[Member Intro] Hello

[saxnbass]

Hello. Figured I should introduce myself. I'm a 'casual' cuber that doesn't speed solve. I live in Nashville. I've been solving my 3x3 for months using LBL, do the beginner method for 2x2 and megaminx as well, and solve the centers, do reductive then solve like a 3x3 for my 4x4. I have recently (month to 2 months) been getting into other 'cube' puzzles. I see a lot of intros posting their times, so I'll do so as well, though mine are by no means impressive.

2x2 under a minute
3x3 around a minute
4x4 3-5 minutes
Pyraminx under a minute
Megaminx 8-12 minutes

I also have a mirror cube, but the times on that vary widely.

I have considered learning CFOP, but I've had a hard time getting the motivation to learn 60+ algorithms just to speed up my times as a casual cuber. I don't compete or know anybody else that cubes other than my girlfriend, who I taught how to do the 3x3 about 2 weeks ago. I also enjoy solving them in different patterns and designs (checkerboard, superflip, cube in a cube, lines, etc.).

Picture attached of my 'cubicle' shelf at work.

 

[Zerksies]

I would start with learning F2L. Most people around here learn 2 look OLL/PLL which is a ton of less algorithms. After they get sub 30 then they start learning full CFOP

 

[saxnbass]

I was looking through the advanced method thread on the forum and am actually reconsidering the CFOP method; Roux and ZZ are catching my eye. I may spend some time with each one and see which of the 3 click with me the best/fastest.

 

[Mastermind2368]

You should look into lots of methods like you said you looked into. Better to do it now. I used CFOP for almost two years, and that was the worst mistake of my cubing life as I learnt OLL, and now that I use ZZ it is useless. Well, other then telling people I use ZZ and know OLL...

 

[Solvador Cubi]

Hi saxnbass, welcome to the forums!

I agree with Zerksies regarding the starting of CFOP with 2-Look OLL and 2-Look PLL.
Also, you can use OLL/PLL skills regardless of how you do the first 2 layers (actual F2L, a LBL way or anything else)

I put together a 4 Look Last Layer (4LLL) method called FIXLL with the goal of using the fewest number of algorithms to memorize.
I was thinking about beginners who aren't interested or inclined to learn all the algs for full OLL and/or PLL yet,
but still want to use something that would be faster than a beginner method while starting off with easy memorization.

It uses only 9 main algorithms to complete the last layer in at most 4 steps and since it's only about the last layer it lets the solver "bring your own F2L", if you will

http://solvexio.cf/app/#/FIXLL_OnePage


Regarding complete methods (besides Roux and ZZ) you could look at some corners first methods too.

Here's a simple, fun and effective Corners First method with only 16 algs (plus some easy intuition steps) that one can use to solve the 3x3 using fewer than 70 moves!

http://solvexio.cf/app/#/Corn_E_Midge


have fun!

-= Solvador Cubi