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== Frequently Asked Questions ==
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#REDIRECT [[Introduction to Speedcubing for Beginners]]
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 speedcubing, the most common cubes among the worlds best are [[Dayan]] cubes ([[Dayan#Dayan_5:_ZhanChi|Zhanchi]], [[Dayan#Dayan_2:_GuHong|Guhong]]), [[Fangshi]] cubes ([[Fangshi Shuang Ren|Shuang Ren]], [[Fangshi GuangYing|GuangYing]]), [[Moyu]] cubes ([[Moyu AoLong V1|AoLong V1]] and [[Moyu AoLong V2|V2]], [[Moyu Weilong|Weilong]]), [[Gans III V3]]. DIY cubes can be better, but it changes.
 
 
 
For more information, see the [[Cube Hardware]] page.
 
 
 
==== Where can I buy cubes? ====
 
You can try [http://www.http://thecubicle.us: TheCubicle], [http://www.rubikfans.com: Rubikfans], [http://www.rubiks.com: Rubik's official Store], [http://www.9spuzzles.com: 9spuzzles], [http://www.puzl.co.uk: puzl.co.uk ], [http://www.cube4you.com: Cube4You], [http://cubefans.com/: 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 [http://www.mefferts.com/: Meffert's] and the [https://v-cubes.com/ecom/home.php?cat=248: 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|knock-off policy]]" is currently under discussion.
 
 
 
@ See [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15237 speedsolving.com 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 [http://stores.shop.ebay.com/PuzzleProz Puzzleproz]. You can also use [http://www.lubixcube.com Lubix], which is also very popular. 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.
 
 
 
For more info on lubricants see the [[lubrication]] page.
 
 
 
==== 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: [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/#notation]
 
 
 
Wikipedia also has a description of the notation in a different format: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik%27s_Cube#Move_notation]
 
 
 
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, how do I decipher how to turn it? ====
 
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, how do I decipher these also? ====
 
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? ====
 
* [http://thecubicle.us: TheCubicle]
 
* [http://www.speedstacks.com: speedstacks.com] is probably the most reliable source for timers, but they only ship to the US and Canada.
 
* [http://www.cube4you.com/catalog_23.html cube4you.com]
 
* [http://www.kidology.org/store/catalog.asp?item=1168&category=103 kidology.org]
 
* [http://www.puzl.co.uk/stackmat-speedcubing-timer-p-210.html puzl.co.uk]
 
* [http://www.ebay.com: eBay] sometimes you can find a cheap deal.
 
It's also possible to make your own timer [http://grrroux.free.fr/workshop/workshop.html].
 
 
 
@ see related threads on forum [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9624 here] and [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6333 here].
 
 
 
==== Are there timers on the Internet? ====
 
Yes.
 
 
 
Try [http://www.qqtimer.net qqTimer], [http://www.cubetimer.com Cubetimer], [http://www.rubetimer.com Rubetimer], or look for other timers. Also, [http://www.cubemania.com 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? ====
 
'''CCT''' (CALCubeTimer) in JAVA (jar file), [http://cct.cubing.net/ here]. 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. Last update is version 0.9.5 (nov/2010). No longer maintained.
 
 
 
'''Prisma Puzzle Timer (PPT)''', also  in JAVA (jar file), here [https://bitbucket.org/walter/puzzle-timer/ here]. This timer gives graphs, and other data charts for sessions. The forum discussion [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?25790-Prisma-Puzzle-Timer here].
 
 
 
Another great timer is [http://www.strangepuzzle.com/jnetcube.html JNet Cube]. The forum discussion [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?4398-RubiksJTimer-%28updates-on-JNetCube%29 here].
 
 
 
iPhone and iPod touch, [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iitimer/id375822731?mt=8 iiTimer] (a port of qqTimer that works very well).
 
 
 
Android, [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jgouly.jjtimer jjTimer] and [https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jjtimer JustInTime] are both good options. Other with many features is [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Baid.basic5 Sune Timer] (scrambles, algorithms for CFOP, WCA Regulation, etc!)
 
 
 
 
 
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 speedcubing timers include scrambler generators.
 
If your timer does not have scrambles, you can use [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/#scrambling 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 [http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/regulations/ 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'', its really down to personal preference. The most popular [[3x3x3 Speedcubing Methods|speedcubing method]] is currently Fridrich, although other methods such as [[Petrus]], [[Roux]] and [[ZZ]] are rising in popularity. [[Fridrich]] is currently used by many of the top speedcubers, and is as such believed to be the fastest method. However, others attribute this to its popularity. The most obvious/natural progression from the [[beginner LBL]] method is Fridrich, which may explain its popularity. Being the most popular means it gains the most support and development, and is also more likely to be adopted by a talented cuber. More info can be found in the [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum speedsolving forums], where this often comes up as topic of debate.
 
 
 
==== What is the easiest method? ====
 
The easiest [[Complete Method List|method]] to learn is probably the beginner's [[layer-by-layer]] (LBL) 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 inefficient and is hard to achieve good times with. Other [[3x3x3 beginner methods|beginner]] methods exist, focusing on lower numbers of algorithms and/or more intuitive solving. Compared to the others, the [[LBL]] method has the easiest transition to the popular [[Fridrich]] speedcubing method.
 
 
 
==== 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.
 
More info on FM can be found on the [[Fewest Moves]] page.
 
 
 
==== 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, and it won't take as much thinking when solving. If you do it 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 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? ====
 
Practice, practice, practice.  That is the key way to get speed.  Normally, with some work, your times will gradually drop without you doing anything.
 
(If you are around 1 minute with [[LBL]] method than you should learn a faster method.)
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
Also, don't ever use Rubik's brand for speedcubing.
 
 
 
==== I think I invented a new method, did I? ====
 
Probably not.  If you haven't studied and don't fully understand the concepts behind all the major solving methods (CFOP, Petrus, Roux, ZZ, Waterman) and know the basic philosophy of the advanced variations (MGLS, ZB, Heise) then don't even bother asking.
 
 
 
=== Miscellaneous ===
 
==== Should I 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.
 
@see the Wiki [[Cubing Sites|list of cubing sites]]
 
 
 
==== What does AUF mean? ====
 
Adjust U Face
 
==== What does XXX mean? ====
 
Are listed almoust all of them here: [[:Category:Acronyms]], or more general [[:Category:Terminology]]
 
 
 
Also we have a thread in our forum: [http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?8544-Guide-for-Cubing-Abbreviations Guide-for-Cubing-Abbreviations]
 
 
 
Finally, Macky created a great glossary of cubing terms.  This is a great first stop if you see a term or abbrevation you don't understand [http://cubefreak.net/other/glossary.html cubefreak.net]
 
 
 
== See also ==
 
* [[General Information]]
 
* [[:Category:Puzzle theory]]
 
* [[:Category:Puzzle notations]]
 
* [[:Category:Puzzle hardware]]
 
* [[:Category:Terminology]]
 
* [[:Category:Methods and substeps]]
 
 
 
[[Category:Resources]]
 

Latest revision as of 14:14, 18 September 2019