A Peculiar Progression Thread | 100 Days of FMC | DooM-a-thon

[Silky]

This will be a simple progress thread with fortnightly updates. May include reconstructions and videos at some point. See you on the flip side.

Spoiler: Goals

Spoiler: 2x2

Goal: Sub-3.3
Main: Tengyun 2M
Method: Guimond
Overview:

This is a new event for me. I have learned full Ortega thusfar slowly am transitioning into Guimond. I went with Guimond because it's easier to look ahead in inspection and I didn't want to learn 100+ algorithms. Sometime in the future I may want to learn HD-G but we'll see how far I get.

Spoiler: 3x3

Goal: Sub-15
Main: GTS2 M
Method: Roux
Overview:

Back in the early 2010s I started experimenting with other methods, specifically Petrus, Roux, and Heise. At my peak I was method neutral (~30 seconds) between CFOP, Petrus, and Roux. I found that block building and intuitive solving was extremely rewarding (+ I found that I hated memorizing algs) thus around 2011-2012 permanently switched to Roux and have never looked back. I never ended up learning full C*LL as I would stop cubing in 2012 for what would be 8 years. Since quarantine and my revived interest in cubing I have learned full COLL + 8 CMLL algs (4 U cases and 4 T cases). I went with COLL because I was still considering using Petrus or ZZ for OH and 4x4 and figured that it would help a lot with look ahead between C*LL and EO (which I have found it does, especially for 4x4 parity). Sometime in the future I would like to become colour neutral and or learn NMCLL.

Spoiler: 4x4

Goal: Sub-57
Main: WuQUe Mini M
Method: Meyer
Overview:

Originally used Redux back in 2010 because that's all I knew. For the first few months of my return I used 4trus (when I was still considering Petrus) but didn't find it very fun (specifically when it came to the transition from reduction to 3x3 stage). Switched to Meyer shortly after and it has been smooth sailing from thereon out. Instead of learning Lucas Parity I learned this algorithm (r U2 r' U2 M' l' U2 r U2 l' U2 r U2 l') which doesn't effect corners. This means that when I preform C*LL I can check for parity (just look for odd number of misoriented edges ) and seamlessly transition into correcting it. I can also predict/cancel into to EO because the algorithm only flips the UF edge and performs a M2.

Spoiler: OH

Goal: Sub-26
Main: Tengyun 3M
Method: Roux
Overview:

This is a new event for me. I for the first month and a half I picked up Petrus as I didn't want to relearn C*LL for Roux. However, I tried a few Roux solves and beat my Petrus PB almost immediately so I decided to just tough it out. M slices are a pain but I find it's one of the easiest events to get into.

Spoiler: BLD

Goal: Sub-59
Main: Valk 3M
Method: Orozco
Overiew:

Again, a new event. I honestly don't really know anything about this event coming in because it always seemed too daunting. Even after practicing on and off I find it to be one of the hardest events to get into due to the steep learning curve. That being said, I have ~1:30 split for corners and ~2:30 spit for edge atm (although only one successful solve) so I'm confident in improving. I only know basic OP/OP but will switch to M2 or TuRBo once I get around the 4 minute mark. Down the road I'd like to switch to Orozco and maybe play around with Ayam/freesolving.

Spoiler: FMC

Goal: Sub-29
Main: P.G.CO
Method: Heise/2GB
Overview:

Easily my most anticipated event. For me personally, FMC represents the very heart of cubing, beauty, elegance, expression, and challenge. Back in the 2010s I learned Heise for this event but never quite mastered it. For FMC I am going to focus mostly learning Heise and 2GB. Later on I plan to pick up on NISS, Domino Reduction, and psuedo block building. For now I just need to focus on block building and mastering Heise and 2GB. Depending on how far I get I may learn some SSC, HSC, and HTA. For now I'll just keep it simple and focus on consistency.

Spoiler: Square-1

Goal: Sub-18
Main: Volt V2M
Method: Lin

Another event I'm particularly interested in. Cube shape and parity I find mind bendingly fascinating. Went with Lin because I prefer intuitive solving and block building. I am focusing on intuitive cube shape and short cuts. I'm doubtful I'll ever learn full cube shape or CSP as I don't think they're essential until a very high level.

Spoiler: Megaminx

Goal: Sub-1:22
Main: Galaxy V2M
Method: Petrus

Mixed feeling about this event. I think I am going to prefer this event over 5x5+ events due to the fact that there is direct solving and block building. I'm also kind of unsure about the method I will be learning. I figure Petrus will be the easiest for me ( I can pick up on block building easily and there are only 36 LL cases which is nice ) but am pretty interested in ZZ-Spike. Spike would definitely be a nice challenge as ZZ-EO is a bit mystifying to me. We'll see how I feel when I start it.

Spoiler: Progress ( Updated )

Spoiler: Hard Reset + Return

Restarting all of progression updates since I don't really know where I left off and the organization of OP was a whole mess. Updated my PBs below. I have some new events I want to focus on (#FTO for WCA) so I'll add that stuff later. As far as my accomplishments over the last year.. there isn't much. However, I got a sub-1 FTO single and am officially sub-24 on Square-1 (Lin gang). Just got some non-WCA puzzles for casual solving The most notable are the Constrained Cube and Latch cube. They're a supper hard challenge for sure so it'll be fun to mess around with over the next few months. This is the first time I've bought non-WCA puzzle I've since I've joined the forums (except FTO). It's a nice little treat to myself and I'm glad I did it.

N0t_Bunny and I have officially started our cubing podcast!! Will be uploading episodes on Spotify asap. Airs weekly on my Twitch 6PM Eastern. Streaming has also popped off in the last few months which is fantastic! That's where I've been doing most of my practice for this progression thread (feel free to come by and hang out here). I start school soon so I'll have to set up a new schedule for streaming. I've come really far and am enjoying it a ton. I kinda hurts that it (streaming) will be going on the back burner but I'm going to do my best to balance things out. Also made a youtube (2 actually) and am planning to upload stream highlights and cubing tutorials (and other related stuff). This is actually my 2021 cubing highlights video so check that out I guess.

Spoiler: Records ( Updated )

	Single	Ao5	Ao12	Ao25	Ao50	Ao100	Ao250
2x2	2.39	4.21	5.1	5.26	5.84	5.91	6.09
3x3	13.41	18.03	19.11	20.12	21.19	22.18	23.06
4x4	1:03.66	1:12.11	1:17.54	1:19.64	1:22.82	1:24.24
FTO	58.76	1:14.39	1:21.13	1:24.17
BLD
FMC
Square-1	16.22	23.89	23.08	24.19	25.4	26.34
Megaminx	3:18	4:25.81	4:14.41

 

[PetrusQuber]

Dedication

 

[Silky]

Dedication

How do you mean? Haven't even started lol.

 

[Username: Username:]

This will be a simple progress thread with fortnightly updates. May include reconstructions and videos at some point. See you on the flip side.

Spoiler: Goals

Spoiler: 2x2

Goal: Sub-3.3
Main: Tengyun 2M
Method: Guimond
Overview:

This is a new event for me. I have learned full Ortega thusfar slowly am transitioning into Guimond. I went with Guimond because it's easier to look ahead in inspection and I didn't want to learn 100+ algorithms. Sometime in the future I may want to learn HD-G but we'll see how far I get.

Spoiler: 3x3

Goal: Sub-15
Main: GTS2 M
Method: Roux
Overview:

Back in the early 2010s I started experimenting with other methods, specifically Petrus, Roux, and Heise. At my peak I was method neutral (~30 seconds) between CFOP, Petrus, and Roux. I found that block building and intuitive solving was extremely rewarding (+ I found that I hated memorizing algs) thus around 2011-2012 permanently switched to Roux and have never looked back. I never ended up learning full C*LL as I would stop cubing in 2012 for what would be 8 years. Since quarantine and my revived interest in cubing I have learned full COLL + 8 CMLL algs (4 U cases and 4 T cases). I went with COLL because I was still considering using Petrus or ZZ for OH and 4x4 and figured that it would help a lot with look ahead between C*LL and EO (which I have found it does, especially for 4x4 parity). Sometime in the future I would like to become colour neutral and or learn NMCLL.

Spoiler: 4x4

Goal: Sub-57
Main: WuQUe Mini M
Method: Meyer
Overview:

Originally used Redux back in 2010 because that's all I knew. For the first few months of my return I used 4trus (when I was still considering Petrus) but didn't find it very fun (specifically when it came to the transition from reduction to 3x3 stage). Switched to Meyer shortly after and it has been smooth sailing from thereon out. Instead of learning Lucas Parity I learned this algorithm (r U2 r' U2 M' l' U2 r U2 l' U2 r U2 l') which doesn't effect corners. This means that when I preform C*LL I can check for parity (just look for odd number of misoriented edges ) and seamlessly transition into correcting it. I can also predict/cancel into to EO because the algorithm only flips the UF edge and performs a M2.

Spoiler: OH

Goal: Sub-26
Main: Tengyun 3M
Method: Roux
Overview:

This is a new event for me. I for the first month and a half I picked up Petrus as I didn't want to relearn C*LL for Roux. However, I tried a few Roux solves and beat my Petrus PB almost immediately so I decided to just tough it out. M slices are a pain but I find it's one of the easiest events to get into.

Spoiler: BLD

Goal: Sub-59
Main: Valk 3M
Method: Orozco
Overiew:

Again, a new event. I honestly don't really know anything about this event coming in because it always seemed too daunting. Even after practicing on and off I find it to be one of the hardest events to get into due to the steep learning curve. That being said, I have ~1:30 split for corners and ~2:30 spit for edge atm (although only one successful solve) so I'm confident in improving. I only know basic OP/OP but will switch to M2 or TuRBo once I get around the 4 minute mark. Down the road I'd like to switch to Orozco and maybe play around with Ayam/freesolving.

Spoiler: FMC

Goal: Sub-29
Main: P.G.CO
Method: Heise/2GB
Overview:

Easily my most anticipated event. For me personally, FMC represents the very heart of cubing, beauty, elegance, expression, and challenge. Back in the 2010s I learned Heise for this event but never quite mastered it. For FMC I am going to focus mostly learning Heise and 2GB. Later on I plan to pick up on NISS, Domino Reduction, and psuedo block building. For now I just need to focus on block building and mastering Heise and 2GB. Depending on how far I get I may learn some SSC, HSC, and HTA. For now I'll just keep it simple and focus on consistency.

Spoiler: Square-1

Goal: Sub-18
Main: Volt V2M
Method: Lin

Another event I'm particularly interested in. Cube shape and parity I find mind bendingly fascinating. Went with Lin because I prefer intuitive solving and block building. I am focusing on intuitive cube shape and short cuts. I'm doubtful I'll ever learn full cube shape or CSP as I don't think they're essential until a very high level.

Spoiler: Megaminx

Goal: Sub-1:22
Main: Galaxy V2M
Method: Petrus

Mixed feeling about this event. I think I am going to prefer this event over 5x5+ events due to the fact that there is direct solving and block building. I'm also kind of unsure about the method I will be learning. I figure Petrus will be the easiest for me ( I can pick up on block building easily and there are only 36 LL cases which is nice ) but am pretty interested in ZZ-Spike. Spike would definitely be a nice challenge as ZZ-EO is a bit mystifying to me. We'll see how I feel when I start it.

Spoiler: Progress

Spoiler: Thusfar

Spoiler: 2x2

Have learned full Ortega and have moved onto Ortega-Guimond ( full face of opposite colours => OLL => seperation => PBL ) hybrid. Have learn 6 Guimond Orientation algorithms. Am consistently sub-7.

Spoiler: 3x3

Have learned full COLL and 8 CMLL algorithms ( 4 T cases + 4 U cases ). Consistently sub-21.

Spoiler: 4x4

Learned OLL and PLL parity and 1 edge swap parity. Consistently sub-1:30.

Spoiler: OH

Goal: Sub-26
Main: Tengyun 3M
Method: Roux

Haven't learned any algs, just use 2 look CMLL. Consistently sub-45

Spoiler: BLD

Haven't started. I use OP/OP for now. Average 1:30 on corners and 2:30 on edges ( when I do them separately )

Spoiler: FMC

Haven't started now basic Heise, Roux, and Petrus.

Spoiler: Square-1

Have learned full EPLL and Lin CP + FD algorithms. Consistently sub-35.

Spoiler: Megaminx

Haven't started but know beginner's method.

Spoiler: Records

	Single	Ao5	Ao12	Ao25	Ao50	Ao100	Ao250
2x2	3.53	5.54	6.75	6.92	7.13
3x3	15.43	18.03	19.11	20.12	21.19
4x4	1:19.48	1:25.39	1:26.18	1:29.32	1:33.13
OH	28.89	35.08	39.79	45.18	46.67
BLD
FMC
Square-1	16.97	26.5	30.8	32.44	35.49
Megaminx

Wow, you use a lot like a lot of methods, makes my a bit jealous and wanting to try out a few more methods like 2GB, SSC and HSC (not HTA cuz I already tried that, domino reduction during a speedsolve is a nightmare lol) and practice them a little bit like doing an ao50 for 3x3 but good luck! and, I'm also almost method neutral

 

[Silky]

Wow, you use a lot like a lot of methods, makes my a bit jealous and wanting to try out a few more methods like 2GB, SSC and HSC (not HTA cuz I already tried that, domino reduction during a speedsolve is a nightmare lol) and practice them a little bit like doing an ao50 for 3x3 but good luck! and, I'm also almost method neutral

Thanks! I'm not using 2GB, HSC, SSC, or HTA for speedsolving so it isn't that impressive ( plus I haven't even started learning most of the methods yet ). Check out this post for some really interesting methods. Of the methods listed above, SSC has the most potential for speedsolving ( shadowslice used the EZD variant to achieve sub-13 averages ). SSC is beaming with potential and IMO could go toe to toe with the Big 4 ( as well as Waterman, PCMS, and LMCF ).

 

[PetrusQuber]

How do you mean? Haven't even started lol.

I mean the original post’s amount of writing

 

[Silky]

I mean the original post’s amount of writing

Tyty. I wanted to write more but I got lazy. I'm trying my best to keep a as detailed log as possible so that (a) there's more engagement in the tread, (b) anyone who uses this as a basis for improvement will have a better foundation, and (c) that I may catch blindspots/weaknesses in my own improvement ( the more knowledge I acquire about the knowledge I acquire the more I can acquire knowledge ).

 

[Silky]

First Fortnightly Update is out. Check OP for details.
A few notes:

Over the next two weeks I would really like to work on BLD. I have splits on corners/edges but I need to start working on full solves. My issue thusfar is that I've been to afraid to fail. I really just need to get over it and get used to getting slow times and DNFs, I'll improve with time.

For OH I'm going to be taking a substantial hiatus. I'm really conflicted method wise as I don't want to relearn CMLL for OH, I'd much rather learn a new alg set. At the same time Roux is my fastest OH method even with knowing 0 CMLL cases ( for reference I knew half of the PLLs for Petrus and still beat 2 months of PBs in two weeks with 2 look Roux ). I though about LLOB/ZB Roux but just came to the conclusion it's a worse version of Roux ( for it to be as efficient as vanilla Roux you need to learn full ZBLL, plus you can't really use phasing like in ZZ and Petrus to cut back on algorithms ). I've briefly thought about ZZ for OH but I'm not great at EO or ZZF2L. However, ZZ-LOL is very similar to Lin and you can use some advance techniques, specifically psuedo-block building and phasing, which could be a nice challenge.

This first update was very slow moving but I'm going to do some weekly SSF and Cubetime comps. It helps to give me motivation for consistent practice and in general keeps me on track ( plus it helps with nerves and builds more confident solving) . I may add a section for comp records as well. We'll see..

Catch you on the flip side !

 

[Kaneki Uchiha]

First Fortnightly Update is out. Check OP for details.
A few notes:

Over the next two weeks I would really like to work on BLD. I have splits on corners/edges but I need to start working on full solves. My issue thusfar is that I've been to afraid to fail. I really just need to get over it and get used to getting slow times and DNFs, I'll improve with time.

For OH I'm going to be taking a substantial hiatus. I'm really conflicted method wise as I don't want to relearn CMLL for OH, I'd much rather learn a new alg set. At the same time Roux is my fastest OH method even with knowing 0 CMLL cases ( for reference I knew half of the PLLs for Petrus and still beat 2 months of PBs in two weeks with 2 look Roux ). I though about LLOB/ZB Roux but just came to the conclusion it's a worse version of Roux ( for it to be as efficient as vanilla Roux you need to learn full ZBLL, plus you can't really use phasing like in ZZ and Petrus to cut back on algorithms ). I've briefly thought about ZZ for OH but I'm not great at EO or ZZF2L. However, ZZ-LOL is very similar to Lin and you can use some advance techniques, specifically psuedo-block building and phasing, which could be a nice challenge.

This first update was very slow moving but I'm going to do some weekly SSF and Cubetime comps. It helps to give me motivation for consistent practice and in general keeps me on track ( plus it helps with nerves and builds more confident solving) . I may add a section for comp records as well. We'll see..

Catch you on the flip side !

why are you learning coll for roux cmll is way better

 

[Silky]

why are you learning coll for roux cmll is way better

There's a few reasons. When I was returning to speedcubing I was playing around with petrus a lot so I decided to go with COLL so that I could learn both. COLL is overall more useful because it can be implemented in all of the Big 4 + a bunch of other method ( IMO COLL is overall the besst alg set you can learn in general ).

Personally I don't think CMLL is way better than COLL. At least half of CMLL is COLL already( and I have already learn full COLL ). Efficiency wise they're about the same average move count given you use Kian's spreadsheet. One advantage of COLL is that it preserves EO which means that looking ahead becomes much easier ( plus edge permutation for BD + FD if you want to do some fancy EO + UR/UL ). Since I'm a relatively slow turning look ahead becomes more important/useful. If you learn how each COLL effects permutation you can predict EO during COLL. The last reason I use it is because I use Meyer and ( if you look at my 4x4 section under goals ) COLL allows you to predict parity much faster as I can be done during COLL.

I have learned 8 CMLL cases ( 4 U + 4 T ) which I consider to be the worst cases ( specifically efficiency wise ). Maybe if I was learning from scratch I'd go for CMLL but as I stand I think COLL fits me the best, all things considered.

 

[Silky]

Second Fortnightly Update is out. Check OP for details.
Notes:

A note on punctuality. This is the second update in a row that I have been late, which I'm unhappy about. I plan to post promptly on Sept 15, help hold me accountable.

I have recently come to a consensus regarding OH. I have finally settled on learning Souxp for OH here-on-out. I think that it's a very good balance since I still get to keep that progress of Roux while also learning a new algorithm set ( 6CO/6CP ). I was very lucky that @Devagio generated these algs for the Mehta Method so that I didn't have to. I'm really excited to test out and develop my own method ! On the topic of methods, I actually accidentally created a new method. I'll add a tab later for both of these methods with example solves.

Final note. Although, since last update, I haven't done any forum comps, moving forward I plan to do at least one every week. I'll add a another tab to track progress on that as well.

Catch you on the flip side !

 

[Silky]

Third Fortnightly Update is out. Check OP for details.
Notes:

So this update is a week late but definitely worth it. Lots of PBs ! I've been rather busy so I don't have a ton to say but I'm feeling pretty motivated. For next update I just want to release it on time and continue consistent practice.

Catch you on the flip side !

 

[PetrusQuber]

GJ

 

[Silky]

Fourth Fortnightly Update is out. Check OP for details.
Notes:

A completely impromptu week ! Randomly decided to do some OH solves with LLOB and it was a huge success, broke all of my PBs. I also stumbled onto a new algset, OCELL/CPLL. Seems interesting; may pursue, may not.

Catch you on the flip side !

 

[Silky]

Have been on a Hiatus for the last month and a half or so. Will be updating when I get a chance. The only cubing I've done was a Square-1 26.34 average of 100.

 

[abunickabhi]

Nice progress expected.

 

[qwr]

I mean the original post’s amount of writing

easier to write long posts than to actually practice. from experience. lmao

 

[Silky]

easier to write long posts than to actually practice. from experience. lmao

Not really. It's a bit of a pain to update OP given all of the organization required + the analysis/reflection I'm putting into each session. Motivation for practice is harder but writing posts is contingent on practice so..

Nice progress expected.

Yes. It still may be a while until I fully update ( probably around mid-November ) but I'm planning in putting in a lot of work. I'm shooting for sub-20 ( Respectively ) in OH, Square-1, 3x3, and 4x4 by the New Year.

 

[PetrusQuber]

easier to write long posts than to actually practice. from experience. lmao

I don’t know what I’d be averaging if I converted all the time I’ve spent on the forums to actual cubing practise

 

[Silky]

Hiatus Fortnightly Update is out. Check OP for details.
Notes:

Have been an on hiatus for a while. Should be returning next week. Only update is a bunch of Square-1 PBs. Easily becoming one of my favorite events. Want to work on 2x2 and 3BLD for next update.

Catch you on the flip side !