How to Get Faster using the Fridrich Method
Hi Everybody,
I know everybody is lazy to draft some more, but there countless of threads asking, "how do I get faster?" (
Example 1,
Example 2) And also it's
driving some people crazy.
So I'm going to edit some more, and then post it in the "Beginner's Central" sub forum. I think it's better there than the "How to's, Guides, ect." sub forum because beginner's go to "Beginner's Central" more than "How to's, Guides, ect."
After I finish editing, I will post this in the "Beginner's Central" sub -forum unless someone tells me not do so, or someone else makes more changes.
I have finished editing
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**The information provided in this thread was contributed by members in
this post**
This thread will be provided as a little tutorial for people who are stuck and want to become faster in solving the Rubik's Cube. 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. You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you.
Here's a video of one of the fastest 3x3 cubers,
Erik Akkersdijk, getting a sub 20 second average only using a Layer By Layer method with Fridrich 4 Look Last Layer.
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Step 1
Current Average: 1:30+ or don't know how to solve a Rubik's Cube
Goal Average: 1:00-1:19
Learn the method from one of these two sources:
Leyan’s Beginners Method, or
Badmephisto's Youtube Video Tutorial.
NOTE: It is possible to achieve below one minute with these methods
If you are still stuck, follow these tips:
- 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).
- Use finger tricks (this will speed up your times A LOT). You can become better at finger tricks by practicing.
- Decrease your last layer times (about 25 seconds or less) - you can do this by improving your recognition and execution for each case (to do this you must practice)
- Try to reduce pauses, meaning try to never stop turning during your solve. This can be done by practicing a lot!
- Work on solving the cross. Try to do the cross in 12 moves or less, and under 12 seconds. Here are some links which will help you achieve/learn this (and then practice it a lot):
http://www.cubefreak.net/cross.html
http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/index.php?page=3x3x3/cfop/cross/cross
- Practice - The more you practice, the faster you'll become
- 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 : You can use web based timers or PC timers.
Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks
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Step 2
Current Average: 1:00-1:19
Goal Average: 40-49 seconds
Learn 4 look last layer (4LLL). (Links to where to learn the algorithms will be at the bottom of this guide)
2 Look OLL
- Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
- Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms
2 Look PLL
- Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb
- Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Z, H
Here are a couple of videos explaining how to use the 4LLL (2 Look OLL + 2 Look PLL) algorithms for your last layer:
Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks
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Step 3
Current Average: 40-49 seconds
Goal Average: 30-39 seconds
- Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
- Your times will temporarily worsen, but after a few days of practicing, they will significantly become better!
- Practice your F2L A LOT, and never give up!
Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks
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Step 4
Current Average: 30-39 seconds
Goal Average: 20-29 seconds
- Now, learn the rest of the PLL algorithms. Full PLL is 21 Algorithms (you have already learned 7 algorithms for 2-Look PLL) (Links where to learn the algorithms are at the bottom of this guide
- Learn how to look ahead during F2L - this will TREMENDOUSLY help your times
Estimated Time: 2-6 weeks
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Step 5
Current Average: 20-29 seconds
Goal Average: 15-19 seconds
- Practice your F2L, learn/make up your own techniques, and possibly learn some of the algorithms for odd cases. (Links where to learn the F2L algorithms are at the bottom of this guide) Also, remember to look ahead (this is EXTREMELY important)! Try to complete your cross and F2L in 12 seconds or less on average
- Work on improving your speed for your OLLs and PLLs. Use triggers, and try to get all of the algorithms under 3 seconds for recognition and execution.
- Get your cross below 4 seconds consistently (make sure you solve the cross on the bottom of the cube.)
Estimated Time: 1-2 months
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Step 6
Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds
Goal Average: Below 15 seconds
- Get your cross and F2L done in under 10 seconds
- Get your cross done in ~2 seconds on average
- Learn how to do Extended Cross (x-cross)
- Learn the rest of the OLL algorithms - 57 algorithms (Note that learning the OLLs will only help you by 2 second or less)
- To learn/memorize the OLL's easier look at Badmephisto's video
- Practice, practice, and keep on practicing!!!
Estimated Time: 4+ months
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F2L Algorithms:OLL Algorithms:PLL Algorithms: Corner Permutation are the Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb permutation algorithms.
Edge Permutation are the Ua, Ub, H, and Z permutation algorithms.
You should print out your OLLs/PLLs 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 with the same algorithm.
I don't get it. 
