FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to fill in the answers. Link to posts or sites you feel are relevant or provide your own original content.
Do *not* copy other people's content from their sites and simply paste it in here. That's called plagiarism and it's stealing.
Cubes
What is the best cube?
It really depends on your personal preference. For DIYs, types A, C, D, F and Cube4you or Edison cubes are often used. Storebought cubes are also rather popular and can be decent after breaking in. Experiment, and you'll find a good cube eventually. Many people like to use hybrids as well, which are made from cubes of different types. For example, Erik Akkersdijk uses a hybrid with a core from Rubiks.com and type B cubies.
For more information, see the types of cubes and other puzzles page.
Where can I buy cubes?
You can try Rubikfans, Rubik's official Store, 9spuzzles, puzl.co.uk , Cube4You, Cubefan's, or other places such as ebay. Cubefans and Cube4You are the same store, it's just that Cube4You works best on Internet Explorer. For specialty products, try Meffert's and the V Cube shop. Also, it's a good idea to check some garage sales or flea markets, as puzzles have been found for much cheaper than actual value.
Be aware that buying "knock-offs" (illegal copies of currently patented puzzles) is frowned upon by many forum members. A "knock-off policy" is currently under discussion.
How do I lubricate my cube?
You can either take a piece or two out and spray the lubricant in directly, or disassemble and fully spray the lubricant on every piece with sweeps. There are many tutorials in youtube if you need help. Also, check youtube for techniques to lubricate big cubes.
The best lubricants tend to be silicone based. Products like Jig-a-Loo and CRC Heavy Duty Silicone spray are very popular among cubers. There is a lubricant made specially for cubing which can be bought at Puzzleproz. You should never use WD-40 lube on your cube as it contains petroleum distillates which can damage the plastic. Some people do use petroleum jelly to break in really stiff cubes such as storeboughts, but it should never be used as lube.
How do I keep my screws from unscrewing when I turn the Cube?
Several options:
- Replace the core
- Replace the screws
- Glue or locktite them in place
Textured or Smooth Tiles?
Both of them are durable, so if you are looking for a more permanent replacement for your stickers, this is the way to go.
As for which type, it's all in your preference. Textured will have more of a grip which can help if you have sweaty, oily, moist, etc. hands since it will keep it from slipping too much.
Smooth, however, does still have texture. It just so happens to have a little bit less, so if you don't want something quite as bumpy, get the smooth tiles.
Notation
What does <insert some notation here> mean?
The official notation of the World Cube Association can be found here: [1]
Wikipedia also has a description of the notation in a different format: [2]
There are many other references on the Net, try googling "rubik cube notation" if you don't like either of the above. Here's a page with pictures: http://www.cubewhiz.com/notation.html
The notation I'm asking about isn't in the WCA regulations
That isn't a question. However, some older notation used "w" for a wide turn, so Rw would be the same as r in WCA notation. (This topic can be added to)
The notation I'm asking about came from a Japanese cuber site
Also, not a question. Japanese cubers commonly use a different notation for cube rotations. (r) means to rotate the entire cube in the direction you would make an R turn. Similarly, (u') would be the same as a y rotation.
Timers
Where can I buy a timer like they use in competition?
- speedstacks.com is probably the most reliable source for timers, but they only ship to the US and Canada.
- cube4you.com
- kidology.org
- puzl.co.uk
- eBay sometimes you can find a cheap deal.
It's also possible to make your own timer [3].
@ see related threads on forum here and here.
Are there timers on the Internet?
Yes.
Try Cubetimer, Rubetimer, or look for other timers. Also, Cubemania is a site that times and keeps track of all the solves you submit. The Web-based Software Wiki page also has up-to-date info on online timers.
Can I download a timer for my computer/phone/psp?
You can download CCT [4] for your computer. This is the timer that is very popular with many features like being able to connect a speedstacks timer with a data port to the computer and use it with CCT. Another great timer is JNet Cube.
For your phone, if it has a built in timer, then use that. If you don't then you probably won't be able to time yourself. However, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, then you're in luck. There is an app that times your solves called "iCube Timer".
Note that for solves that take more than 15 seconds, a simple analog clock will work just fine if you don't need precise timing.
Where can I find a scramble generator?
Most timers (customized for cubing) come preset with scrambles. If your timer does not have scrambles, you can use this page to find a scramble generator for your puzzle. The Web-based Software Wiki page also has up-to-date info on online scramblers.
What is standard deviation?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_deviation In probability theory and statistics, standard deviation is a measure of the variability or dispersion of a population, a data set, or a probability distribution. A low standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the same value (the mean), while high standard deviation indicates that the data are spread out over a large range of values.
Competitions
Where are the rules for WCA competitions?
On the WCA site of course!
How fast do I need to be to compete
There's no requirement for speed to participate in most competitions. Even high level competitions like the US Nationals are open to all, if you see a time listed for "prequalification", this is a time that allows you to skip the qualifying round. If you are slower than that time you will still be allowed to take part in the qualifications.
If you have the opportunity to attend a competition, even if you're not very fast, most experienced competitors would advise you to go for the social interaction and experience.
Methods
What is the fastest method?
There is no "ultimate method." Again, it's personal preference. The most popular speedcubing methods are Fridrich and Petrus, although other methods such as Roux and ZZ are gaining popularity as well. Most of the top speedcubers use the Fridrich method, but still, that doesn't mean it's the best.
What is the easiest method?
The easiest method to learn is probably the beginner's layer-by-layer method in which you solve the first, second, and the finally the last layer one by one. It's pretty basic, therefore easy to learn.
However, this method however is relatively slow and inefficient. It is quite hard to speedcube and achieve fast times with.
What is the method that uses the fewest moves?
The most popular method for Fewest Moves solving is the Petrus method. Although it is designed for speed, it tends to have a very good move efficiency compared to other methods. The Heise method is another method that was designed specifically for move efficiency rather than speed. It is highly intuitive and very difficult to master. Other methods can be still be made efficient if you plan your moves carefully.
Should I learn algorithms for F2L or learn it intuitively?
That is entirely your choice. Learning the algs isn't entirely hard since most cases can be seen and understood by practicing the algorithms. Intuitively, it will take practice to be able to do with speed and efficiency.
Most people choose to learn intuitively and with some practice, it can be just as fast. Intuitive F2L is may take more time to master but it is generally preferred because it allows for the use of advanced speed-reducing techniques such as multislotting and the use of empty slots.
How can I get faster?
Practise, practise, practise. That is the key way to get speed. Normally, with some work, your times will gradually drop without you doing anything.
If you haven't, try learning an advanced method. That should help you lower your times considerably.
Work on lowering your move count, look ahead and experiment with tricks.
Learn new algorithms.
Unglue your eyes from your computer screen, pick up your puzzle, and try to get faster. :p
Miscellaneous
Should a make a new web site about cubing?
Probably not unless you're actually going to provide something fresh and new and not just rehash the information already available on the 'net.
