[Help Thread] Questions From a New Speedcuber

[Luke Henize]

Ok, so here's the deal. I have quite a bit of questions generally about common speed cube things. I have searched many times for answers but haven't had any luck. I am going to post a plethora of questions within this thread, so if you do reply, don't feel like you have to answer all of my questions by any means. By the time I am done writing this, it may very well resemble a five-paragraph essay more than a forum thread. So, I will be very grateful even for a single answer.
Now about me. I learned beginners method on 3x3 when I was about 10 or 11 years old, using my dad's old Rubik's Brand. This was the original, stickered version that was about impossible to turn. A little over a year later I got a Rubik's Brand 2x2 and 4x4, and learned to solve both of those with their beginners method (I am not completely sure if the 4x4 method was officially called beginner's, but I remember learning it from Noah Richardson's Youtube tutorial). From there I casually solved those three, and then slowed down with cubing. At this time I hadn't gotten into cubing yet, so found it a little boring. I slowed to the point where I forgot some parts of the 4x4 and was a bit rusty on 2x2 and 3x3. I picked it back up a year later, now 13. After I memorized all algorithms again (except on 4x4), I did them a couple times a day and didn't really falter from this schedule. This lasted for probably a couple months, until four or five weeks ago.
I was a little curious on how fast I was, so I started timing myself with a speed cube timer app. I was like 1:45 or something horrendous on 3x3 (still using beginner's method), and on 2x2 I was like 17 seconds or so (I had, however, learned ortega on 2x2, but was still getting used to it). At first I was like, "cool," but I soon began to want more. I subscribed to Chris Olson's Youtube channel (cyotheking) and started watching some of his videos. To be totally honest, they made me feel really bad. Not like depressing or anything, they just made me look like a total n00b cuber (which I kind of am). So I learned CFOP on 3x3 now, and shaved my time down quite a bit. I'm still not into 4x4 or any other larger puzzles currently, but plan to expand to them at some point. So, as we speak, I average 13 seconds on 2x2 using ortega, and about 1:05 on 3x3 with CFOP. Oh, and I am still 13 years old, if it makes a difference. And, although it saddens me to say this,(EXTREME N00B ALERT ->) I use Rubik's Brand for both of those. Now please, before you make hateful comments based on what you just read, do know that I am aware. I am aware of how crappy the Rubik's Brand is compared to... oh, I dunno... anything ever. I would've gotten a ton of speed cubes earlier, but my parents forced me to wait until Christmas so they can give me them then.
Ok, so that, as you may have noticed, wasn't even the questions yet. I didn't plan on it being that long, so I guess I'll just ask my most important questions now. First off, are the 2x2 and 3x3 times I listed good? I know they are by know means the best. At all. Also, please note that I mean with a Rubik's Brand. I tried finding people solving on speed cubes and then original Rubik's, but none of them were of good quality. I guess what I am asking for here is when I do get a decent speed cube, will I be able to put up some decent times? This also leads me to my next question, which would be what should I expect in a speed cube. Unfortunately, I don't really have any good friends that are cubers as well. I'm pretty much one of the only people I actually know who can even solve the Rubik's Cube (in person, of course). Again, I believe I will get some for Christmas this year, so how will it first feel turning on a good cube. I am certain I am getting a Weilong GTS, and am also requesting a YJ Yulong, as well as a Lingpo and Dayan for 2x2 cubes. This is similar to the last question, but to reiterate, how is it going to feel switching from awful, slow, bad turning to awesome, fast, and good turning. Do you think it'll be a tough transition for me or will it be cool for most of the way. And I guess the last question would be how fast (on 3x3) should I be for my first competition? I've seen people's vids for their first comp. and are getting in the 20's but then other people next to them that are doing way worse.
Ok, so I guess I've finally ran out of ideas. At the beginning, I was joking about it being an essay but looking back.... Anyway, if you've taken the time to even read all this, thank you. As I said before, I will take any types of answers to any of my questions. Feel free to leave tips and other things that helped you when you were in my situation, as those would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks so much for taking your time to help me out!

 

[Tom606060]

Ok to start off, welcome to the forums. About whether the times are good, good is a very inconcise term. Those times could be very good to someone who just learned how to solve but very bad for a competitive speedcuber. But seeing as you just started, I would say you are doing pretty well.

Moving on to good cubes to buy, The Valk 3, Weilong GTS, and Gans Air are dominating the market right now and they can all be top of the line depending on your turning style. If you can really afford it, you can look into magnetic cubes like the Weilong GTS M or the Valk M but those are definitely not required to be fast. For 2x2, some of the best on the market are the WeiPo, Kungfu YueHun, and the Yuxin White. Dayan is good too but only once you set it up perfectly. And for 4x4, Kungfu Cangfeng, Moyu Aosu, Guansu, and CB G4 are all good. As for turning, you will get used to it soon enough, just start learning fingertricks.

And lastly, the competitions. My first competition, I was averaging about 15 seconds ended up with a sup 20 avg 5 due to being nervous. Your times don't really matter, it the experience that counts. I would go to a comp once you get a new cube because you probably don't want to compete with a Rubik's Brand.

Hopefully that helped and feel free to ask more questions!

 

[DGCubes]

Hey! To answer your competition question, just go to one no matter what you average. If you can solve a Rubik's Cube in under 10 minutes, just go! It'll be one of the best days of your life and absolutely nobody there is going to care or judge you because of what you average.

As far as whether or not your times are decent, you don't need to worry about that. They're the best you can do with your current methods/cubes, and that's all you can do at this point. You'll get better with time, but you should really just compare yourself to yourself, not to other people. Considering you can solve a Rubik's Cube and are planning on getting some speedcubes soon, you're on the right track.

 

[GenTheSnail]

Ok, so here's the deal. I have quite a bit of questions generally about common speed cube things. I have searched many times for answers but haven't had any luck. I am going to post a plethora of questions within this thread, so if you do reply, don't feel like you have to answer all of my questions by any means. By the time I am done writing this, it may very well resemble a five-paragraph essay more than a forum thread. So, I will be very grateful even for a single answer.
Now about me. I learned beginners method on 3x3 when I was about 10 or 11 years old, using my dad's old Rubik's Brand. This was the original, stickered version that was about impossible to turn. A little over a year later I got a Rubik's Brand 2x2 and 4x4, and learned to solve both of those with their beginners method (I am not completely sure if the 4x4 method was officially called beginner's, but I remember learning it from Noah Richardson's Youtube tutorial). From there I casually solved those three, and then slowed down with cubing. At this time I hadn't gotten into cubing yet, so found it a little boring. I slowed to the point where I forgot some parts of the 4x4 and was a bit rusty on 2x2 and 3x3. I picked it back up a year later, now 13. After I memorized all algorithms again (except on 4x4), I did them a couple times a day and didn't really falter from this schedule. This lasted for probably a couple months, until four or five weeks ago.
I was a little curious on how fast I was, so I started timing myself with a speed cube timer app. I was like 1:45 or something horrendous on 3x3 (still using beginner's method), and on 2x2 I was like 17 seconds or so (I had, however, learned ortega on 2x2, but was still getting used to it). At first I was like, "cool," but I soon began to want more. I subscribed to Chris Olson's Youtube channel (cyotheking) and started watching some of his videos. To be totally honest, they made me feel really bad. Not like depressing or anything, they just made me look like a total n00b cuber (which I kind of am). So I learned CFOP on 3x3 now, and shaved my time down quite a bit. I'm still not into 4x4 or any other larger puzzles currently, but plan to expand to them at some point. So, as we speak, I average 13 seconds on 2x2 using ortega, and about 1:05 on 3x3 with CFOP. Oh, and I am still 13 years old, if it makes a difference. And, although it saddens me to say this,(EXTREME N00B ALERT ->) I use Rubik's Brand for both of those. Now please, before you make hateful comments based on what you just read, do know that I am aware. I am aware of how crappy the Rubik's Brand is compared to... oh, I dunno... anything ever. I would've gotten a ton of speed cubes earlier, but my parents forced me to wait until Christmas so they can give me them then.
Ok, so that, as you may have noticed, wasn't even the questions yet. I didn't plan on it being that long, so I guess I'll just ask my most important questions now.

Well, first piece of advice is to make sure that your post doesn't belong in an existing thread. I think this thread is specific enough to warrant it's own thread, but about 90% of new-cubers posts are things that have already been answered. Again, you didn't do this, so props to you.
Also, please read individual sub-forum/thread rules. Most sub-forums have a thread listed as "XXX-PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING"
This sub-forum has two of these threads. If you already read these, again props to you.
Now, to answering your questions:

First off, are the 2x2 and 3x3 times I listed good? I know they are by know means the best. At all. Also, please note that I mean with a Rubik's Brand.

Bluntly, in a competitive sense, no.
Not bluntly, it really just depends. I remember when I first started cubing, I was using an old rubik's brand too, my personal best was 1:19. In that sense, you are completely normal, maybe better.

I tried finding people solving on speed cubes and then original Rubik's, but none of them were of good quality.

I know that Alexander Lau has a 17 on an-out-of-the-box rubik's brand, and I can inconsistency sub-20 [I average ~16] on a well broken-in rubik's brand. However, Alexander Lau averages ~7 and is the fastest Roux solver in the world.

I guess what I am asking for here is when I do get a decent speed cube, will I be able to put up some decent times?

It won't automatically drop your time. You still need practice. When I got my first rubik's brand speedcube, my first solve was something like 1:20. My PB (personal best) was something like 54. I do know that I beat it soon though.

This also leads me to my next question, which would be what should I expect in a speed cube. Unfortunately, I don't really have any good friends that are cubers as well. I'm pretty much one of the only people I actually know who can even solve the Rubik's Cube (in person, of course).

A good speedcube, after using an old rubik's brand feels like pure heaven. I remember when I switched off my rubik's brand speedcube to a MoYu AoLong, I gave an audible gasp because it felt so good.

Again, I believe I will get some for Christmas this year, so how will it first feel turning on a good cube. I am certain I am getting a Weilong GTS, and am also requesting a YJ Yulong, as well as a Lingpo and Dayan for 2x2 cubes.

Weilong GTS is a good cube, I don't have a YJ Yulong, and your best bet for a starter 2x2 would probably be the KungFu YueHun or the Yuxin White. Some good 4x4s to pick from [ I don't haven't tried these, I'm just going off comments I've read] would be the Cyclone Boys G4 or the YJ GuanSu.

This is similar to the last question, but to reiterate, how is it going to feel switching from awful, slow, bad turning to awesome, fast, and good turning. Do you think it'll be a tough transition for me or will it be cool for most of the way.

My uncle, who got a speedcube recently, told me that it was hard to control, and too easy to turn. Especially if you get a WieLong GTS, which is a very fast cube, it may be to hard to control at first.
I know you said that you subed to cyo, but if you missed this video, it has some pretty useful information:

And I guess the last question would be how fast (on 3x3) should I be for my first competition? I've seen people's vids for their first comp. and are getting in the 20's but then other people next to them that are doing way worse.

Just go. Unless you're sub 10, you won't even have a chance of winning. That is the case with most people, after all only one person wins; in most cases, that isn't you.
The reason I compete, as of now, is to set official personal bests in comp. Just go for the experience. Have fun, talk to other cubers, try out different cubes, learn new techniques, etc. Your speed literally doesn't matter.
To find competitions in your area, you should check this page:
https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions
Depending where you live, there may be no competitions near you. Also note that a good time distance for most WCA Competitions would be about 3 hours.

The WCA is the governing body over all official competitions, and going to one of their competitions will give you a WCA ID.
This page has some very informative content on going to your first competition:
https://www.cubingusa.com/ctutorial.php

Overall, you kept saying you suck. It isn't necessary, and was rather unpleasant, to grind into our brains that you happen to be a newer cuber.

Also, just a note, before you go all out into CFOP, I suggest that you check out other methods.
This thread is one of the best on the entire forum:
https://www.speedsolving.com/forum/threads/beginners-guide-to-choosing-a-speedsolving-method.43471/

Hope these answers helped!

 

[AlphaSheep]

First off, are the 2x2 and 3x3 times I listed good?

Everyone starts of not being able to solve the cube at all, but then spent time working to reach their current speed. So everyone at some point has to pass through the times you're at now.

I guess what I am asking for here is when I do get a decent speed cube, will I be able to put up some decent times?

You'll likely be disappointed that your times actually won't drop at all when you get a decent speed cube. It will take some time to get used to the feeling and the way it turns.

what should I expect in a speed cube.

Smoother, effortless turning and fewer lock ups mostly.

how is it going to feel switching from awful, slow, bad turning to awesome, fast, and good turning. Do you think it'll be a tough transition for me or will it be cool for most of the way. And

Is a natural transition and after a day with the new cube you'll wonder how you ever managed with the Rubik's brand cube.

how fast (on 3x3) should I be for my first competition?

The slowest I've ever seen at a first competition is just under 5 minutes. You're already easy past that stage so you're more than ready to enter a comp.

 

[pglewis]

Times: You are doing well. People progress at different rates and your own personal progress is likely to be in fits and starts. I've been bitten by the speedsolving bug in my late 40s and my brain doesn't want to form new pathways quite like when I was younger. It took me several months to get to 1:30 regularly, by August I was flirting with under a minute consistently. By the end of Sept I was unhappy with anything over 50, now my sights are set on making mid 30s or better the norm. Some people reach sub 20 in a couple months, I'm not going to be one of them .

There will be periods where you sacrifice your averages temporarily in order to absorb new things. I've been going through that with weeks of inflated times often near and over a minute again but the work, frustration, and stubbornness is starting to pay off. My consistency hasn't returned yet but my "good" solves are becoming more frequent. Resist the temptation to time yourself too often when you're learning new things like that, the impulse will be to ditch your learning in favor of what you know. Opt for slow, deliberate solves with a focus on what you're working to improve and maybe a quick timed check-in once or twice a week to check progress, but don't let it discourage you.

Going to a competition: 3x3 is the "everyone event" and I think the hard cut-off for 3x3 is usually a generous 10 minutes in order to accommodate practically anyone who can solve. 2x2 is fairly relaxed, I think 20-30 second cutoffs usually. I definitely suggest getting to a comp at the first good chance. You'll no longer be on an island but surrounded by other people who share your passion. My first and only comp was a great experience, everyone was very helpful and encouraging. You'll get to try out various cubes, feel how people set theirs up, pick up some new tricks, and get to witness some amazing solves up close. Be prepared for what I call "getting comp'd". Some people thrive with adrenaline, I discovered my concentration can be elusive under comp conditions. I suggest getting comfortable with solving in front of people and with a little noise/distraction around you. Someone has to come in last and at my comp that was me... and yet I can hardly wait for the next one .

General tips: Regardless of the method you use: 1) Look-ahead. 2) Look-ahead. 3) Look-ahead.

 

[Luke Henize]

Thank you all so much for helping me out with my cubing experiences right now. I can't believe how helpful the replies have been. Thanks to you, I now am excited about where I'm headed as a cuber! Again, thanks so much.

ps: pglewis, I'm from Cincy too! Just a quick question, how far away was the comp. you went too? I saw that GenTheTheif said it could be about three hours or so away, but do you know if there are any local? I'll be sure to check the WCA link, but was just wondering.

 

[pglewis]

ps: pglewis, I'm from Cincy too! Just a quick question, how far away was the comp. you went too? I saw that GenTheTheif said it could be about three hours or so away, but do you know if there are any local? I'll be sure to check the WCA link, but was just wondering.

It was in Mason: https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions/MasonCubingChallenge2016 (and Lucas Etter ducked his own North American record average with a 7.05 there). Nothing really close by slated soon other than Shaker Heights (near Cleveland) but I'll been keeping my eyes peeled.

 

[Luke Henize]

It was in Mason: https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions/MasonCubingChallenge2016 (and Lucas Etter ducked his own North American record average with a 7.05 there). Nothing really close by slated soon other than Shaker Heights (near Cleveland) but I'll been keeping my eyes peeled.

Oh wow that's not very far away at all. If they ever have another one there, I'll have to try and come too.

 

[shadowslice e]

At the time you are now, I would recommend that you take a look at some other methods before deciding on what method to stick with. most people will not really be set until they are sub-45 if they have had exposure to the range.

 

[efattah]

Given that I cubing since the dawn of cubing I was very used to the original Rubik's brand cube.
- To switch to 'modern' cubes you will need to UNLEARN lots of hand/wrist motions and learn to fingertrick. This un-learning process can take a month or more as you are hardwired to use your entire hand to turn slices
- Once you learn to fingertrick the (modern) cube, your time will drop by around 30% at least even with no other changes
- Several people have solved the original Rubik's brand cube in 10 seconds on lucky solves

 

[Luke Henize]

So I looked at some other 2x2's, the ones that Tom606060 recommended, specifically. I thought I'd do this since he said the Dayan was good, but I needed to set it up (which I really don't know how to). I found some good reviews on the Weipo, but didn't get a lot on the Kungfu Yuehun or the Yuxin White. If there is anyone who has these cubes I would really appreciate it if you could just say anything good/bad about them, Thanks!

 

[Tom606060]

So I looked at some other 2x2's, the ones that Tom606060 recommended, specifically. I thought I'd do this since he said the Dayan was good, but I needed to set it up (which I really don't know how to). I found some good reviews on the Weipo, but didn't get a lot on the Kungfu Yuehun or the Yuxin White. If there is anyone who has these cubes I would really appreciate it if you could just say anything good/bad about them, Thanks!

The Yuxin white takes quite a bit of set up as well and requires a perfect tension to be used at its fullest potential so I wouldn't really recommend getting that if you can't set up cubes. I would just get the WeiPo($7.50) since you can't really go wrong with it. Its great out of the box and gets even better with breakin. However, it is very fast so you may have trouble controlling it. I dont actually own a kungfu 2x2 but Chris Olson says it is pretty good.

 

[AreRouxAmused]

I know I am late to the party but I do highly recommend reading the thread on choosing a method because just that can make cubing way way more fun. I know CFOP and it's okay for me to solve on but once I discovered Roux I really had a lot of fun since it felt more my style so go out there and find way peaks you interest whether it be CFOP, Roux, ZZ-a, ZZ-b, ZZ-CT, Petrus.

 

[Rok]

(its long but please read)I have some solutions and tips for u :-
1) You have told that u r getting a weilong gts , I think a weilong is a very fast cube and as it is fast it is harder to control and as your times are above a minute i would probably suggest u a shengshou aurora and u can buy a yj yulong (the stickerless looks very cool).
2) The most important and probably the most tuff way to improve your times is practice practice and all the way practice . I also use cfop method and average around 22 and lucas etters ( the previous world record holder with 4.904s) also used cfop.
3) Never feel bored of your cube and learn as many algs as u can handle many cases easily i would reccomend checking out algdatabase . You should also watch videos on youtube of speedcubers faster than u , it evokes an interst in u to go faster.
Well that was also a long answer but i am sure that it would help.
HAPPY SPEEDCUBING.....

 

[One Wheel]

At your level practice is the most important thing, but practice will be more fun with a better cube. That said, don't complain about your parents making you wait: you can use your practice time until then learning to avoid bad habits. I use a Rubik's brand cube for foot solving, and it works quite well. You might give that a try. The disadvantage of harder turning isn't as much of a disadvantage with feet, and it will stay aligned much better than a normal speed cube. If you learn good f2l tricks, and even some OLL and PLL with your feet you should be able with a little practice and a better cube to make a lot of progress with the same tricks and your hands.

 

[pglewis]

I definitely agree that practice is key. I'm not much of speedsolver but I know from other disciplines that the adage "practice makes perfect" isn't quite accurate. "Practice makes permanent; perfect practice makes perfect." Practice can also solidify bad habits and practicing without focus on what you're out to improve isn't often as effective. If you find yourself feeling like you're floundering even with lots of practice you might evaluate your practice habits and what sort of focus you're putting into it. Slow progress doesn't necessarily mean you're practicing wrong either, sometimes it just takes a lot of repetition.

 

[pglewis]

Not Cincy, but not far Dayton OH, Jan 7th

 

[Luke Henize]

Not Cincy, but not far Dayton OH, Jan 7th

Oh awesome thanks! I'm not totally positive the date will work out for me but I will try very hard to get there. One question, if anyone knows the answer to this, what time should i be there? The schedule (in pglewis's post) says registration and 4x4 blindfolded begin at 8 am. If I sign up before online, which it sounds like you have to do anyway, do I still need to be there by 8?
Anyway, if I do come, I'll look for you pglewis! (but not really, that's sort of creepy.)

 

[Roshan CM]

Which cube should I go for: 1) Gan 356 AIR or 2) Gan 356s V2
I'm into speedcubing and I currently own Rubik's brand cube... So basically, I want to buy my first speedcube...Please help....