Solving with F2L

[kunu822]

Hey, I started speedcubing a few weeks ago with a layer-by-layer method. I've gotten to average 1:00 with it but I wanna get faster so I tried Fridrich. I'm adjusting to F2L and all, but I'm really slow. (1:30 with F2L) I think my problem is that when I don't get correct pairs, I mess it up and then try again until I get a correct pair, mostly because I can't memorize algs. (I'm trying intuitive F2L by the way)

Do you guys have any tips to memorize algs for incorrect corner-edge pairs?

 

[ExoCorsair]

I break it up and pair them up again correctly.

Examples (cross on left): http://www.its.caltech.edu/~leyanlo/f2l.html - cases 20-29.

 

[Arakron]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think what you're saying is that you're putting the pieces together and hoping that they are put together the right way. Try to figure out the basic ways that two pieces can be positioned/oriented, and how to put those together. For example, corner with cross color on top, edge not touching it, both in top layer - you can turn the edge down, turn U to put the corner "on top" of it, and undo your original turn, and they'll be paired.
Try Doug Reed's F2L intuitive F2L page, I'm sure google will find it.

 

[kunu822]

@Arakron

I guess that's basically what I mean. However, when I try to get a correct pair, I end up always having to do R U2 R', or just R U R'. It gets really annoying to get the pieces in the right place, and I'm trying to learn the algs for the incorrect pairs, like this one:

Or, this one:

There are quiet a few similar cases and I come across them quite often. But I find myself going back to the sheet of cases and executing the algorithm, because I can't seem to do it intuitively. I'm just looking for tips on doing it intuitively or memorizing the algorithm. But the site you mentioned helped a bit.

@Exo:

That's what I do but it takes much longer then I'd want it to.

 

[tenderchkn]

I drool when I see those....so fast.

But, back on topic - you can do what I used to do when I was learning: seperate them, and learn the basic cases for having a separated C-E pair in the top layer. There are 6 (plus 6 mirrors) and they're easier to understand intuitively.

 

[doubleyou]

in those cases I usually think that tilting the both, then turning the corner piece over the other, then positioning it for the second basic case when correcting the cross (+edge piece).

then correct u face to position for insertion.

but if a slot of open you can use this to cut a move or two.

just play with it, see whats possible and whats not. eventually you will think logical about it and dont have to memorize any algs of any kind.

think about the point where you have solved at least 10.000 cubes. you get my point

 

[kunu822]

Thanks guys, your advice helped.

Since I don't want to create much spam here, I'll ask my final (hopefully!) question here.

While doing intuitive F2L, once I solve a pair, I find the corner. But then it takes ages (three seconds?) for me to find the corresponding edge. Do you guys have any tips on finding the edge faster?

 

[ExoCorsair]

Practice, practice, practice. Over time, you'll just find pieces faster.

 

[kunu822]

Haha, I've heard that a lot. I guess I'll keep hearing that. Oh well, guess I have to be patient. (I started F2L a week ago.)

 

[Arakron]

Originally posted by ExoCorsair@May 2 2007, 12:29 AM
Practice, practice, practice. Over time, you'll just find pieces faster.

Yes. When I started off recognition took a huge chunk of my time. Now I still waste some, but when I'm doing well it's quite quick. And I haven't done anything special to work on recognition beyond a whole lot of solving. With a few exceptions, I look in the top layer for a F2L corner and then find the matching edge.

 

[pjk]

Don't worry about asking questions, that is what this forum is for As far as recognition, just practice going slow and smooth with little and eventually no delays. Then speed up the moves. While you are pairing and inserting 1 pair, be looking for the next. Good luck.

 

[doubleyou]

for improving your F2L times go by this simple rule:
You CANT have ANY delays. if you do, just go slower, even if you go slowly to begin with.

down tempo until you have zero delays. eventually/naturally you will speed up.

 

[AvGalen]

F2L really comes with either practice (intuitive) or learning all the (>40) algs. I am sub-30 with keyhole, but I need about 1 minute for intuitive F2L.

The best way to train your F2L is to buy a MegaMinx!

 

[Inferno.Fighter.IV]

How does the MegaMinx help your times?

 

[Erik]

Megaminx is very good in practise to pair up pieces. Cause in one solve I pair up 14 pairs. Also because you have more freedom on the megaminx it's good to train.

 

[doubleyou]

yea, but hella slow to work with. at least my cheap version

eh, but I think it works moe the other way around. you can use F2L strategy on the MegaMinx