Caleb Valenzuela
Legend
hi guys
thanks to my good friend arvid
I now know what all of you average (muhahahahahahaha)
but first here are the “requirements”:
be sub-20
know full F2L (atleast the front slot cases)
know full PLL (with the sole exception of @THE_V01DL0RD of course)
1. Learn full OLL
While you can definitely get like sub-12 with 2-look OLL, it’s much better in the long run to learn it at around the 15-17 second barrier. OLL has different names for certain patterns (like “fish shape” or “knight shape”), so I suggest you learn cases according to the sets. As for memorizing algs, see my sub-20 guide thread where I cover a good way to memorize algorithms. Learn your algorithms from CubeHead’s videos or speedcubedb.
2. Dual CN and Cross efficiency
I suggest being able to solve/plan your cross rotationless and in under 8 moves before learning dual color neutrality. Study example solves or WR avg recons of faster solvers to see how a good cross looks like and how they solve it. Then, try to implement into your own solves with untimed solves. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake during cross while doing untimed solves as it is your own “sandbox”. Don’t solve each cross piece one by one, try solving multiple cross pieces at once. For example, let’s say you have a flipped cross edge in the U layer, and you also have a cross piece that’s ready to be inserted with an R2. Instead of just doing an R2 then inserting the other cross edge, do an R’, then put the other cross edge on the R layer, then do an R’ then F. I will link videos that cover this. As for Dual CN, I suggest just learning how to do white/yellow, since those are the most useful colors. Just do untimed solves as well but on yellow cross.
3. Learn the backslot cases
Once you’ve mastered full F2L, you should learn some of the backslot cases. Try learning them intuitively first since a lot of the back slot cases are just the front slot cases but in the back (wow you’re such a genius caleb), and if you find a case that has a lot of regrips or awkward fingertricks, go to speedcubedb and relearn it. CubeHead and tons of other YouCubers have useful videos on back slot cases. Make sure you use the right fingertricks as well.
4. Lookahead
Now is around the time where you should start learning how to lookahead. As i’ve mentioned in other guides of mine, lookahead can be distinguished between 3 phases: Spotting, Tracking, and Knowing.
a.) Spotting
This basically means to spot an F2L pair and solve it, then proceed to “spot” the next F2L pair and solve it.
b.) Tracking
In this step of lookahead, you “spot” the next piece of your second F2L and track where it will be after solving your first pair.
c.) Knowing
The third and final step of lookahead. You spot and track both of your F2L pairs, so you “know” exactly how to solve each one and how they move. When you know what you are going to do for the next 1-2 F2L pairs, you can do it even without looking!
For sub-15, you basically only really need the “tracking” phase. The simplest way to train it is to turn slightly slower than usual (not to be confused with the “slow solves” drill), and then while solving an F2L pair, lookahead and track your next pair, then while solving that one spot the next pair, etc. Also, you want to to some more untimed solves as well and study some of the easy multi-slot cases, as that can come in handy later on.
5. Fingertricks and regrips
When you go through your solution you want to ask yourself: “can i avoid a regrip here? And if i can is it worth it?”. I’ve seen A LOT of cubers regrip or use bad fingertricks out of muscle memory. So make sure that you know the essential fingertricks like push and pull U, pinch moves, etc. I will link videos to this as well.
6. do solves (obviously)
I made this section because targeted practice is overrated /j
Drills
here are some drills/practice methods:
Untimed solves: just basically a sandbox where you can test anything from intuitive F2L pair solutions to cross solutions.
Slow solves: it’s literally just solves but you turn slow. But in this drill you can focus on multiple things while you have the pressure of a timer, so whether it be fingertricks, lookahead, or efficiency.
Links
to be updated
if you are still struggling with improvement even after reading this totally amazing yapper’s tutorial, feel free to DM me (caleb valenzuela), about coaching services (it’s free unlike other coaches smh /j)
thanks to my good friend arvid
I now know what all of you average (muhahahahahahaha)
but first here are the “requirements”:
be sub-20
know full F2L (atleast the front slot cases)
know full PLL (with the sole exception of @THE_V01DL0RD of course)
1. Learn full OLL
While you can definitely get like sub-12 with 2-look OLL, it’s much better in the long run to learn it at around the 15-17 second barrier. OLL has different names for certain patterns (like “fish shape” or “knight shape”), so I suggest you learn cases according to the sets. As for memorizing algs, see my sub-20 guide thread where I cover a good way to memorize algorithms. Learn your algorithms from CubeHead’s videos or speedcubedb.
2. Dual CN and Cross efficiency
I suggest being able to solve/plan your cross rotationless and in under 8 moves before learning dual color neutrality. Study example solves or WR avg recons of faster solvers to see how a good cross looks like and how they solve it. Then, try to implement into your own solves with untimed solves. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake during cross while doing untimed solves as it is your own “sandbox”. Don’t solve each cross piece one by one, try solving multiple cross pieces at once. For example, let’s say you have a flipped cross edge in the U layer, and you also have a cross piece that’s ready to be inserted with an R2. Instead of just doing an R2 then inserting the other cross edge, do an R’, then put the other cross edge on the R layer, then do an R’ then F. I will link videos that cover this. As for Dual CN, I suggest just learning how to do white/yellow, since those are the most useful colors. Just do untimed solves as well but on yellow cross.
3. Learn the backslot cases
Once you’ve mastered full F2L, you should learn some of the backslot cases. Try learning them intuitively first since a lot of the back slot cases are just the front slot cases but in the back (wow you’re such a genius caleb), and if you find a case that has a lot of regrips or awkward fingertricks, go to speedcubedb and relearn it. CubeHead and tons of other YouCubers have useful videos on back slot cases. Make sure you use the right fingertricks as well.
4. Lookahead
Now is around the time where you should start learning how to lookahead. As i’ve mentioned in other guides of mine, lookahead can be distinguished between 3 phases: Spotting, Tracking, and Knowing.
a.) Spotting
This basically means to spot an F2L pair and solve it, then proceed to “spot” the next F2L pair and solve it.
b.) Tracking
In this step of lookahead, you “spot” the next piece of your second F2L and track where it will be after solving your first pair.
c.) Knowing
The third and final step of lookahead. You spot and track both of your F2L pairs, so you “know” exactly how to solve each one and how they move. When you know what you are going to do for the next 1-2 F2L pairs, you can do it even without looking!
For sub-15, you basically only really need the “tracking” phase. The simplest way to train it is to turn slightly slower than usual (not to be confused with the “slow solves” drill), and then while solving an F2L pair, lookahead and track your next pair, then while solving that one spot the next pair, etc. Also, you want to to some more untimed solves as well and study some of the easy multi-slot cases, as that can come in handy later on.
5. Fingertricks and regrips
When you go through your solution you want to ask yourself: “can i avoid a regrip here? And if i can is it worth it?”. I’ve seen A LOT of cubers regrip or use bad fingertricks out of muscle memory. So make sure that you know the essential fingertricks like push and pull U, pinch moves, etc. I will link videos to this as well.
6. do solves (obviously)
I made this section because targeted practice is overrated /j
Drills
here are some drills/practice methods:
Untimed solves: just basically a sandbox where you can test anything from intuitive F2L pair solutions to cross solutions.
Slow solves: it’s literally just solves but you turn slow. But in this drill you can focus on multiple things while you have the pressure of a timer, so whether it be fingertricks, lookahead, or efficiency.
Links
to be updated
if you are still struggling with improvement even after reading this totally amazing yapper’s tutorial, feel free to DM me (caleb valenzuela), about coaching services (it’s free unlike other coaches smh /j)
