4x4 Solution advice needed.

[pixelguy]

Hello,

Would like some advice on 4x4 'experienced' solvers please....

1> I'm comfortable solving 3x3 and just got the 4x4 a few days ago.
2> The algorithms for fixing parity is giving me nightmares, and don’t want to learn new 'big' algo’s right now.
3> Not too interested in speed, like intuitive methods better
4> Want to keep solution as close as possible to 3x3...

I’ve been reviewing a few sites about the 4x4 and maybe haven’t found the best one yet so if you know of any good ones pls let me know.

Here’s my method/idea currently in solving the 4x4 currently….I solve white side on bottom

1>Solve Centers intuitive.
2>match white-colored edge-pairs and place to create white cross on bottom
3> do F3L? to fill 2 corners to create a complete 3x3x4 block. (I use f2l and then place third-edge intuitively because my R,U are unsolved). This may not be too efficient but I find it more fun…

4> Match remaining 7 edge-pairs
5> Do Petrus style (I think step 4, fix bad edges, orient, etc).
6> Petrus style to solve remainder F3L
7> Solve LL as 3x3.

I don’t do Petrus when solving 3x3, stick with Fridrich…the reason for step 4 as Petrus was I was hoping that it would be easier to find/fix a swapped edge pair or other parity error at this point (R,U sides unsolved), and if so, how would I go about finding an algo.(or intuitive method) for easy parity solution at step 5.

Hopefully I made sense with the question or maybe I’m just being too hopeful and there is no easy way to fix parity without new long algos?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Leviticus]

well i do centers, ALL edges, then 3x3, try chris hardwicks page on speedcubing.com

 

[fanwuq]

It's easy. Just pair up centers and edges intuitionally. The parity algs aren't long. The PLL one is obvious and easy. OLL one isn't too bad, just 15 moves.

 

[pixelguy]

Thansk for the responses.....

However maybe I should ask it like this:

During the petrus method (step 3) where you're twisting bad edges. Is it possible to easily fix the edges here to avoid the parity error at the end of the solve? If 1 of the 7 last edge pairs are twisted here, does that mean they'll be twisted at the end. Can I order the colors in a certain way to avoid a parity?

Is there a site that explains why there's parity and things you can do to prevent the parity BEFORE you are done the LL?

I know that it may be easier to just apply the ALGO and repeat LL but where's the fun in that?

I may be the minority, but I'd rather find an intuitive method and be slower than to just apply memorized ALGOs and try and do it faster. For me, it's like trying to finish a wordfind puzzle, and having everyone time it and see who can solve it faster....

Thanks.

 

[MiloD]

Well first you will have to determine if you have the parity...i.e. check all edge orientations after you build them all or do petrus after building edges(solve 5 edges) and see if there are an even or odd number of bad edges left. the orientation parity happens as a result of how the centers are solved. If parity existed in the edges as a result of the scramble (i.e. the cycle was even)and you solved centers with an odd number of inner slice quarter turns then there will be no parity in the edges and vise versa. so to fix parity you have to do an odd number of inner slice quarter turns. so you could do (r,U2)x5 which restores the centers to a "solved" position and does an odd number of inner slice turns. then fix the edges like normal and you are good to go....i suggest you learn the alg though.

I may be the minority, but I'd rather find an intuitive method and be slower than to just apply memorized ALGOs and try and do it faster. For me, it's like trying to finish a wordfind puzzle, and having everyone time it and see who can solve it faster....

eh.... this "intuitive" way sets you back like 30 moves in your solve. it will just turn into an "ALGO" for you anyway, a really long annoying one that destroys your f2l work and 4 edge groups. Its not so much that this method is slower(which it is)...its destructive. just learn the alg

 

[Markus Pirzer]

Have you already tried my solution? http://www.rubiks-zauberwuerfel.de/english/revenge cube richten.html
If you have problems with this solution, please let me know.

 

[coopersacatfilms]

you only need to know 3 the one to flip the flipped edge, the one to swap the last two paired edges and the one on the last layer to switch two across from each other and those are all the ones I use you can check out some websites just type in 4x4 parity algorithms into google.com and you should be set hope that helps.