Solving the cross

[Raffael]

...
Like, I can see how to do it, I can do it without looking, but it still takes me 4 seconds sometimes which makes me angry... Because I can't make it flow like these other guys and gals I see solving crazy fast.
...

If you can't execute faster, use the time you have while building your cross for looking for the first corner-edge pair.
This will save you recognition time between cross and first pair.

 

[enigmahack]

No no, I can see the first CE pair no problem, my look ahead isn't the problem. My issue is literally executing the cross. I know where everything should go, but the physical process of putting the pieces in place takes me a few seconds faster than it should. It feels awkward to me, while I watch some of these folks who are sub-15 do it quickly, but make it LOOK smooth too.

That's the part I need help figuring out lol

 

[Pr3miuM]

Maybe during inspection you should concentrate more on executing the cross in a fingertrick-friendly kind of way. It may take more moves but it will probably be faster in the end. I'm not sure if that's usable advice but, goodluck.

 

[SaberSlash49]

I'm Sub-50 as well, but I can solve my cross in roughly 8-9 seconds. I solve it on the D face, and what sometimes help is finding the opposite edge of what belongs, then doing a u2 to get your cross. Macky's guide on cubefreak is also highly effective.

Example:

Green-white edge with the blue center, Blue-white edge piece with the green center, etc.

 

[wing92]

it would maybe help if you gave an example scramble and how you would solve the cross for that scramble

 

[SaberSlash49]

I'll admit that I'm not great at the cross, so here's my solve.

White - U
Green - F

Scramble: L B L U F2 B2 U2 D L' R2 B' F2 L2 B' U2 D' F' B2 U2 B' R2 U D' B'

Solve -

z2 (white bottom, green front) D B2 U' R2 F' u2

 

[reverseinfinity]

i think being intuitive about it is the best way. i just recently improved my cross by 2~3 seconds and i'm now right around 20