Speedsolving.com Wiki - User contributions [en]

Edge pairing

2013-11-17T10:00:22Z

Miwuc: fix links

'''Edge Pairing''' is the substep of [[Reduction|reduction methods]] for [[big cubes]] in which [[edges]] are paired, completing the reduction to [[3x3]] (plus possible [[Parity|parities]]).

== 4x4 Edge Pairing ==
See [[4x4 Edge Pairing|main article]].

== Bigger Cubes ==
The [[Big Cubes edge pairing]] method, popularized by [[bigcubes.com]], was the first serious edge pairing method used in speedsolving. For 5x5, Big Cubes is more popular than the less-used and newer [[AvG edge pairing]] (2 edges at a time), though several world records have been set using the latter, and there are several prominent AvG users today, most notably [[Erik Akkersdijk]]. For 6x6 and up, Big Cubes method remains the only competitive edge pairing method.

== See also ==
* [[AvG Edge Pairing]]
* [[Big Cubes Edge Pairing]]

[[Category:Big Cube methods]]

4x4x4 Cube

2013-11-17T09:37:55Z

Miwuc: fix catagory links

[[Image:Revenge.JPG|thumb|A Rubik's Revenge.]]
[[Image:Howtodismantle4x4.JPG|thumb|How to dismantle a Rubik's Revenge.]]
[[Image:Mechanismrevenge.JPG|thumb|Mechanism]]
The '''Rubik's Revenge''' (also known as the '''4x4x4 cube''', and normally referred to as the '''4x4x4''' or '''4x4''') is a twistable [[puzzle]] in the shape of a cube that is cut three times along each of three axes. The two main speedcubing brands are the [[Shengshou]] and the [[Dayan]] and [[MF8]] cubes. There original brands for this puzzle, all of which were popular for [[speedcubing]]; but have been trumped by the new brands are the [[Rubik's]], patented by [[Peter Sebesteny]] in 1983, the [[East Sheen]], patented by [[Chen Sen Li]] in 1999, and the [[Mefferts]], which is a copy of the old [[Rubik's]] mechanism.

The [[Rubik's]] brand puzzle has no fixed centers, but a total of 24 [[center]] pieces, a total of 24 [[edge]] pieces, and 8 [[corner]]s. It has 7.4 x 10^45 positions.

==See Also==
* [[:Category:4x4x4 methods|4x4x4 methods]]
* [[Bigcubes|4x4x4 Cubes]] (brands)
* [[:Category:Big Cube methods|Big Cube methods]]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik's_Revenge The Wikipedia article]

{{Cubics}}

[[Category:Twisty puzzles]]
[[Category:Twisty puzzles used in WCA-official events]]

Ortega Method

2013-03-30T12:57:46Z

Miwuc:

{{Method Infobox
|name=Ortega
|image=Ortega.gif
|proposers=[[Victor Ortega]] [[Josef Jelinek]]
|year
|anames
|variants
|steps=3
|algs=12, 11 min
|moves=20
|purpose=
* [[Speedsolving]]
}}

The '''Ortega Method''' is a 2x2 and 3x3 speedsolving method named after [[Victor Ortega]]. It was independently invented by [[Victor Ortega]] and [[Josef Jelínek]]. It is mostly popular as an intermediate 2x2 solving method.

== As a 2x2x2 Method ==

After a [[3x3x3]] method, the next step for most people is the '''Ortega method'''. First, solve one [[face]] intuitively; don't worry about solving a [[layer]], because the face will be [[permutation|permuted]] later. Second, [[orientation|orient]] the opposite face, using the same [[OLL]] algorithms as on 3x3x3 (or more efficient ones if you want - see algs below). Finally you permute both layers at the same time ([[PBL]]). The last step sounds difficult but there are only 5 possible cases, so it is quick to learn. In total, there are 12 algorithms to learn (11 without reflections).

For the first face, without [[colour neutral]]ity, the average move count in [[HTM]] is a surprisingly low 3.97, and no cases require more than 5 turns. Because of this [[inspection]] is just a few seconds, advanced users benefit from that and uses the remaining inspection time to predict the OLL case, or even the whole solve.

== As a 3x3x3 Method ==
Using Ortega as a 3x3x3 method involves first solving the [[corner]]s completely, followed by insertion of the D layer [[edge]]s, and 3 of the U-layer edges. The mid-layer edges are then oriented during placement of the final U-layer edge, and finally the mid-layer edges are permuted. @see rubikscube.info link below..

== See also ==
* [[OLL (2x2x2)]] (algs for 2nd step)
* [[PBL]] (algs for the 3rd step)
* [[LBL]]
* [[Guimond Method]]
* [[EG Method]]

== External links ==
* [http://rubikscube.info/ortega.php rubikscube.info]
* [http://erikku.er.funpic.org/rubik/2x2_ortega.html funpic.org]
* [http://rapidshare.com/files/129358752/Ortega_Method-English.doc Martijn Bakker's Ortega doc]
* [http://www.cubewhiz.com/ortega.php Bob Burton's Ortega page]
* Youtube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFuklZhenvk 2x2 Ortega Method Tutorial] by theWestonian
* Youtube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0_i02oJurE 2x2x2 Ortega outline]
* Youtube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VEtgnL_Ia8 3x3x3 Ortega Video Tutorial]
* [http://sites.google.com/site/kubbuth/2x2x2/ortega Ortega method in Swedish]

[[Category:2x2x2 methods]]
[[Category:2x2x2 beginner methods]]
[[Category:3x3x3 methods]]
[[Category:3x3x3 speedsolving methods]]

World Cube Association

2013-03-30T12:56:00Z

Miwuc:

[[Image:WCAlogo.jpg|thumb|left|The WCA logo]]

The '''World Cube Association''' (abbreviated as '''WCA''') is the ruling and organizing entity for [[speedsolving]] [[Rubik's Cube]] and other [[puzzle]]s. Although the WCA has no legal status, it is regarded by all top [[speedcuber]]s as the official organization for cubing competitions and records.

==History==

The WCA was founded by [[Ron van Bruchem]] and [[Tyson Mao]], who were also the first board members. [[Gilles Roux]] joined as a board member in October, 2004, and [[Masayuki Akimoto]] in September, 2005. [[Gilles Roux]] retired from the board in November, 2008.

==Requirements for an official competition==

The following is taken from the official WCA [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/ regulations]. The following things are necessary for an official competition:
* The WCA Board must approve the competition.
* The WCA regulations must be followed.
* There must be a [[WCA delegate]] (appointed by WCA Board) attending the competition.
* The competition must be clearly announced, and should be announced at least a month before the competition starts.
* The competition must have at least 12 competitors.
* The competition must be accessible for the public.
* The [[Stackmat]] timer (at least Generation 2) must be used for time measurement.

Official results can only be set at WCA-official events. Because of this, non-WCA-official competitions tend to receive much less interest.

== List of official events ==
As of 2013, WCA recognizes the following 17 official events:
* 3x3 Speedsolve
* 4x4 Speedsolve
* 5x5 Speedsolve
* 2x2 Speedsolve
* 3x3 Blindfolded
* 3x3 [[OH|One-Handed]]
* 3x3 [[Fewest Moves]]
* 3x3 with Feet
* [[Megaminx]]
* [[Pyraminx]]
* [[Square-1]]
* [[Rubik's Clock]]
* 6x6 Speedsolve
* 7x7 Speedsolve
* 4x4 Blindfolded
* 5x5 Blindfolded
* Multi-BLD

== Former official events ==

* Rubik's Magic (removed in 2013)
* Rubik's Master Magic (removed in 2013)

== Countries recognized ==
See by continent
* [[Africa]]
* [[Asia]]
* [[Europe]]
* [[North America]]
* [[South America]]
* [[Oceania]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org Main WCA website]
* [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/results/ WCA official results page]

[[Category:Competitive Cubing]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Websites]]

Magic (puzzle)

2013-03-30T12:50:42Z

Miwuc:

'''Rubik's Magic''', most often only '''Magic''', is a flat [[folding puzzle]] composed of eight flat panels ([[tile]]s) held together by loops of plastic wire (strings). It moves similarly to a Jacob's Ladder, except in two dimensions instead of one. A larger version, called [[Master Magic]], consists of 12 tiles. Both the Magic and the Master Magic involve solving the puzzle from a specific start into a specific [[solved state]], so that every solve is indentical. As of January 1st 2013, Magic and [[Master Magic]] are no longer recognized by the [[WCA]] as official competition events.

== Event ==
Rubik's Magic and Master Magic events were first held at [[World Championship 2003]]. They were recognized as official events at the formation of the [[World Cube Association]] in 2004; Magic results held at pre-WCA competitions that were retroactively recognized as official were counted as official solves. This official status is in part because of [[Bob Burton]], who in 2004 held the Magic records and was among the first competition organizers on the United States east coast.

The skills required by the Magic events and the practicality of its judging, especially for Magic, have led to discussions of its removal, most notably at the end of 2011. In July 2012, the [[WCA]] eventually announced that Magic and Master Magic would no longer be official events starting in 2013.

== Restringing Magic ==
Video series by sushibuffet.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHX1jw1qSTA Part 1]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R65oiiIGFg Part 2]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGlHaSNKMuU Part 3]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QqE0A-11sc Part 4]

== Where to buy ==
* Lightake.com Black [http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.24375~C.12332011TXFCIVEFR!]
* Lightake.com White [http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.24373~C.12332011TXFCIVEFR!]

== Types of Magics ==
* [[Ghosthand]]
* [[Lingao Magic]]
* [[Cube Twist]]

This original Rubik's Magic brand is somewhat thicker than the Lingao and has a different colour scheme than regular magics. These are rarely produced and are quite rare to be found in regular stores. The performance is quite good, has a good feel to it. The magic is rather harder to tangle than regular magics because the slits are much bigger making them bend to a rather further extent.

== See also ==
* [[Master Magic]]
* [[Snake]]
* [[Rubik's Brand]]
* [[Other Puzzles]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.jaapsch.net/puzzles/magic.htm Rubik's Magic on Jaap's Puzzle Page]
* Speedsolving.com: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?34095-WCA-Regulations-2012-Removal-of-Magic-and-Mastermagic WCA Regulations 2012 Removal of Magic and Mastermagic]
* WCA forum: [http://worldcubeassociation.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1013 Announcement of removal of Magic and Master Magic events]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik%27s_Magic Article on Wikipedia]

[[Category:WCA events]]
[[Category:Twisty puzzles]]
[[Category:Other Puzzles]]

Ortega Method

2013-03-24T09:29:02Z

Miwuc:

{{Method Infobox
|name=Ortega
|image=Ortega.gif
|proposers=[[Victor Ortega]] [[Josef Jelinek]]
|year
|anames
|variants
|steps=3
|algs=12, 11 min
|moves=20
|purpose=
* [[Speedsolving]]
}}

The '''Ortega Method''' is a 2x2 speedsolving method named after [[Victor Ortega]]. It was independently invented by [[Victor Ortega]] and [[Josef Jelínek]].

After a [[3x3x3]] method, the next step for most people is the '''Ortega method'''. First, solve one [[face]] intuitively; don't worry about solving a [[layer]], because the face will be [[permutation|permuted]] later. Second, [[orientation|orient]] the opposite face, using the same [[OLL]] algorithms as on 3x3x3 (or more efficient ones if you want - see algs below). Finally you permute both layers at the same time ([[PBL]]). The last step sounds difficult but there are only 5 possible cases, so it is quick to learn. In total, there are 12 algorithms to learn (11 without reflections).

For the first face, without [[colour neutral]]ity, the average move count in [[HTM]] is a surprisingly low 3.97, and no cases require more than 5 turns. Because of this [[inspection]] is just a few seconds, advanced users benefit from that and uses the remaining inspection time to predict the OLL case, or even the whole solve.

== As a 3x3x3 Method ==
Using Ortega as a 3x3x3 method involves first solving the [[corner]]s completely, followed by insertion of the D layer [[edge]]s, and 3 of the U-layer edges. The mid-layer edges are then oriented during placement of the final U-layer edge, and finally the mid-layer edges are permuted. @see rubikscube.info link below..

== See also ==
* [[OLL (2x2x2)]] (algs for 2nd step)
* [[PBL]] (algs for the 3rd step)
* [[LBL]]
* [[Guimond Method]]
* [[EG Method]]

== External links ==
* [http://rubikscube.info/ortega.php rubikscube.info]
* [http://erikku.er.funpic.org/rubik/2x2_ortega.html funpic.org]
* [http://rapidshare.com/files/129358752/Ortega_Method-English.doc Martijn Bakker's Ortega doc]
* [http://www.cubewhiz.com/ortega.php Bob Burton's Ortega page]
* Youtube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFuklZhenvk 2x2 Ortega Method Tutorial] by theWestonian
* Youtube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0_i02oJurE 2x2x2 Ortega outline]
* Youtube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VEtgnL_Ia8 3x3x3 Ortega Video Tutorial]
* [http://sites.google.com/site/kubbuth/2x2x2/ortega Ortega method in Swedish]

[[Category:2x2x2 methods]]
[[Category:2x2x2 beginner methods]]
[[Category:3x3x3 methods]]
[[Category:3x3x3 speedsolving methods]]