How would you use a third hand for cubing?

[Eazoon]

I was cubing the other day and I wondered how I would put a third hand to use if I had one or if it would even help. How would you use a third hand?

 

[shelley]

For one, you could probably make use of more optimal algorithm sequences. Many speedsolving algorithms currently in use were developed for ease of execution for normal two handed people. With a third hand you might be able to open up some more fingertrick possibilities.

Also you could petition the WCA to create a new event (3x3 3h) and get the WR forever.

 

[stannic]

Turn middle slices on big cubes? :confused:

Edit: Or even multiple non-consecutive slices at once?

 

[Escher]

Hold the M-slice still with thumb and forefinger and use the right and left-most hand for <R, U, L>. ZZ becomes more viable

 

[McCuber16]

It would be a big help on higher layered cubes. Also, on the minx puzzles, you would be able to grab it more tightly without your fingers slipping off.

 

[stannic]

Well...

There are left-handed and right-handed peoples.

If people had three hands, then probably some would be with left hand most active and, say, middle hand less active, some - with left hand most active and right hand less active, etc. (6 types of handedness in total). As far as I can see, the algorithms need to be adapted to each of these six types.

[Edit: even more, there are ambidextrous people... maybe 13...]

Also, is it necessary that third hand has to be in the middle? Maybe "second right" or "second left"?

It is probably more of theoretical interest, but what about world-record formula for NxNxN cubes?

 

[Eazoon]

I would probably use it to turn the back face, but that would take some getting used to. Also, what if someone who actually did have more than two arms (there are actually people like that)? would they be allowed in a wca comp?

 

[applemobile]

Probably keep it free for when I get an itch, or my hair gets in my eyes.

 

[rj]

One word. Minxing.

 

[kcl]

You wouldn't really.. Unless with roux.

 

[Patrick M]

Only on speedsolving.com lmao.
But yes minxing or wiping my brow while memorizing a cube bld haha

 

[YddEd]

One word. Minxing.

lolno that's stupid. You just need a better grip and a controllable minx ( second one for megaminx ).
Megaminx or Pyraminx?

 

[BaconCuber]

If you use Roux you could use your middle hand for M-slices, and your ither hands for right and left.

 

[kcl]

Hold up. It would defy the purpose of learning OH so you can eat and cube.. The third hand would feed you

 

[Lchu613]

Do three cubes at once, OH. Duh.

 

[cubizh]

Actually it would be really nice to pull the blindfold down without having to regrip.

 

[chrissyD]

do OH and 2H at the same time

 

[rj]

lolno that's stupid. You just need a better grip and a controllable minx ( second one for megaminx ).
Megaminx or Pyraminx?

Mega. So many sides... Maybe tuttminx?

 

[CubezUBR]

Eating, itching, typing. While solving. But 10 fingers on each hand would be more useful. Oh, and slice moves for big cubes

 

[tnk351]

Call a computer programmer to program your eyeglasses, so it can generate the steps for fmc. Use the third hand to do annoying b moves. 1 second solve!