3x3x3 Speedcubing Methods

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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


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 lean 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

Roux Method is a relatively new method and is becoming quickly popular.

Petrus Method

Written by the members of the speedsolving forum in this thread: http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3688


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).
  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

http://lar5.com/cube/

Heise

Heise Method is a intuitive method requiring little knowledge of algorithms developed by speedcuber Ryan Heise.

Advanced Methods

Advanced Methods Contains some methods that require extensive memorization of algorithms and understanding of them.