Why you shouldn't use fancy F2L algs

[Spencer131]

Some people like to use fancy F2L insertions like R2 F R F' R, but I think these types of algorithms are counterproductive.

I lay out my argument in the CubingApp Newsletter. Hint: It has to do with lookahead.

I also give some good lookahead advice in this post. So check out the post here and let me know if you disagree!

 

[TheSpeedSkewber]

Very well written! About the algorithm you mentioned, [R2 F R F' R], when is that used?

 

[ProStar]

Nice marketing tactic

I mostly agree with the blog post. But I think the simplest piece of advice that encompasses all of it has been left out: lookahead isn’t useful at lower levels. Don’t learn it right away because it won’t help

When do you learn it? Simple. Once you’ve perfected all F2L cases (I like using the blind test, where you look at a case, close your eyes, and solve the case quickly with your eyes closed). Knowing how pieces move and how algs affect pieces is important, but you learn that from solving and from starting lookahead.

As far as “KISS”, I’d rephrase it a bit: don’t learn tons of algs early on. In the same way that there isn’t much use to learning PLL when you average 50 seconds, learning a better insert or some fancy edge control isn’t useful if it causes you to slow down in your solves. However, there is a point where you’re comfortable enough with lookahead to be able to add new algs and ideas and have them actually improve your time.

 

[Spencer131]

Very well written! About the algorithm you mentioned, [R2 F R F' R], when is that used?

To insert an F2L pair into the back right without rotating.

 

[DuckubingCuber347]

The fact that you consider R2 F R F' R as "advanced" makes me question your authority on the subject. That's a very simple sequence and if you can get into the habit of not rotating it's a good one to use. It's completely intuitive, very fast, avoids a rotation, and is easy to track. What's not to like?

 

[Spencer131]

The fact that you consider R2 F R F' R as "advanced" makes me question your authority on the subject. That's a very simple sequence and if you can get into the habit of not rotating it's a good one to use. It's completely intuitive, very fast, avoids a rotation, and is easy to track. What's not to like?

"Advanced" is a relative term and it is more advanced than the basic insertions (R U' R' and R U R')

You're right that it helps avoid a rotation, but there are tradeoffs to everything.

This case only occurs when you have a misoriented edge and you are inserting into a back slot. When a case occurs less often, you have less opportunities to practice it and make it as fluent as the "traditional" way to solve the case.

 

[OreKehStrah]

"Advanced" is a relative term and it is more advanced than the basic insertions (R U' R' and R U R')

You're right that it helps avoid a rotation, but there are tradeoffs to everything.

This case only occurs when you have a misoriented edge and you are inserting into a back slot. When a case occurs less often, you have less opportunities to practice it and make it as fluent as the "traditional" way to solve the case.

With that logic Tymon and other ZBLL users should be slow at using ZBLL in solves. Clown check

 

[An Animating Cuber]

With that logic Tymon and other ZBLL users should be slow at using ZBLL in solves. Clown check

I think he aimed this towards people just learning lookahead not insanely fast solvers using insanely advanced techniques.

 

[OreKehStrah]

I think he aimed this towards people just learning lookahead not insanely fast solvers using insanely advanced techniques.

“you have less opportunities to practice it and make it as fluent as the "traditional" way to solve the case.”

That has nothing to do with lookahead. That was pure about care frequency/familiarity. As if you can’t just deliberately practice a case

Also ZBLL isn’t really advanced or special.

 

[Spencer131]

With that logic Tymon and other ZBLL users should be slow at using ZBLL in solves. Clown check

Tymon has said that he cubes for all his waking hours except for eating

Like I said in the blog post, I agree that if you practice a case enough times, then it can be worthwhile for you. For most people, they can get more bang for their buck by mastering the fundamentals.