A couple of questions.

[gryphdawg13]

I just started solving Rubik's cubes about 2 weeks ago, and I can average about 1:30 using the beginner's method. So, I have a couple questions about how to get faster.

1: My movements are kind of lethargic, what is the best way to speed them up? Right now, my hands are just positioned so the middle three fingers are on the back edge pieces, my thumbs are on the middle front edge pieces, and my pinkies are somewhere on the bottom face. Where should they be? What is the most efficent way of doing all of the moves?

2: With the keyhole method, I average about the same time as the beginner method. What should I be moving, and what should be stationary?

3: I know that there are pills to increase your focus, but are these not allowed in speed solving competitions?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Ellis]

1) Practice. Try moving your right hand 90 degrees CCW, it's easier to do R U combinations that way.

2) You can do cube rotations to put each edge slot at the FR position and then do a D/D'/D2 to move the corner to FR, or you could try keeping the keyhole at FR and using u/u'/u2 to move the edge piece above it. Either way works.

3) LOL. Competition drug testing? Interesting. There are no specific rules forbidding pills that increase your focus in competition.

 

[gryphdawg13]

Thank you, but what does CCW mean? Is there a picture or something?

 

[Ellis]

CCW = Counterclockwise... as if you were doing an R' move, and then hold it like that. I think most people switch off between the two depending on exactly what they're doing.

Maybe watch this video just to see how to move and hold the cube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdSiQQ9VSEY

 

[teller]

Your basic grip sounds fine...but a lot of speed comes from blending various turns together into a single movement, and that's not really possible until an entire series is well hammered into your memory, at which point you can start to anticipate upcoming turns.

Take R U R' for example. It should be the fastest slap that takes no time at all, but until you've done it a good bit it's not clear where your right index finger should be--it needs to be "ready" to move that U when it gets there. So this would change your starting grip accordingly.

 

[gryphdawg13]

One last question. WHat type of silicon spray is the best?

 

[byu]

Usually people say silicone but most plastic lubricants are good

 

[holypasta]

that doesn't really answer the question. he knew silicone was good; he just wanted to know what kind.

...i don't use silicone; i use vaseline.

 

[Ellis]

Usually people say silicone but most plastic lubricants are good

lol....

...i don't use silicone; i use vaseline.

LOL...


God... get CRC silicone, it was not a tough question guys.

 

[gryphdawg13]

Haha thank you Ellis

 

[gryphdawg13]

Does it matter what type of CRC?