Older cubers discussions

[newtonbase]

Yes. M2 is going to be hard to beat but I enjoy figuring out edge comms. Corners are a bit frustrating but with a two thirds cut in moves it's got to happen.
Knowing that I won't be competing in anything but blind for months gives me freedom to focus on it too.

 

[Logiqx]

Finally... I've gotten a sub-17 Ao100.

I rarely do big averages and normally when it's going well, I start to lose my concentration after 50 solves. This session was pretty consistent with no amazing singles or Ao5 / Ao12.

Spoiler

Title: 3x3x3 Cube
# of solving: 100
Std Dev: 1.145
Best of all: 13.052
Worst of all: 27.018
Average of all: 16.893
Best Avg of 5: 15.080
Best Avg of 12: 16.059
Best Avg of 50: 16.800
Best Avg of 100: 16.893
Best Avg of 25: 16.616

This average was during a two hour train journey from Leeds to Stevenage. There were a few interruptions and I wasn't doing my full TPS during PLL on every solve.

I blew this amazing scramble when the ticket inspector was passing through and I lost my focus, 4 move x-cross and the next two pairs clearly visible during inspection. I haven't seen such a good scramble during my last few thousand solves!

B' F' R B R' L2 D L' B' U' F R2 U R U' L' R U2 R' B' R' U' F L D'

In other news, one of the guys I've been teaching is now averaging sub-60.

 

[h2f]

I enjoy figuring out edge comms

Same me.

 

[Shaky Hands]

I blew this amazing scramble when the ticket inspector was passing through and I lost my focus, 4 move x-cross and the next two pairs clearly visible during inspection. I haven't seen such a good scramble during my last few thousand solves!

B' F' R B R' L2 D L' B' U' F R2 U R U' L' R U2 R' B' R' U' F L D'

That's a great scramble Mike. I don't time solves when I know it's a gifted scramble, but for me it was a triple X-cross in 8 moves leading to a 34-move solve, which I think would be a FMC PB for me too:

z2 y' // inspection
B' L2 U L2 U L' U B // triple X-cross
d L U2 L' d2 U' R' F R F' // 4th F2L pair and edge control
R U2 R' U' R U' R' // anti-Sune
y R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2 // A-perm

In other news, one of the guys I've been teaching is now averaging sub-60.

A friend I've been teaching got his first sub-60 single last night. There must be something in the air.

 

[Logiqx]

That's a great scramble Mike. I don't time solves when I know it's a gifted scramble, but for me it was a triple X-cross in 8 moves leading to a 34-move solve, which I think would be a FMC PB for me too:

z2 y' // inspection
B' L2 U L2 U L' U B // triple X-cross
d L U2 L' d2 U' R' F R F' // 4th F2L pair and edge control
R U2 R' U' R U' R' // anti-Sune
y R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2 // A-perm

A friend I've been teaching got his first sub-60 single last night. There must be something in the air.

I reckon it's a 1 in 10,000 scramble.

Given it was a regular speed solve, I didn't try to plan a triple-X cross but after spotting the easy x-cross, I planned a double x-cross and failed to execute it properly through lack of concentration. Working out what had happened wasted a fair bit of time and it ended up being a sub-15 screw up.

 

[pipkiksass]

I've been sucking at keeping up with this thread since I've been back at work and Tapatalk has been disabled! I've also been cubing a LOT less, but getting consistent sub-16 Ao5s and sub-17 Ao12s, so took the rare opportunity to do a big timed solve session today (134 solves), as I knew my long (50/100) averages were due for being smashed. Took a while to warm up, but once I got going I was flying!

Anyway, here's today's kaboom massive smashed averages.

I'd only ever had 2 sub-15 Ao5s before, Ao5 PB was 14.90, now 14.66! (-.24)
I'd only ever had 2 sub-16 Ao12s before, Ao12 PB was 15.96, now 15.63! (-.33)
Ao50 was 17.06, now 16.66 (-.40)
Ao100 was 17.38, now 17.17 (-.21)

Ao100 was still dropping when I finished, but sadly I didn't have time for any more solves.

6 months ago (October 6th), when I returned to cubing, I did a baseline Ao50 @ 21.25. Happy with that progress!

 

[Jason Green]

I dunno what CPEOLL or BLD is as I only use standard CFOP. What's your advice on that : is it usefull to try new methods if I plan on sticking to CFOP in the end ?

BLD is blindfolded solving. I remember that took me a while to catch on.

CPEOLL is corner permutation edge orientation of last layer. So instead of OLL then PLL you can do the LL in a different order basically. They can be used as a variation to normal CFOP for certain cases. I'm no expert as I don't use them. I think corner orientation (COLL) is a more common thing to learn after full OLL. It depends on what motivates you and keeps you improving. I don't plan to learn any more subsets until I'm sub 15 probably, I still have plenty of room to improve with what I know, and I'd rather just work on that for now.

 

[pglewis]

I don't plan to learn any more subsets until I'm sub 15 probably, I still have plenty of room to improve with what I know, and I'd rather just work on that for now.

Here's my reasoning: I figure COLL is going to take me a while as the individual cases I'll be learning show up a lot less frequently than individual PLLs. So if I pick one or two cases at a time I can get a head-start without it having to interrupt other practice. I already have EO practice to interrupt my other practice

Good to see ya around Jason, when's your next comp coming up again?

 

[Jason Green]

Here's my reasoning: I figure COLL is going to take me a while as the individual cases I'll be learning show up a lot less frequently than individual PLLs. So if I pick one or two cases at a time I can get a head-start without it having to interrupt other practice. I already have EO practice to interrupt my other practice

Good to see ya around Jason, when's your next comp coming up again?

Saturday going to Houston tomorrow for it! Funny because my main goals are to qualify for 4x4 and OH at Nationals, I don't have much of a 3x3 goal. It's the first time I have cared about something besides 3x3 really. I have a good shot at qualifying we will see how the nerves play out, and if I can tell what color I'm staring at during edge pairing.

PS - in case you want to see my mock trial from tonight.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158558028085425&id=894935424

 

[JanW]

By how much did you cut your times when you switched from 2-look OLL to full OLL ?

This is hard to define. I'm close to 5 seconds faster now than when I started learning OLL and times are steadily dropping. However, that's probably a few seconds faster thanks to better lookahead and faster F2L, and a couple from OLL. In any case, I'm very glad I did learn OLL. It's not that hard and a lot of the algs are really fast and short.

I dunno what CPEOLL or BLD is as I only use standard CFOP. What's your advice on that : is it usefull to try new methods if I plan on sticking to CFOP in the end ?

CPEOLL is corner permutation edge orientation of last layer. So instead of OLL then PLL you can do the LL in a different order basically. They can be used as a variation to normal CFOP for certain cases. I'm no expert as I don't use them. I think corner orientation (COLL) is a more common thing to learn after full OLL.

Yeah, CPEOLL permutes corners while orienting edges. I should add that I only did it because I worked out that system on my own before I found this forum and more info about cubing. CFOP is clearly superior and I recommend you stick with that.

COLL is interesting, but I think maybe mostly if you do ZZ or perhaps for one-handed solving. I've known and used all COLL algs for the L-case the last few months, but they come up so seldom that recalling the case still takes a lot of time.

 

[muchacho]

COLL is interesting, but I think maybe mostly if you do ZZ or perhaps for one-handed solving.

Also for big cubes... and for Roux too

I'm learning the Antisune CMLL set, after that I'll only have Sune left

PS - in case you want to see my mock trial from tonight.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158558028085425&id=894935424

Right hand for OH? I approve

 

[Logiqx]

This is hard to define. I'm close to 5 seconds faster now than when I started learning OLL and times are steadily dropping. However, that's probably a few seconds faster thanks to better lookahead and faster F2L, and a couple from OLL. In any case, I'm very glad I did learn OLL. It's not that hard and a lot of the algs are really fast and short.


Yeah, CPEOLL permutes corners while orienting edges. I should add that I only did it because I worked out that system on my own before I found this forum and more info about cubing. CFOP is clearly superior and I recommend you stick with that.

COLL is interesting, but I think maybe mostly if you do ZZ or perhaps for one-handed solving. I've known and used all COLL algs for the L-case the last few months, but they come up so seldom that recalling the case still takes a lot of time.

To be exact, each COLL case typically arises once every 324 solves in CFOP.

This changes to 2/81 when using something like Petrus or ZZ.

 

[pglewis]

COLL is interesting, but I think maybe mostly if you do ZZ or perhaps for one-handed solving.

Yeah, COLL is what initially got me exploring ZZ; last slot alg-sets aren't attractive to me but a 1:12 PLL skip still is. I think I'm hooked and going to be stubborn enough to stick with it. Figuring out EOLine fast enough is a challenge that could have easily made me ditch the idea by now but I had no clue I was going to like F2L with pre-oriented edges this much more. EO practice hasn't been as much drudgery is it could be because the payoff is so nice.

 

[mafergut]

Hi guys, busy week and no Tapatalk equals no posts but I'm up to date with everything here!
COLL must mean Can't Oblige myself to Learn it, Lol because... I've tried a couple times and failed to learn more than 3-4 algs. It was useful to change a couple OLLs I had for better ones, though

Also, I don't want to spoil it by saying it but my 13 y/o son might have regained some interest in learning how to (speed?)solve. He was around sub-1min when he abandoned with a PB of 43 seconds. I'm sure he would be faster than me in 6 months if he put just a tiny bit of effort on it.

My practice time is quite reduced lately. I'm basically practising OH since last week. I keep getting more and more frequent sub-30s but my long average (around 700 solves since I started practising again) doesn't want to get below 40s yet.

Also, I discovered that a local Spanish store has started to make their own "pro" magnetic cubes. They only have stickered GTS (v1) and Valk for now. I hope they make some stickerless and I might consider buying a Valk or GTS2 from them. Similar price to TheCubicle but, I'm sure, much faster shipping No sign of my order of magnets yet

 

[phreaker]

Went to my 1st comp today. Alas, I am somewhat sick. (Stomach bug, of some form.)

2H: Met my goal, sub 1m,
OH: Didn't DNF against a 1:15 hard... a bit disappointed I didn't flash a sub 1 solve. I can do them. Overall, I didn't dnf against the 1:15 hard.... I'll take it. (With a 45s soft... I knew I wasn't likely to make it.)

But I could tell my concentration is way off. (Stomach pain is no good for focus, never mind feeling a bit weak due to hydration.)

I left before the BLD round based on that. I was shaky for BLD to start with... I don't think it was there today, I think some rest and going to a social event tonight if my body allows is smarter.

But at least... I can finally say "I'm sub 1, in comp."

Overall, had some fun.. but I expect I'd have more fun if I was feeling better.

Cube notes: People loved my custom GTS2 M. After the event, I tried it 2H again myself.. And I saw why. I need more practice, and probably to lighten up my turning style a bit. I used it for OH, but not 2H. (I was too nervous to use it, so I used a Valk M which has more assertive magnets and is a bit slower.)

Formula for the GTS2 M:

1xStickerless GTS2.
48x 5mmx1.5mm N50 ring magnets with a 1.5mm id. (I really liked the feel of these compared to any magnet I tried. I'm sold on the wider magnets giving a nicer feel.)
Blu-Tack to stick the magnets in.
30k on the core. (Had to redo the core this morning... ugh... couldn't find my 50k)
30k on the pieces, not much... just a bit. Work it in.
1 drop of DNM-37. (All that was over a similar lube job with 2x drops of DNM-37... both work...)
6xValk Springs.

The reason for Valk Springs in the GTS2 is it gets WAY fast if you back out the screws enough to make it full cutting. If you use Valk Springs, it slows the cube a bit, and really gives the cube a solid cutting feel. A strong upgrade, for $1.

My Valk M was already picked to be my BLD main on the day, because my Gans AIR UM had too many sticker chips.. and I wasn't in the mood to resticker. Honestly.. I'm becoming less and less and less of a fan of stickered cubes. I love my Gans AIR UM for BLD.. but it would have taken a sticker job to make it legal. :/.

Got to try out the 6x6 and 7x7 Qiyi cubes... not ready to get them yet... want to learn 5x5 fully first... then maybe move up to 6x6. I didn't like them as much as I'd like... I think the 6x6 and higher hardware has a generation or two before it is perfected like the 4x4 and 5x5 is starting to be.

 

[newtonbase]

Went to my 1st comp today. Alas, I am somewhat sick. (Stomach bug, of some form.)

2H: Met my goal, sub 1m,
OH: Didn't DNF against a 1:15 hard... a bit disappointed I didn't flash a sub 1 solve. I can do them. Overall, I didn't dnf against the 1:15 hard.... I'll take it. (With a 45s soft... I knew I wasn't likely to make it.)

But I could tell my concentration is way off. (Stomach pain is no good for focus, never mind feeling a bit weak due to hydration.)

I left before the BLD round based on that. I was shaky for BLD to start with... I don't think it was there today, I think some rest and going to a social event tonight if my body allows is smarter.

But at least... I can finally say "I'm sub 1, in comp."

Overall, had some fun.. but I expect I'd have more fun if I was feeling better.

Cube notes: People loved my custom GTS2 M. After the event, I tried it 2H again myself.. And I saw why. I need more practice, and probably to lighten up my turning style a bit. I used it for OH, but not 2H. (I was too nervous to use it, so I used a Valk M which has more assertive magnets and is a bit slower.)

Formula for the GTS2 M:

1xStickerless GTS2.
48x 5mmx1.5mm N50 ring magnets with a 1.5mm id. (I really liked the feel of these compared to any magnet I tried. I'm sold on the wider magnets giving a nicer feel.)
Blu-Tack to stick the magnets in.
30k on the core. (Had to redo the core this morning... ugh... couldn't find my 50k)
30k on the pieces, not much... just a bit. Work it in.
1 drop of DNM-37. (All that was over a similar lube job with 2x drops of DNM-37... both work...)
6xValk Springs.

The reason for Valk Springs in the GTS2 is it gets WAY fast if you back out the screws enough to make it full cutting. If you use Valk Springs, it slows the cube a bit, and really gives the cube a solid cutting feel. A strong upgrade, for $1.

My Valk M was already picked to be my BLD main on the day, because my Gans AIR UM had too many sticker chips.. and I wasn't in the mood to resticker. Honestly.. I'm becoming less and less and less of a fan of stickered cubes. I love my Gans AIR UM for BLD.. but it would have taken a sticker job to make it legal. :/.

Got to try out the 6x6 and 7x7 Qiyi cubes... not ready to get them yet... want to learn 5x5 fully first... then maybe move up to 6x6. I didn't like them as much as I'd like... I think the 6x6 and higher hardware has a generation or two before it is perfected like the 4x4 and 5x5 is starting to be.

Well done hitting your goal. That's an achievable target for next time.
Your cube sounds nice. I'll bet those ring magnets work well with blu tak.

 

[Jason Green]

Also for big cubes... and for Roux too

I'm learning the Antisune CMLL set, after that I'll only have Sune left


Right hand for OH? I approve

It's actually left hand, the camera is backward for whatever reason. Bad 3*3 round one today at comp, too early for me! But due to large field I made round two!! That's one of my main cubing goals so very happy with that. 4*4 I qualified for Nationals so I'm happy with that too. OH still to come.

http://m.cubecomps.com/competitions/2071/events

 

[phreaker]

Well done hitting your goal. That's an achievable target for next time.
Your cube sounds nice. I'll bet those ring magnets work well with blu tak.

I really wanted a BLD success. But... Today isn't that day. I suspect I ate something yesterday that really disagreed with me.

Actually, blu-tack likely works about 10x better than people think. I've dropped my Valk M onto concrete... nothing came loose. (And that cube's been together a few months now!)

I know superglue is cool.. but ya know... For those of us who aren't AS good at positioning magnets. Blu-tack FTW. When I did my GTS2, I had to redo most of the pieces, due to some minor alignment issues. If I did them with glue I'd have no chance to fix it. Blu-tack... go in, pull out the magnet, clean up the blu-tack, and retry.

For first times with a given cube type.. or those of us who may not be AS good at aligning stuff.. it makes getting a "perfect" result real possible.

(Also if I carry some, along with some magnets, I can fix any cube, and be ready to go again in ~3-4m. No need to dry. Which if you are impatient... rocks )

 

[mark49152]

Nice job on the comp achievements @Jason Green and @phreaker!

 

[Jason Green]

Nice job on the comp achievements @Jason Green and @phreaker!

Thanks! Just watched Jeff Park from Dallas set North American record for 3 Bld single and average!! Second in the world single of 19 something. His dad is a fellow older cuber but is not on here as far as I know.