL algorithms for memorization rather than scrambling the cube and just hope the OLL you seek at a particular time will show up.

Just wondering if there are any lists as to how many "degrees" exist for each OLL (or PLL)?

Many thanks!

You can find them by writing out the cycles yourself.

For example, take the algorithm R2 U'.
The corner cycle is (UBL UFL UFR DBR UBR DFR).
The edge cycles are (UB UL UF UR DR) and (FR BR).
So there's a 6-cycle, a 5-cycle and a 2-cycle, so the algorithm will have to be repeated 30 times before it is solved again.
 
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Just doing solves isn't good enough if you want to be fast. I say: Also practice each step individually.

Thank you for your reply. Unlike many others, I'm not too concerned about speed. Currently, I can solve at about 2 minutes and, though this is very slow to others, I will gradually get faster. You see, I began cubing as a method to focus my mind during life saving medical treatment (rather painful) and solving really helped me through the process of treatment and took my mind off of other things. That said, I have a different perspective. Yes, I want to get faster and do my best. However, it is not a priority at the moment. I have noticed that my speed is increasing over time.
My goal is to learn Fridrich and I have made good progress. I can solve F2L intuitively and am now working on memorizing the algorithms for the final steps and positions. Perhaps speed means a lot to others. Yet, I will be undergoing treatment for some time and the very act of memorization and going at my own pace truly helps me emotionally. When I recover then I shall focus on speed. Again, it is increasing anyway. Therefore, in my situation solving is good enough with speed as a secondary goal. The key for me is that cubing helps my emotional state and focus during a tough time in my life. Speed will come and I will focus on it later. Anyway, considering my circumstances, I think I'm progressing well.

You can find them by writing out the cycles yourself.

For example, take the algorithm R2 U'.
The corner cycle is (UBL UFL UFR DBR UBR DFR).
The edge cycles are (UB UL UF UR DR) and (FR BR).
So there's a 6-cycle, a 5-cycle and a 2-cycle, so the algorithm will have to be repeated 30 times before it is solved again.

Thank you so much!! :)

And if you're having difficulty figuring out the cycle on your own I know qqwref has a tool for that on his website. Order Calculator

Great site! :) Many thanks for your kind assistance.
 
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