[Help Thread] Algorithm Memorization Discussion

I'm new to cubing, I ordered a MoYu last night, which is my first 3x3. I'm curious if you guys have any tips on how to memorize algorithms and remember when to put them into effect. I watched J Perm and instantly got hooked on wanting to do this as a hobby and possibly go to competitions; my only worry isn't my speed but my ability to remember algorithms and when I should use them. My boyfriend got me a 2x2, and I watched J Perm's beginner method tutorial, I went to his website for the algorithms to solve it, and it's a lot to take in. Do you guys have a particular way to remember it all, or does it simply come with time? I appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer this question and gives me suggestions, cheers.
 
I'm new to cubing, I ordered a MoYu last night, which is my first 3x3. I'm curious if you guys have any tips on how to memorize algorithms and remember when to put them into effect. I watched J Perm and instantly got hooked on wanting to do this as a hobby and possibly go to competitions; my only worry isn't my speed but my ability to remember algorithms and when I should use them. My boyfriend got me a 2x2, and I watched J Perm's beginner method tutorial, I went to his website for the algorithms to solve it, and it's a lot to take in. Do you guys have a particular way to remember it all, or does it simply come with time? I appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer this question and gives me suggestions, cheers.
There are some things you can do:

1. The most common thing to do is split an algorithm into triggers. From the beginner's method you should know R U R' U' / L' U' L U, if you see it in an algorithm you can remember whatever you call that sequence instead of 4 separate moves. This is particularly helpful later when learning algsets like OLL and PLL, as you will see the same 3-5 move sequences popping up everywhere, and all you would need to remember are the moves between the triggers.

2. Recognise patterns in algorithms. Let's look at R U' L' U R' U' L (U)
For this algorithm, notice that the U moves alternate directions, with a U' following an R move and a U following an L move. R and L moves also alternate, and both move upwards first and then downwards later. This makes the algorithm much easier to memorise.

3. This is slightly in the same vein as number 2, but is a little different. Learn to see when a certain move sequences is done forwards, then backwards later. This can be incredibly helpful.
For example, here's an OLLCP trick I learned and how I memorise it
F U' R2 D R' U2 R D' R2 U F'
I split it into these parts:
F U' R2 D R' U2 R D' R2 U F'
Both green parts are inverses of each other, same goes for the blue parts
The red bit is the middle of the algorithm.

So, now the algorithm has gone from 11 moves to 3 sections of 2-3 moves each!

Hopefully this helps, you really just have to learn your first algorithms, but then they will start appearing in part or fully in other algorithms. Alg learning gets easier the more you learn, and don't feel you need to rush through it, everyone learns at different speeds and you should find what's right for you.
 
I'm new to cubing, I ordered a MoYu last night, which is my first 3x3. I'm curious if you guys have any tips on how to memorize algorithms and remember when to put them into effect. I watched J Perm and instantly got hooked on wanting to do this as a hobby and possibly go to competitions; my only worry isn't my speed but my ability to remember algorithms and when I should use them. My boyfriend got me a 2x2, and I watched J Perm's beginner method tutorial, I went to his website for the algorithms to solve it, and it's a lot to take in. Do you guys have a particular way to remember it all, or does it simply come with time? I appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer this question and gives me suggestions, cheers.
Start by learning the beginner's method. It's a pretty easy method without a lot of algorithms, and they're pretty easy to remember. The way I memorize some harder algorithms is by trying out the alg for a few times, getting used to the feel of it, then try doing it fast. Then drill the alg over and over again until it's implanted in your muscle memory.

Easier algs like the "Sune" (R U R' U R U2 R') can be split up like this:
R U R' U R U2 R'
These are called triggers, and they can be lots of things, in this case R U R' U and R U2 R'. They are usually 3-4 moves and help you split up the algorithm better so you can see what happens. Other triggers can be the "sexy move" - R U R' U', and the "sledgehammer" - R' F R F'. These are the main triggers.

Here's another example: (OLL alg)
R U2 R2' F R F' R U2 R'
and here's how to split it up:

R U2 R' R' F R F' R U2 R'

Notice that in the original algorithm, it says R2, but when I split it up, it says R' R'. This is just for easier memorization, when you get familiar with the alg you should do R2. Also notice that the start and the end of the alg are the same thing (R U2 R'), with a sledgehammer in the middle.

So hopefully these stuff will help you learn algorithms easily. Remember, don't learn too many algs in one day, learning 1 or 2 is the ideal amount. (but if your brain can take more, then go ahead!)
 
What I did for most algs was I looked at where certain pieces go when I'm performing the algorithm, and also I sometimes break algorithms down into smaller parts which are easier to remember e.g. a 3 corner cycle alg:

R U' R D2 R' U R D2 R2 can be broken down to:

(R U' R) D2 (R' U R) (D2 R2) which is a lot easier to remember IMO.
What is the goal of this algorithm?
 
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