Why so limited cubers?

[jonlin]

People think chess is easier than solving a cube.
They're VERY wrong...

 

[TomWood]

I dont agree with the whole common trait idea. I am not what you'd call a stereotypical cuber. I've played sport all my life since I could run Soccer for club for 14 years, indoor now, I used to skate and I love being around people and going out, my closest friend is a mechanic and we pull cars apart on the weekend, I dont get amazing grades and Im astronomically impatient. I HATE maths and anything maths related and yet I found my friend (Mechanic) solving the cube and he taught me and I've never stopped. I dont think its really the type of person you are I just think you have to be excited enough by seeing someone solve it to want to learn and continue and then the addiction of getting faster does the rest

 

[ThomasJE]

People think chess is easier than solving a cube.
They're VERY wrong...

Chess is easier to learn than solving a cube. However, getting very fast at solving the cube is easier than getting good at chess. Learning and getting better are two different things, and beginners only tend to look at the learning part.

 

[shelley]

Chess is easier to learn than solving a cube. However, getting very fast at solving the cube is easier than getting good at chess. Learning and getting better are two different things, and beginners only tend to look at the learning part.

This. The barrier to entry is a big part of why a sport/activity is popular. Almost everyone knows how to play chess because it's so easy to learn. Most people are crap at it because they haven't bothered to put in the work required to get good. Compare this to cubing: there is a much higher barrier to entry (I've taught classes of 50 students to solve the cube; out of each class typically only a handful have the patience and determination to end up with a solved cube at the end of the session), but once you know how to solve, it's very easy to get better. All you have to do is solve it over and over.

 

[jeff081692]

Chess is also hundreds of years old. Which makes cubing very young in comparison. If there were speedcubers in the middle ages for example I think it would be more popular because everyone would know that it is possible and will likely have family members that can do it. As opposed to today where everyone I meet just assumes that it is beyond them to be able to solve a cube when all they have to do is google.

 

[Reprobate]

I decided to learn how to solve the cube when I figured all you clowns on YouTube couldn't be savants. I was right...and actually a little let down when I realized how easy it was.

 

[A Leman]

I think Rubik's cubes are kid’s toys (like tricycles) and speedcubes are not. Alot of speedcubers have practice schedules, sheets of algs, and well maintained speedcubes. Cubing seems to be much more like a sport.

People think chess is easier than solving a cube.
They're VERY wrong...

The difference is a noob can think he is a great chess player if he never got terribly beaten by a grandmaster. In cubing, the times give a much better measure of skill.

 

[Antcuber]

I've taught classes of 50 students to solve the cube.

You are so, so, so lucky...

What I would do to get to do that :')

I find great enjoyment in teaching people cubing, ive already taught about 3 friends. How exactly did you get yourself into that situation? :B

 

[Mudkip]

Non cubers often take at least some interest in cubing. I'm sure nearly everyone can identify a Rubik's cube, and tell a little about it. Most of those people can relate a story from their expieriences with the cube as well. I think that the general population is capable of learning to solve one. The reason they don't? A little confusing. Teenagers are often too busy, or assume they would be branded a nerd. Older people would describe it as a waste of their time, at least competetively. I would like to ask: what made you start cubing?

 

[wasianrubiks]

I'm not gonna lie, I like a small cubing community haha

 

[insane569]

If I had to suggest a trait, I would say the trait is " determination" when it comes to learning things of interest.

Determination. I got a friend that learned how to cube but never had the motivation to get faster. I started out slow like everyone and after making up my mind I made the choice to get faster. I put in alot of time to get all my OLL's and PLL's memorized and to get sub 20. Anyone can cube but not everyone can put all their time into something such as this. Gotta be motivated and set goals.