3x3x3 Speedcubing Methods
Rubik's Cube Speedcubing Methods
Fridrich (CFOP) Method
Written by the members of the speedsolving forum in this thread: http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3688 - Posted by Rubik's Cube Fan
Basic Description
The Fridrich Method is similar to the Layer-By-Layer (LBL) method, because some of the steps are the same. However, the full Fridrich method uses several more algorithms than the layer by layer method, and combines some steps from the LBL method into one step for the Fridrich Method. Of course, more algorithms are needed for this to be done, but this results in faster times.
The Steps
1. Cross
First, make a cross and on any side of the cube
2. F2L (First Two Layers)
Then, you fill in the slots where the corners of the cross are missing. You insert a corner and an edge piece simultaneously during each insertion. There are 41 basic cases for this step, but it can be learned intuitively.
3. OLL (Orient the Last Layer)
Next, you make the entire top side of the cube a solid color. The top layer does not have to be correctly permuted. This requires 57 algorithms, but can be broken down into two steps (2 Look OLL), which requires 9 algorithms.
4. PLL (Permute the Last Layer)
Finally, you finish the cube by permuting the top layer of the cube. There are 21 algorithms to learn, but this step can be done into two steps, (2 Look PLL), which includes 6 algorithms.
Pros
This method is relatively easy to understand when compared to other methods. Therefore, it is the most tested and most popular method used. It has a reasonable number of algorithms to learn, and sub 15 second averages are definitely possible.
Cons
Learning all of the algorithms takes some time, and it requires a lot of practice to solve the F2L consistently in 10 seconds or less. Also, it has a slightly higher move count when compared to block building methods.
Where to learn the Fridrich (CFOP) method
- http://erikku.er.funpic.org/rubik/
- http://www.solvethecube.co.uk/
- http://www.cubestation.co.uk/cs2/ind...ge=3x3x3/3x3x3
- http://www.cubefreak.net/speedcubing.html
Roux Method
Roux Method is a relatively new method and is becoming quickly popular. Unlike Fridrich and Petrus, the inventor of this method has gotten a sub-15 second average with it. It is also somewhat unique in that the last step is intuitive. There are four basic steps:
1. Build a 1x2x3 block, and hold it so that the U, M, and R slices are free.
2. Build a second 1x2x3 block on the right, so that U and M are free.
3. Solve the corners, ignoring the middle layer.
4. Solve the last six edges and the rest of the cube. This is done by orienting the edges, inserting the UL and UR edges, and then fixing the middle layer.
Pros
Like the Petrus method, the Roux method uses fewer moves than the popular Fridrich method. It is also more intuitive and requires fewer algorithms. Despite the M-heavy last step, it can also be extremely good for fewest moves competitions.
Cons
Block building can be difficult for a beginner to get used to. The reliance on r and M moves may also be difficult for some people, so much so that cubers who have trouble with M turns should probably not use this as their main method.
Where to learn the Roux Method
Petrus Method
Written by the members of the speedsolving forum in this thread: http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3688 - Posted by Rubik's Cube Fan
Basic Description
The Petrus Method is a block building method, and most of the First Two Layers is solved intuitively, so there are no algorithms. Additionally, it is the second most popular speed cubing method used.
The Steps
1. First, build a 2x2x2 block anywhere on the cube.
2. Next, you expand the 2x2x2 block to a 2x2x3 block.
3. After that, you fix the "bad edges" or orient the remaining seven edges on the cube that have not been solved.
4. Then, you finish the First Two Layers (F2L). The pure Petrus approach is to create a 1x2x2 block and expand it to a 1x2x3 block to finish off the F2L, not to solve the cross piece and two corner/edge pairs.
5. Next, you permute the last layer corners, or put them in their proper places (they do not have to be oriented.)
6. Now, you "twist" or orient the last layer corners, making the whole last layer a solid color.
7. Finally, you permute the last layer edges, without disturbing anything else, to solve the cube.
Pros
The Petrus Method uses fewer moves than the Fridrich method and most other non block building methods. It is more intuitive than the Fridrich method, and it requires far less algorithms.
Cons
It can be sometimes hard (especially for a beginner) to optimize block building, and it's difficult to keep consistently turning throughout the solve.
Where to learn the Petrus Method
Heise Method
Heise Method is a intuitive method requiring no algorithms developed by speedcuber Ryan Heise. It uses extremely few moves, but it may be difficult to get good times using this method. The steps are as follows:
1. Create four 1x2x2 blocks, making sure that one color is left off all of the blocks. This color will be the color of the last layer. Note that these blocks do not necessarily have to be paired together when they are built. One of these blocks should be just two centers and an edge.
2. Pair up the 1x2x2 blocks, while simultaneously orienting the last-layer edges. Note that you will now have all of F2L minus a corner/edge pair finished.
3. Create two corner-edge pairs, and then solve all of the edges and two corners. This is typically a very difficult step for beginners to solve.
4. Solve the final three corners with a commutator.
Pros
This method is more efficient than any of the main three speedcubing methods, and therefore it's also very good for fewest moves solving. Since there are no algorithms at all, users of this method generally become very good at intuitive blockbuilding and develop a high-level understanding of the cube.
Cons
Every turn has to be planned out because there are no algorithms, so fast turners will be disappointed. Some of the steps, especially the third step, can be very difficult to get used to, and beginning cubers might not understand enough cube theory to be able to use this method at all.
Where to learn the Heise Method
Advanced Methods
Advanced Methods Contains some methods that require extensive memorization of algorithms and understanding of them.
