Workbench
The 'Workbench'
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The 'Workbench' is a new approach to solving the Rubik's cube.
It uses just one algorithm, the 'Sledgehammer', which automatically makes it a simple but slow approach.
The 'Sledgehammer' algorithm affects seven cubies in a Y-shaped area named the 'Workbench'. (As we will see, this area provides a useful workspace for positioning cubies and that explains the name).
The strategy of the 'Workbench' method follows these steps:
1. Position the cubies outside the 'Workbench'. 2. Avoid 'the trap'. 3. Complete the corners.
1) Positioning cubies outside the 'Workbench'
There is no specific method to follow for this step. The player can proceed intuitively or use the widely adopted layer method, avoiding the placement of the two Red-White-Blue and Red-Blue cubies.
The jolly move, introduced by the 'Workbench' method, is another option. It consists of this sequence:
'setup-move' + 'Sledgehammer' + 'undo-move'.
The 'setup move' brings a cubie into the 'Workbench';
The 'Sledgehammer' performs the necessary operation;
The 'undo-mov'e reverses the first move.
The 'jolly move' affects only the current cubie, letting the player follow any flow. It's so effective that the entire Rubik's cube can be solved with just a sequence of 'jolly moves', making it a versatile tool once mastered.
2) Avoiding the trap
It may happen that the last two edges are swapped. This configuration is known as 'the Trap'.
(This is when the cube takes its revenge, deceiving those who attempt to unlock its secrets).
It is a particularly tricky configuration because it cannot be solved until one realizes that the problem is not the two cubies that have swapped places, but two other cubies that only appear to be in the right place.
(When positioning the edges on the last layer, it seems like there are four possible positions, but in reality, only two are correct, while the other two set the trap). Once the trap is avoided, all cubies will be in their correct places.
3) Completing the corners
At this point, the only cubies left to position are the four corners of the 'Workbench', and the space for manoeuvre is very limited. Continuing could be particularly challenging (though a correct combination of 'Sledgehammers' can solve it, it's not worth the trouble: there is a simpler strategy). However, once you realise that a new 'Workbench' can be used, this final phase becomes quite simple, even mechanical.
Disclaimer
After nearly 50 years since the invention of the Rubik's cube, and with hundreds of millions of people solving it at various levels, it is difficult to claim that something entirely new has been invented.
The 'Workbench' method combines already known solutions with personal insights, creating a unique and coherent system. This is the innovation introduced by the 'Workbench' method. Another advantage of this method is the dedicated websites, which serves as an interactive 3D tutorial with tools that make using the cube easier, especially for beginners. It also offers the ability to configure the cube and solve it step by step, with explanations for each move.
Disclaimer
After nearly 50 years since the invention of the Rubik's cube, and with hundreds of millions of people solving it at various levels, it is difficult to claim that something entirely new has been invented.
The 'Workbench' method combines already known solutions with personal insights, creating a unique and coherent system. This is the innovation introduced by the 'Workbench' method.
Another advantage of this method is the dedicated websites, which serves as an interactive 3D tutorial with tools that make using the cube easier, especially for beginners. It also offers the ability to configure the cube and solve it step by step, with explanations for each move.
