easiest method

[Tommy]

This is of interest to me since I am a real beginner to this sport and would like some more overall insight to how some of this works.

So the Fritrich method is more popular because the algors are strongly defined and some of the algors are faster than Petrus but with more moves ... mostly because it's finger friendly? However the Petrus method is typically ~10 moves less but because it's less practiced it does not show to be faster. Is it the general opinion that if practice were a constant while learning these two methods then Petrus would be "faster" due to less moves? Or would Fritrch be faster because of the huge list of algors you must memorize to reach these break-neck times?

Because I'm still a boring LBL and have not chosen a method to study I like some of both methods. It seems that more professionals use Fritrich but I can't find proof of that. Pertus makes sense because of the philosophy to not break what you have already created.

As you can see, I'm a noob and confused but I'd like to listen and understand more. Can someone clear up my confusion with some facts or strong opinions?

 

[immortalcube]

Fridrich is the most popular method because it's the method used by most of the fastest cubers. It is also generally easier to transition from an LBL method to Fridrich. Petrus is used less, but has an advantage of the lower move count (which makes it popular for FMC, or fewest move competitions). It is based on block-building, which is a concept that is hard for many new cubers to grasp.

However the Petrus method is typically ~10 moves less but because it's less practiced it does not show to be faster.

In my opinion, yes.

Is it the general opinion that if practice were a constant while learning these two methods then Petrus would be "faster" due to less moves?

Nobody knows which could be faster, because very few good speedcubers use blockbuilding methods (like Petrus and Roux). [OPINION]If some talented cubers decided to learn Petrus or Roux, they could become faster than the Fridrich users[/OPINION]. However, most new cubers are attracted to Fridrich because "It's what all the really fast people use!!!1!1" (And so continues the vicious cycle.....)

Remember there are other methods to try also, like Roux (which is the third most commonly used method, after Fridrich and Petrus): http://grrroux.free.fr/method/Intro.html

 

[Harry]

Hmmm, I see....... Thanks for clearing my doubts.....

 

[pjk]

If number of moves is so important, why do people do an 11 move U-PLL or 14 move T-PLL when 9 and 10 suffice?
Speedsolving is not about using fewer moves. Optimal algs for every F2L/OLL/PLL/COLL/whatever have been found long ago, but people choose to use algs that are fast, not fewer moves. Fridrich is the fastest right now because it is a pretty braindead method and it seems to have the best balance between all important things in speedcubing (cuberotations, fingertrick-friendlyness, number of moves, number of looks, chances of getting lucky, etc). But all of that is only important if you are going for those sub-13 averages. If you don't, basically any method can get you sub 20.

I agree. However, the competition will eventually be so great, it will about who can do it in fewer moves and still have very good speed. I can see the top in the world using Roux in the next several years.

 

[rubiksfriend]

I think THE easiest method for a beginner is CF. It requires virtually no algs! After solving the bottom corners, use double-face turns to permute the remaining corners after orientation (cycling through).

 

[brunson]

Man, I wish people would stop using the word "professional" when the mean "expert".

 

[rubiksfriend]

Also, Fridrich is used more because you have to be much less creative. It's all about efficiency in solving (i.e. looking ahead). Not much thinking, though, especially compared to Roux/Petrus/Heise. Petrus is really hard to learn, but if you are good at it, EVERY OTHER METHOD YOU LEARN WILL BE EASY. No, I don't care about "intuitive F2L". I know you memorize some of them! I know it! XD