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[Help Thread] Algorithm Memorization Discussion

theres alot of different algorithms out there, some easier than others,
most use triggers, which are easy to remeber and make learning algorithms easier,
look through a few lists of oll/pll and choose the ones you like
 
I use the sheet and perform the algorithm on the cube 5-10 times, then I memorize the letters and perform the algorithm 20-30 times this way until it gets into my muscle memory. Then I try another 20-30 times without thinking about the algorithm. I take a break, then practice the algorithm 5-10 times every hour or so. Sometimes I'll mess something up and have to look back at the sheet.
 
Well, to memorize algorithms I go to the speed solving wiki, then go to an alg i want, like an OLL, click on one that would look easy, and watch it in garrrons cube simulator thingie-mabobber.

for example:
http://alg.garron.us/?stage=OLL&animtype=solve&alg=R+U+R'+U+R+U2+R'

I watch it go a few times, until I think I can reciprocate the alg in my hands. If i can I keep doing it, until I feel comfortable with the algorithm.

ALG MEMORIZED

PROFIT???
 
I found with the first several PLLs I learned that as I learned a new one I would "forget" some algorithm I already knew. I finally came up with a way to learn algorithms that addressed this problem for me. First, I tackled the PLLs two at a time... for the most part, two a week.

Once I got one new algorithm into my muscle memory, I would start timing myself like this: Start timer and with a solved cube repeat the algorithm however many times necessary to return to a solved state then stop the timer. To help with recognition, I would try to visualize the cube scrambled for that alg. as I was timing myself.

I would do a couple of average of 12s and then learn the second algorithm. Once it was in my muscle memory I'd do an average of 12 as I just described. Then I'd do a couple average of 12s for the first alg, then a couple for the second alg. Then do average of 12s on algorithms I learned in previous weeks. Then I'd do some solves for a while before doing more average of 12s on the two new algorithms. Then more solves, then more average of 12s on the new algorithms, and I would repeat this as many times as possible over the course of the week.

I kept a log of my averages of 12... it was always nice at the end of the week to see how the times dropped.
 
I used to look at the alg for about a min and look for patterns and easy ways to remember it.
Then do it a few times while looking at the alg, then look away and perform it maybe another 6 or so and it would stick.

Now I pretty much look at an alg for a few seconds look away and perform it.
Normally sticks instantly now unless I learn more than a few a day.

Also as soon as I wake up the next day perform all alg learnt the previous day to make sure I haven't failed to learn them properly.

Edit - if it's RU heavy, eg R' U' R2 U R U R' U' R U R U' R U' R' U2, I used to remember it, 2 double 3 2 3 1 1 2 double.
 
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right now im learning 4x4 algs (so long!) i kind of memorize the series of moves while doing it only the takes a while but works
 
I repeat the algorithm over and over again, until it's in my muscle memory.

Cons, because of pure muscle memory, for me:
-I can't do the algs slowly.
-I cannot tell someone the algs.
-If I mess up halfway, that's it. I can't complete the alg.
-If I try to do a Perm, without seeing the Perm pattern on the cube, I actually cannot do the alg...


Record for number of times I had to do an algorithm, before it was in my muscle memory: 1 (T-Perm. And that was awesome.)
 
I'm learning oll,pll and f2l (I have only 18 oll left of 57) and just go trigger by trigger over and over to I know it by memory. But I don't remember the letters eg D F B F R L z D' F (it is just a made up alg) but how to perform it.
 
Pretty much the same as ElectricDoodie.
I see the permutation and my hands just lead the way. I don't really "know" the alg. in my head, I just do them. Kind of sucks because I can't do PLL attacks.
 
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