Learning F2L

[gylve]

So 2 days ago (set 6) i started learning F2L. I was averaging 38 secs with layer by layer and the split is like: 5 sec cross (on top), 23 sec first and second layer, 10 sec last layer.

So i did a LOT of solves using F2L, here is the graph of my avg of 5 of 3 days (most of the times was on the first day):

Best time with F2L was 22.61 sec (which is my PB too) and best avg of 35.43s.

Iam using 2LookOLL and almost 1 LookPLL (missing one N and the Gs), and iam using the algorithms from Bob Burton (www.cubewhiz.com).

Iam disappointed because i still get highs 40s even between highs 20s, i cant maintain my avg bellow 40 sec.

So the questions:
Its important to pratice looking ahead even if the avgs is that high?
Should i start training cross on bottom now or should i master cross on top first? (master for me means do it in 2-3secs).
Its worth learning algorithm F2L at some point?

Any tips on how i should pratice F2L is appreciated too =D

Thanks.

 

[Kxg]

Good look-ahead in F2L will probably cut down a lot of time, so yeah, it's probably not that bad idea to practise it, especially if you find it hard.

Well, if you "master" cross on top, you'll probably have to get used to solving it on bottom afterwards. "Mastering" it on bottom would probably save you some time. Unless you want to solve in on top, like some people do (or solve on top and then switch to bottom with double layer turn, instead of rotation).

Learn algorithms for such cases that are hard or move inefficient intuitively (doubt you need it until like sub-20 - sub-25).

 

[aparthia]

Lookahead is what gets you sub20. you may need to practice insertion from every angle you find necessary, but speed is not all. lookahead is the most important thing in f2l after a certain point of patternrecognition.

Intuitive F2L has proven almost, if not as effective as algf2l. i am going with intuitive f2l(although certain cases have far more effective algs, so its worth learning those) and then learn 41 oll/pll instead .

what goes for the cross, its debatable what is better. some people(including erik) builds their cross on top and turn it down afterwards, some say this give a better look at the f2l. others are solving at the bottom, because their best look at f2l comes then. there is not one absolute answer to that question.

 

[josmil1]

Do your cross on the bottom...start looking ahead for your f2l. Turn slower and think about the moves that u are making. This helps makes sure ur not making unneccesary moves. Do a break down in each section to see how long it takes u to do cross, f2l, 2 look oll, pll separaretly. This helps you see what u need more help on. Although you need a larger sample size, do an average of 12 per day instead of 5

 

[4Chan]

Use a good hybrid of intuitive and algorithmic when you solve.

Go for speed, look ahead comes naturally with practice.
By the time you have good look ahead, you will have high speeds.

 

[JTW2007]

Opinions:

So the questions:
Its important to pratice looking ahead even if the avgs is that high?
Should i start training cross on bottom now or should i master cross on top first? (master for me means do it in 2-3secs).
Its worth learning algorithm F2L at some point?

Any tips on how i should pratice F2L is appreciated too =D

Thanks.

Yes! Always look ahead.
Whatever floats your boat, fast solvers use both.
Not if you ask me. Intuitive gives you a better understanding of the cube.