Wilhelm Method
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The Wilhelm method is a speedsolving method proposed by Jheris Ward. The Wilhelm method is a combination of the Roux and CFOP methods, considered by most to be the top 2 methods for speedsolving.
Steps
This method combines steps from the Roux and CFOP methods.
1. Build a 1x2x3 Block anywhere on the cube. Once finished, hold this block on either the lower left or lower right side of the cube.
2. Repeat the first step on the opposite side of the cube, without breaking the first block. Once finished, you should have 2 1x2x3 blocks on opposite sides of the cube. Make sure that the bottom color of the blocks match the bottom center. If they are not already, align them to the bottom center.
These first two steps are from Roux, and are known as the First Two Blocks, and can be done intuitively.
3. Find the last 2 edges of the bottom layer. Match them to their non-bottom layer center, and insert them using mainly M and U moves. Once finished, you should have a complete first two layers on the bottom. This step can also be done intuitively.
4. Orient the top layer so that the entire top face is the same color. There are 57 different cases, each having its own algorithm to solve it.
5. Permutate the last layer in order to solve the cube. There are 21 different cases, each having its own algorithm to solve it.
Steps 4 and 5 are from CFOP, and are known as OLL and PLL, each using algorithms to solve their respective cases. Together they are known as 2LLL.
Pros
- The first two blocks can be solved very similarly to CFOP's F2L.
- OLL and PLL are completely algorithmic based, almost eliminating the need for rotations during the last-layer, with the exception being rotations in algorithms.
- Requires fewer moves than most top speedsolving methods, about tied for average move count with the ZZ method.
- Lookahead is very easy when needed, and is not needed much throughout a solve.
- Simple to learn for experienced solvers due to being a combination of two already well-known methods.
Cons
- The number of algorithms needed for the last layer can be intimidating, but a solver can also use 4LLL, which uses 2-Look OLL and 2-Look PLL to solve the last layer and reduce the number of algorithms, but it is slightly slower than 2LLL.
- M moves used during step 3 can make one-handed solving harder.
- Block building may be hard for beginners to get used to doing, especially without rotations.
The Wilhelm Method on other puzzles
This method is not necessarily ideal for big cubes, due to block building not being optimal, and M moves may be tiring to do during step 3. However, with the Wilhelm method having near no rotations, and using OLL and PLL, rather than CMLL and L6E, it is likely more usable on big cubes than the Roux method.
