Heise method

The Heise Method, invented by Ryan Heise, is a intuitive method requiring no algorithms. It uses extremely few moves, but it may be difficult to get good times using this method.

The Steps

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

• Ryan Heise's tutorial