should i learn ZB or more oll and pll?

[blindfold cube]

Hey everyone,

I need someones opinion on this. I want to get better at speed cubing and perhaps this will help me. Should i learn ZB(http://www.speedcubing.com/chris/zb.html) or study more on my OLL(http://www.cubezone.be/oll.html) and PLL(http://www.cubezone.be/pll.html) or both?

To give you an idea of how good (or how bad compared to some of you ) I am, an average time for me can be around 40 to 45 seconds.

What do you think i should do?

 

[skyuzo]

Do PLL. Then OLL. You don't really need ZB. (my opinion)

 

[Dirk BerGuRK]

Hey blindfold cube.

ZB is a method that involves three stages. First you are solving the the F2L minus one corner-edge pair. Then you simultaneously orient the LL edges while inserting the last corner-edge pair into the F2L (ZBF2L). Lastly, you complete the LL in one algorithm (ZBLL). I take it you have not looked at how many algs it takes to fully use this method or I doubt you would consider it. If you have, then I admire your drive to be faster at the cube. That being said, ZB is really for experts. I only know of one individual who is currently learning full ZB.

As far as OLL and PLL, there are still a lot of algs to learn, but when used with a good F2L method it can be blindingly fast. So if you are going to learn it, start with the PLLs, and then learn the OLLs. However, also know that you do not have to know all the OLL algs to be fast either. Many people have gotten sub-20 averages using a 2 look OLL.

Also note that this is not the only way to solve a cube quickly. If you do not like algs, try Petrus, Roux, or Heise.

 

[aznblur]

The problem is ZB is that it might take you as long to recognise and execute the one algorithm as it is to do PLL and OLL.

 

[HelloiamChow]

At around an average of 40-45 seconds learning ZB is not really necessary. Finish learning fridrich, and when you do, just practice that. There are a ridiculous amount of algorithms in ZB. ZB is a really advanced method. Using just fridrich, you can already be very, very fast. Learn OLL's and PLL's and make sure your F2L is smooth with little delays.

 

[Johannes91]

Speedcubing isn't just about memorizing algorithms... 4-look LL can be done in sub-8 seconds so you shouldn't worry about OLL or PLL.

 

[joey]

If you want to be fast, eg 15s. You have to have a really fast F2L, like 7s then.

If you have a 7s F2L, and learn OLL/PLL you can be around the 11-13s mark.

Id rather be at 11-13, and learn OLL and PLL.

 

[Johannes91]

Yeah, when you are sub-20 (or around there) then OLL/PLL will help. But at 40-45 they aren't too important.

 

[blindfold cube]

If you want to be fast, eg 15s. You have to have a really fast F2L, like 7s then.
QUOTE]

Thanks for so many responses everyone!


Hmm... I should be able to solve F2L in 7s?.... No wonder I'm so slow. Maybe I should concentrate more on my F2L rather than my OLL and PLL. Does anybody have any suggestions to some basic F2L algorithms I can get fast on?

Thanks!

 

[tim]

F2L is not about fast execution/fast algorithms. It's all about looking ahead, so don't rush

Sorry, i had to test this cool feature