FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cubes

What is the best cube?

It really depends on your preferences. Most people choose cubes the DIY types A, C, D, F, Cube4you, or Edison cubes. Storebought cubes are also popular and can be decent after breaking in. Experiment, you'll find a good cube eventually. Many people like to use hybrids as well. 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?

Try Rubikfans, 9spuzzles, RubikFans, puzl.co.uk , Cube4You, Cubefan's, or other places such as ebay. Generally, for American buyers, Cubefans's is more reliable than Cube4You (they are from the same owner). 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.

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.

Timers

Where can I buy a timer like they use in competition?

Speedstacks and Ebay are the best places to buy. Speedstacks is probably the most reliable source for timers, but sometimes you can find a cheap deal on ebay. It's also possible to make your own timer [1].

Are there timers on the Internet?

Yes.

Try Cubetimer [2], Rubetimer [3], or look for other timers. Google for a while and you will find numerous timers on the net. Also, Cubemania [4] is a site that times and keeps track of all the solves you submit.

Can I download a timer for my computer/phone/psp?

You can download CCT [5] 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.

Where are the rules for WCA competitions?

On the WCA site of course!

Methods

What is the fastest method?

There is no "ultimate method." 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 that doesn't mean it's the best.

What is the easiest method?

The easiest method to learn is most likely going to be the beginner's layer-by-layer method in which you solve the first, second, and the finally the last layer one by one.

This method however is generally very slow for most and 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