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How to get faster

pjk

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This thread will provide as a little tutorial for people who are stuck and want to get faster. Please read this thread and do some forum searching prior to asking questions about getting faster. First off, the most important factor is practice. Regardless of how many algorithms you cram or optimize, it really boils down to practice. A sub 20 second average can be achieved using a basic beginners method, however, it takes practice. More algorithms are useful to help with your understanding of the cube, and very importantly, your recognition, but these will not get you nearly as far as practice will get you. In spite of this, which is the best way to go about getting those times down, apart from practice alone? Here are some basic, set out steps to follow to help you on your way (note this is only a guideline to help you). You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you.

Here's a video of one of the top cubers, Erik Akkersdijk, getting a sub 20 average only using the beginner's method.


Fridrich Method:
Current Average: 1:30+ or don't know how to solve
Goal Average: 1:00-1:19
Use Leyan’s Beginners Method, or Badmephisto's Youtube Video Tutorial.
You could also achieve sub-1 min with these methods
If you are still stuck, follow these tips:
-Try to reduce Pauses.
-Sand, Break in, and Lubricate Your Cube (In that order).
-Decrease Last layer times.
-Use Finger Tricks
-Practice!!!
You can decrease Last Layer times by improving your recognition for each case.
-Make sure you solve the cross on the bottom. It will help you later. For now, try to get a cross in an average of less than 10 seconds on the Bottom of the cube. Here are some links which will help you:
http://www.cubefreak.net/cross.html
http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/cross/cross
Note: You can also do inserting from different angles See Macky's take: http://cubefreak.net/easy_fast.html

-Use a timer to see your progression : www.cubetimer.com if you want the timers like the "pros" use check bottom of post.
Estimation Time: 3 Weeks



Fridrich Method:
Current Average: 1:00-1:19
Goal Average: 40 - 50 seconds
Once you acheive these times;
-I strongly suggest you learn 4 look last layer. (Links to where to learn them will be at the bottom of this post.)
-DO NOT learn F2L yet.
Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms
Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Zb, H
Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa, Ab, E
Estimation Time: 3 weeks - 1.5 months



Fridrich Method:

Current Average: 40-55 seconds
Goal Average: 30-40 seconds
-Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
-Your times will temporarily get worse, but after a few days of practicing, they will become better greatly!
-Practice your F2L, and never give up!
-If you even think about giving up just take a break and come back to watch the video again. Theres are other F2l tutorials and will be listed on bottom.
Estimation Time: 2 Weeks



Fridrich Method:
Current Average:30-40 seconds
Goal Average:20-30 seconds
-Now, learn all the PLLs - 21 Algorithms (Links where to learn them will be at the bottom of this post)
Estimation Time: 2-3 Months


Fridrich Method:
Current Average: 20-30 seconds
Goal Average: Sub 20 seconds
-Work on your F2L, maybe learn the algorithms. (Links for F2L algorithms at the bottom of this post)
-Master all your PLLs and OLLs that you know. Meaning optimize it to your maximum speed, try to use the triggers, and try to get all of them under 3 seconds.
-Get your cross sub 5 seconds consistently(make sure you have cross on bottom)
-Possibly get a new cube(DIY) if your still using a SLOW Rubik's brand cube.
Estimation Time: 3-4 Months



Fridrich Method
Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds
Goal Average: 15 Seconds or less
-Master your F2L, try to get it down to sub 12 seconds average
-Get your cross to sub 2 seconds average
-Learn the rest of the OLLs! - 57 algorithms (Note that you should COMPLETELY master everything else before learning these, as they will only help you by about 2 seconds or less)
-To learn Oll's easier look at Badmephisto's video
Estimation Time: 3+ months


F2L Algorithms:
http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/f2l/f2l
http://www.cubewhiz.com/f2l.html
http://www.cubefreak.net/F2L.html
http://solvethecube.co.uk/

OLL Algorithms: http://www.speedsolving.com/showthread.php?t=766
2 Look OLL for Corner Orientation are cases 21-27.
http://cubewhiz.com/ollprint.html
2 Look Oll are cases 4-10

PLL Algorithms: http://www.speedsolving.com/showthread.php?t=708
Corner Permutation are the Aa, Ab, and E permutation algorithms.
Edge Permutation are the Ua, Ub, H, and Zb permutation algorithms.
http://cubewhiz.com/pllprint.html

You should print out your oll/pll's so you can learn them and use them at any time. Keep in mind that you should choose the algorithms that best suit you. Just because one person is fast with an algorithm doesn't mean you will be fast.

USEFUL LINKS
Be sure to check out this "Introduction to Speedcubing for Beginners" post as well. It contains a lot of good information.

Helpful info-
Cubefreak - Macky's Site, Very good information on how to get fast
Cubingtechniques -Yu Nakajima's site Not in English but good f2l Algorithms
Cubeloop - Dennis Nilsson's site. Helped me.

Tutorials -
Tyson Mao Layer by Layer
Leyan Lo Layer by Layer
Dan Brown Layer by layer
Bob Burton Layer by layer
-----------------------------
Badmephisto's Frid F2l
Fallofshadow's Frid F2l
Andrewvo1324's Frid F2l
Macky's F2l written tutorial
-----------------------------
Pestvic's How to break in a Rubiks brand cube
Sanding your cube down - NuclearBanana10
Pestvic's lubing with silicone
Dan brown's lubing with Vaseline
----------------------------
Cube Shops
PuzzleProz - Fast shipping if in Usa. Good Customer Service.Good cubes :]
Cube4you - Slow/expensive shipping to Usa(you can get fast shipping for 20$) Good cubes though.
Huskyomega- Eastsheen cubes Cheap good service
9spuzzles -
Rubiks - Rubiks Brand DIY
Amazon - Fast shipping

Cube stickers/parts

Cubesmith - Fast shipping, good quality products

Cube lube
Cubelube - Im sure they are back in business any confirm?
 

pjk

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Okay guys, I did a little revision on the above post. Please check it over, and this I will get it up in the beginners forum. We should also work on this one:
-------------------
Pros and Cons of Different Methods

Fridrich

Explanation: First, you make a cross by solving the edges on one face. The second step is to finish the F2L by solving a corner/edge pair together. Then, you orient the last layer. (Make the last layer one color.) The last step is to permute the last layer, where you move all the pieces in the last layer to their correct spots. The full method uses 119 algorithms.

Pros: Relatively easy to understand when compared to other methods. It is the most tested and most popular method. Has a reasonable number of algorithms to learn and optimize. Sub 15 averages definitely possible.

Cons: Learning all of the algorithms takes some time. Requires a lot of practice to solve the F2L consistently in 10 seconds or less. Slightly higher move count when compared to block building methods.

Places to learn it: http://erikku.er.funpic.org/rubik/
http://www.solvethecube.co.uk/
http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/3x3x3
http://www.cubefreak.net/speedcubing.html


Petrus

Explanation: You first build a 2x2x2 block and then expand it to a 2x2x3 block. You then orient the remaining edges and finish the F2L. Unlike Fridrich, the last layer is done in three steps instead of two. First step is to move the last layer corners to their correct positions. Second, you orient the corners. Lastly, since the edges are already oriented, you just have to move them to their positions. You can learn the method with as little as three algorithms. However, eight algorithms are needed to use the method as efficiently as possible.

Pros: Uses fewer moves than Fridrich and most other non block building methods. More intuitive than Fridrich and requires far less algorithms.

Cons: Sometimes hard (especially for a beginner) to optimize block building. Hard to keep consistently turning throughout a solve.

Places to learn it: http://lar5.com/cube/

Let me know what you think. I'm also planning on adding VH, ZB, Roux, maybe Joel's beginner solution, and Heise maybe.
-----------
We should try to include all methods that are out there.
 

Johannes91

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Unlike Fridrich, the last layer is done in three steps ... You can learn the method with as little as three algorithms. However, eight algorithms are needed to use the method as efficiently as possible.

Uses fewer moves than Fridrich and most other non block building methods.
If that's your definition of Petrus, it might actually use more moves than Fridrich. Even 3-look LL requires more than 8 algs.
 

Lofty

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Are you going to add a how to get faster for each method or just a pro/con?
I don't really see how Petrus requires less algs either... On Petrus's site he has options for doing multiple steps at once with of course the LL of all LL's ZBLL as the one with the most which is a bit more than Fridrich...
 

Arget

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Thanks for the guide! :) Haha, took me a while to notice that my video on sanding was up there :p Thanks! haha i feel special xP
 

genwin

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i'm new here mr. pjk... you mentioned in fridrich (goal of 1:00 to 1:19) to try amd reduce pauses... how exactly to you do that using LBL method... i just solved my first cube a month ago using Leyan lo's method, however, my fastest was 1:58... and i observed that it was because of the pauses...
 

pcwiz

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I edited the draft, not revised. If you don't know the difference, I just made tiny changes in the words so the grammar is correct and other little things.

Are there any particular steps for the Petrus method? Isn't it just follow steps 1 of the Fridrich Tutorial, and then learn the Petrus F2L? And then practice?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This thread will be provided as a little tutorial for people who are stuck and want to become faster. Please read this thread and do some forum searching prior to asking questions about becoming faster. First off, the most important factor is practice. Regardless of how many algorithms you cram or optimize, it really boils down to practice. A sub 20 second average can be achieved using a basic beginners method, however, it takes practice. More algorithms are useful to help with your understanding of the cube, and very importantly, your recognition, but these will not get you nearly as far as practice will get you. In spite of this, which is the best way to go about getting those times down, apart from practice alone? Here are some basic, set out steps to follow to help you on your way (note this is only a guideline to help you). You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you.

Here's a video of one of the top cubers, Erik Akkersdijk, getting a sub 20 average only using the beginner's method.

This is a compare and contrast guide on some of the most popular speed cubing methods that exist. It's your choice on picking a method. Then, there is a guide on how to learn the methods.

Pros and Cons of Different Methods

Fridrich (CFOP) Method

Explanation: First, you make a cross by solving the edges on one face. The second step is to finish the F2L by solving a corner/edge pair together. Then, you orient the last layer. (Make the last layer one color.) The last step is to permute the last layer, where you move all the pieces in the last layer to their correct spots. The full method uses 119 algorithms.

Pros: Relatively easy to understand when compared to other methods. It is the most tested and most popular method. Has a reasonable number of algorithms to learn and optimize. Sub 15 averages definitely possible.

Cons: Learning all of the algorithms takes some time. Requires a lot of practice to solve the F2L consistently in 10 seconds or less. Slightly higher move count when compared to block building methods.

Places to learn it:


Petrus Method

Explanation: You first build a 2x2x2 block and then expand it to a 2x2x3 block. You then orient the remaining edges and finish the F2L. Unlike Fridrich, the last layer is done in three steps instead of two. First step is to move the last layer corners to their correct positions. Second, you orient the corners. Lastly, since the edges are already oriented, you just have to move them to their positions. You can learn the method with as little as three algorithms. However, eight algorithms are needed to use the method as efficiently as possible.

Pros: Uses fewer moves than Fridrich and most other non block building methods. More intuitive than Fridrich and requires far less algorithms.

Cons: Sometimes hard (especially for a beginner) to optimize block building. Hard to keep consistently turning throughout a solve.

Places to learn it:
http://lar5.com/cube/


Fridrich Method: Step1
Current Average: 1:30+ or don't know how to solve
Goal Average: 1:00-1:19
Use Leyan’s Beginners Method, or Badmephisto's Youtube Video Tutorial.
You could also achieve sub-1 min with these methods
If you are still stuck, follow these tips:
  • Try to reduce pauses
  • Sand, Break in, and Lubricate Your Cube (In that order, and only sand if your cube is brand new and you've barely solved it).
  • Decrease your last layer times (about 25 seconds or less) - you can do this by improving your recognition for each case
  • Make sure you solve the cross on the bottom. It will help you later. For now, try to get a cross in an average of less than 10 seconds on the Bottom of the cube. Here are some links which will help you achieve/learn this:
    http://www.cubefreak.net/cross.html
    http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/cross/cross
  • Use finger tricks (this will speed up your times A LOT)
  • Practice!!! -The more you practice, the faster you'll get
  • Once you get a little used to the beginner method, you can also try inserting the first layer/side corners from different angles. See Macky's guide:http://cubefreak.net/easy_fast.html
  • Use a timer to see your progression : www.cubetimer.com if you want the timers like the "pros" use check bottom of post.
Estimated Time: 3 Weeks



Fridrich Method: Step 2
Current Average: 1:00-1:19
Goal Average: 40 - 50 seconds
  • Learn 4 look last layer (4LLL). (Links to where to learn the algorithms will be at the bottom of this post.)
    Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
    Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms
    Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Zb, H
    Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa, Ab, E
  • DO NOT learn F2L yet.
Estimated Time: 3 weeks - 1.5 months



Fridrich Method: Step 3

Current Average: 40-55 seconds
Goal Average: 30-40 seconds
  • Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
  • Your times will temporarily get worse, but after a few days of practicing, they will become better greatly!
  • Practice your F2L, and never give up!
  • If you even think about giving up, just take a break and come back to watch the video again. Theres are other F2L tutorials, and the links will be at the bottom of this post.
Estimated Time: 2 Weeks



Fridrich Method: Step 4
Current Average:30-40 seconds
Goal Average:20-30 seconds
  • Now, learn all the PLLs - 21 Algorithms (Links where to learn the algorithms will be at the bottom of this post)
Estimated Time: 2-3 Months


Fridrich Method: Step 5
Current Average: 20-30 seconds
Goal Average: Sub 20 seconds
  • Practice your F2L, learn/make up your own techniques, and possible learn the algorithms for faster execuations. (Links where to learn the F2L algorithms will be at the bottom of this post.)
  • Master all your PLLs and OLLs that you know. Meaning optimize it to your maximum speed, try to use the triggers, and try to get all of them under 3 seconds.
  • Get your cross sub 5 seconds consistently (make sure you solve the cross on the bottom of the cube.)
Estimated Time: 3-4 Months



Fridrich Method: Step 6
Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds
Goal Average: 15 Seconds or less
  • Master your F2L, try to get it down to sub 12 seconds average
  • Get your cross to sub 2 seconds average
  • Learn the rest of the OLLs! - 57 algorithms (Note that you should COMPLETELY master everything else before learning these, as they will only help you by about 3 seconds or less)
  • To learn/memorize the OLL's easier look at Badmephisto's video
  • Practice, practice, and keep on practicing!!!
Estimated Time: 3+ months


F2L Algorithms:

OLL Algorithms:
PLL Algorithms:
 
Last edited:

Erik

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pcwiz

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Where is says *Estimation Time* at the end of each section, it should probably read *Estimated Time*
Okay I corrected it. Thanks! :)

Not to try to make advertisement here but:
have you thought about my CFOP describtion on my new website (http://erikku.110mb.com/cfop.html) ? It's finished and it's quite ok I think especially the: http://erikku.110mb.com/F2L.html and the http://erikku.110mb.com/F2Lalgo.html examples. Oh I like my PLL page too, it gives 3 good usable algo's for most cases.

Okay I put those links up. I'm sorry I didn't do it before, because I didn't know when your website would be ready, and I didn't check it often. Thanks for the corrections! Awesome website by the way!

I love your English. All you Dutch guys are just as bad as each other :p
Are you talking about my English? Well I'm not Dutch, I'm American, so I guess you could say it's good. But the truth is, my English is horrible - at least the vocabulary part :D
 
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pcwiz

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Not you, I meant Erik! Did you read his site? :p

Oh sorry. I didn't know who you were talking about.:D And yes, I did read his site.

i'm new here mr. pjk... you mentioned in fridrich (goal of 1:00 to 1:19) to try amd reduce pauses... how exactly to you do that using LBL method... i just solved my first cube a month ago using Leyan lo's method, however, my fastest was 1:58... and i observed that it was because of the pauses...

Correction: pjk didn't actually mention that, lotsofsloth did. (Okay that's just FYI and no hard feelings-I wouldn't expect you to know that because you just joined)

Okay, the real question. If your fastest time is 1:58 with LBL method, you probably have pauses (you just said it). If you want to reduce them, memorize the cases of the algorithms. Meaning if you see a case that goes with the algorithm, you don't have to think about it and just perform the algorithms. Also, in the First Two Layers, look ahead while you're solving the corners and edges. When you're solving a corner, look at another corner and know immediately where it's supposed go. Same for the edges. This advice, especially with the F2L, will help you a lot, and it is also advised for people who get around 20-30 second averages (with another method).

That was kind of confusing (I read it over), but that's the best I tried and I hope you understand it and it helps you!

I think we should just do a separate post with explanations of each method, just the basics and websites that cover them.

can we just use the wikipedia page? For example there is already a Fridrich System wiki page here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fridrich_method
it also has the advantage that we can all add to it and improve it.
You mean copy it word for word? That's plagiarizing, and plagiarizing is illegal. We can just make up our own guides, we're not babies are we? (Okay that was the worst joke ever but that's me:D)
 
Last edited:

badmephisto

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first of all you can't plagiarize wikipedia because wikipedia has no owner and is completely free.
second, what i meant is that we shouldnt have to make a new post on CFOP if we can just work together to make the article on wiki much better and then just link to it. That way we can also harness the popularity of wikipedia and use it to target larger audience.
 

pjk

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first of all you can't plagiarize wikipedia because wikipedia has no owner and is completely free.
second, what i meant is that we shouldnt have to make a new post on CFOP if we can just work together to make the article on wiki much better and then just link to it. That way we can also harness the popularity of wikipedia and use it to target larger audience.
You can copy content off Wikipedia as long as you link back to where you got it from.
 

pcwiz

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first of all you can't plagiarize wikipedia because wikipedia has no owner and is completely free.
second, what i meant is that we shouldnt have to make a new post on CFOP if we can just work together to make the article on wiki much better and then just link to it. That way we can also harness the popularity of wikipedia and use it to target larger audience.
You can copy content off Wikipedia as long as you link back to where you got it from.

Is that only for Wikipedia because anyone can edit what's up there? If it was something else, you can't copy a whole excerpt and still cite it. You can copy phrases of a sentence but not a whole excerpt. But I don't now if you can do it for Wikipedia, can you?:confused: Badmephisto, you say you can, but are sure? We don't want to be sued here :D
 
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