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
The last two edges may be 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 five corners of the 'Workbench', and the space for maneuver 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 realize that a new 'Workbench' can be used, this final phase becomes quite simple, even mechanical.
Pros
- Easy The only effort required is mastering the 'sledgehammer'. The more you master it, the easier it becomes to focus on what actions need to be taken without worrying about how to do them — the 'sledgehammer' takes care of that.
- Conceptual Shift This method introduces a new way of interacting with the Rubik’s cube by focusing on a more conceptual level. The beauty of this approach is that it simplifies the solving process. The player only needs to think about what action needs to happen. The 'sledgehammer' translates these ideas into actual moves, allowing for more fluid and intuitive play.
- Cubie Orientation Orienting the cubies is not a problem. The 'Sledgehammer' can handle it — simply repeat the move until the cubie is in the correct position and properly oriented.
Cons
- Not suited for speeysolving Algorithms are introduced to quickly solve specific configurations. Therefore, if the method relies on just one algorithm, it will be easier but also inevitably slower.
- Repetitiveness and Personalisation The version presented in the tutorial is extremely repetitive and may feel tedious. (This was necessary to implement an automatic solver.) With practice, the player will discover their own shortcuts, which will surely be a source of satisfaction.
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.
External links
- cuboon.com - The entry-level tutorial
- cubeiteasy.com - The mid-level tutorial + solver + tools + videos
- easycubing.net - The advanced Tutorial (not uptodate) + solver + tools + videos
