Top-Bottom-Middle Method

[SerenityNetworks]

Edited
I last cubed back in 1981. I recall that I solved the top layer, then the bottom edges (breaking only one edge piece on the top. I then recall that I fixed the broken edge on the completed top layer. Then I think I worked one or two patterns that fixed the corner pieces on the bottom later. Lastly I had one of two possible patterns for the middle later. Once worked then that solved it.

About half the time I was between 20 and 30 seconds and half the time between 30 and 40 seconds. I occasionally went longer and shorter.

I've been fiddling around for an hour or so and just don't recall the method. I searched the internet and found several different algorithms, but none even close to what I remember. I think I could pick up my old method pretty quick, if someone remembers the method and could give me some pointers.

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

 

[freshcuber]

Actually we just had another cuber who could solve it back in the 80s using that method as well. It may not be exactly the same but that's definitely the order the layers were solved. Search Old Time Cuber New Here I think it is. That's the thread he started to introduce himself to us and then another person took his solution booklet and made it into a pdf file. Search Ideal Solution or Ideal Solve in the forum search and it may come up. If that doesn't work search for the cuber I'm pretty sure his name on the forum was QUOOBER but don't quote me on that. But if all else fails throw that in the username search I guess.

EDIT: This is the solution the other guy used from the Ideal Toy booklet.

Thanks to fatboyxpc, the original Ideal Toy booklet is available here:

RubiksCubeSolution

 

[SerenityNetworks]

Thank you. I will take a look in the morning. I very much appreciate your quick response, but my eyelids are drooping and this old man needs his rest

I do recall that I solved the top layer, then the bottom edges (breaking only one edge piece on the top). I then fixed the broken edge on the completed top layer. That left me with a completed top layer and a cross on the bottom later.

Then I'm recalling that I worked the same pattern once or twice that fixed the corner pieces on the bottom later. Lastly I had one of two possible patterns remaining for the four corners of the middle later. I worked a single pattern once or twice and that solved it.

I'll take a look at what you've pointed me towards to see if that's it.

Thanks again,
Andrew

 

[freshcuber]

No problem, you'll find that there's quite a few helpful people here who only want to enhance the cubing community

 

[SerenityNetworks]

No problem, you'll find that there's quite a few helpful people here who only want to enhance the cubing community

That's so very cool. It's quite refreshing to find a forum that is both polite and helpful. Sadly it is a rarity.

And I couldn't resist staying awake awhile longer to look at the directions you posted. That's it! And I see where I was going wrong; I was putting in the bottom edges before the corners.

I never knew there was an instruction sheet. Someone taught me and then I taught others.

But I must say that the notations used today, using capital letters and the prime symbol, are a whole lot easier to follow than that instruction sheet! If it's not already done, maybe I can translate the old instructions into the new notational convention.

Thanks again,
Andrew

 

[freshcuber]

Wow the fact that after so long you were only mixing up steps is pretty impressive and I'm glad they were the same. Translating the old formatbinto modern notation is a great idea and I'd definitely give it a look.

 

[jiggy]

What an old school guide! This is so cute:

Spoiler

You're a Star! =)

That is going to keep me happy all day.

 

[freshcuber]

Man if I went back in time to the early 80's could i walk around and have people call me a Grand Master? It sounds cooler than Cubist

 

[qqwref]

Haha, yeah, that's pretty cool. Imagine, we could also use the rank of Woman Grand Master for women who can at least solve the corners. No offense to women, this is just a chess reference.

 

[somerandomkidmike]

I can't open the pdf. Is the ideal toys solution a corners-first solution?