byu
Veteran
I'm working on improving my 4x4x4 times, but this question applies to all big cubes. I take a long time finding matching edges to pair up. What tricks do you use to find matching edges?
Edge Pairing
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Bomber
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Edge pairing is quite a difficult thing to get good at, I say difficult when I mean time consuming. It takes a lot of practice; just like F2L. The only reason is takes such a chunk of time is because often beginners will pair up... and they'll be pairing up. Yes that is correct, but, whilst pairing your current edge you should already know where your next one is. Simply put, Look Ahead. This is relevant to the 2-Pair System, the 6-Pair System and anything in-between.
First off, which current pairing method do you use? I have mentioned the 2 and 6-Pairing method, they are very similar, if not identical to Syuhei's and Nakajima's methods, they both use very quick and efficient pairing systems which is why they can get reduction done in such a short amount of time. All good edge pairing systems are based on the same principal, efficiency - in pairing terms it means you make at least 2 pairs at a time, one on slice through and one on slice back.
I would strongly recommend you start using an advanced edge pairing method, they are actually very easy to understand - Syuhei's especially. I will post a link at the end of my post.
Another aspect of solving the 4x4 quickly is the 3x3 phase, obviously. If you have not already, invest in a Meffert's or Eastsheen 4x4. I myself am using an Original Rubik's Revenge so it is fine during the reduction phase, but as soon as I get to 3x3 I sometimes find I have to swap to my real 3x3. That's how much it locks up! I have had such extremes as 100% increase in times is it so bad. Just so nobody accuses me of anything other than "it's a totally different scramble", I do check to see if I get parity!
Back to the question! Practice, just like anything else. Unfortunately there are no tricks to getting quicker but strategically placing pieces so they are easy access when you need them!
Syuhei's and Nakajima's Edge Pairing
First off, which current pairing method do you use? I have mentioned the 2 and 6-Pairing method, they are very similar, if not identical to Syuhei's and Nakajima's methods, they both use very quick and efficient pairing systems which is why they can get reduction done in such a short amount of time. All good edge pairing systems are based on the same principal, efficiency - in pairing terms it means you make at least 2 pairs at a time, one on slice through and one on slice back.
I would strongly recommend you start using an advanced edge pairing method, they are actually very easy to understand - Syuhei's especially. I will post a link at the end of my post.
Another aspect of solving the 4x4 quickly is the 3x3 phase, obviously. If you have not already, invest in a Meffert's or Eastsheen 4x4. I myself am using an Original Rubik's Revenge so it is fine during the reduction phase, but as soon as I get to 3x3 I sometimes find I have to swap to my real 3x3. That's how much it locks up! I have had such extremes as 100% increase in times is it so bad. Just so nobody accuses me of anything other than "it's a totally different scramble", I do check to see if I get parity!
Back to the question! Practice, just like anything else. Unfortunately there are no tricks to getting quicker but strategically placing pieces so they are easy access when you need them!
Syuhei's and Nakajima's Edge Pairing
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JLarsen
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It's all about the lookahead. And it's all about the practice.
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