Difference between revisions of "Introduction to Speedcubing for Beginners"
| (23 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
This guide will give you a small introduction to [[speedcubing]]. | This guide will give you a small introduction to [[speedcubing]]. | ||
| − | If you are new to | + | If you are new to speedcubing, you will find out there is a lot of information available. If you are dazzled about the amount of information, just take it one step at a time. The [https://www.speedsolving.com/forum SpeedSolving.com Forums] has a lot great discussions, and this page will give you an overview of the most common questions. |
== Frequently Asked Questions == | == Frequently Asked Questions == | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
=== What is the Rubik's Cube? === | === What is the Rubik's Cube? === | ||
| − | The Rubik's Cube is a puzzle, invented by Erno Rubik in 1974. In 1980, the Cube was marketed world-wide, and 200 million of them were sold. | + | The Rubik's Cube is a puzzle, invented by Erno Rubik in 1974. In 1980, the Cube was marketed world-wide, and 200 million of them were sold. Today many brands make cubes designed specifically for speedsolving - they are more robust, more loose, and better designed. The vast majority of speedsolvers use brands other than Rubik's, and the puzzle is often referred to as "a 3x3" in the community rather than a "Rubik's Cube". |
=== What is speedcubing? === | === What is speedcubing? === | ||
| − | Speedcubing is the art of solving Rubik's Cube (and other twisty puzzles) as fast as possible. | + | Speedcubing is the art of solving Rubik's Cube (and other twisty puzzles) as fast as possible. Most people would also say that speedcubing is more than that: Other disciplines, such as one handed cubing or blindfold cubing, or even solving non-cubic twisty puzzles can also be called "speedcubing". Speedcubing is a combination of solving efficiently, but also solving quickly. The shortest solution may not be the fastest. |
=== How can I solve the cube? === | === How can I solve the cube? === | ||
| − | If you are a beginner, there are a lot of websites available that will explain how to solve the [[3x3x3 cube]] | + | If you are a beginner, there are a lot of websites available that will explain how to solve the [[3x3x3 cube]] easily. There are also a lot of good tutorials on YouTube. There are many different techniques and methods. Beginners typically start with a simple Cross > First Layer > Last Layer (In 4 steps - Flip Last Layer Edges > Flip Last Layer Corners > Cycle Last Layer Corners > Cycle Last Layer Edges). Faster solvers typically learn more advanced techniques and study positions to find quicker solutions and faster algorithms (sequences of moves to solve a given position). Below are 2 tutorials to start: |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | * [http://cube.crider.co.uk/beginner.html How to Solve a Rubik's Cube With 1 Alg] | |
| − | [http:// | + | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmnSpUgOvyI How to Solve a Rubik's Cube on YouTube] |
| − | [ | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== How does the notation system work? === | === How does the notation system work? === | ||
| − | The cube has six sides: Front, Back, Left, Right, Upper and Down (F, B, L, R U and D). A single letter represents a clockwise turn of that face. | + | The cube has six sides: Front, Back, Left, Right, Upper and Down (F, B, L, R U and D). A single letter represents a clockwise turn of that face. The [[3x3x3 notation]] page has a more in depth description on how notation works. It takes a little practice to get used to, but gets easier with practice. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | === What is the best method for speedsolving the Rubik's Cube? === | |
| − | + | There is not a "best" method, but most of the fastest solvers in the world currently use [[CFOP]], with several top 100 solvers using [[Roux Method]]. An overview of methods can be found on the [[3x3x3 speedsolving methods]] page. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== Where can I buy puzzles? === | === Where can I buy puzzles? === | ||
| − | + | There are many shops online that sell puzzles all over the world. To start, we'd recommend checking out [https://www.speedsolving.com/forum/threads/which-cube-should-i-get-up-to-date-recommendations.70960/ this thread on the SpeedSolving forum] suggesting beginning, intermediate, and expert level puzzles for varying budgets, as well as links for prices and shops to purchase the puzzles at. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== How can I solve higher order cubes? (4x4, 5x5) === | === How can I solve higher order cubes? (4x4, 5x5) === | ||
| − | + | There are several methods for solving he 4x4x4 and 5x5x5. To start, watch [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWOZHbDdOeo this YouTube tutorial] on how to solve the 4x4x4 Cube. YouTube has many other tutorials on how to solve the 5x5x5 and other puzzles. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== Where can I see all current official/unofficial records? === | === Where can I see all current official/unofficial records? === | ||
| Line 85: | Line 40: | ||
All official records (records that are done at an official competition) can be found here: | All official records (records that are done at an official competition) can be found here: | ||
http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/results/index.php | http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/results/index.php | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== Other Information === | === Other Information === | ||
| − | + | The best way to learn is to search the vast amount of posts on the [https://www.speedsolving.com/forum Speedsolving Forum]. You can search via the Search box in the upper right of the forum. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | [https://www.speedsolving.com/forum/threads/best-most-useful-threads-on-speedsolving-com.70376/ Here is a thread with the Best/Most Useful threads] on the forum that is worth checking out. | |
| − | + | === How-To Guides === | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | The [https://www.speedsolving.com/forum/forums/how-tos-guides-etc.18/ How-To/Guides forum] on SpeedSolving.com has a vast amount of great tutorials on various topics. | |
| − | + | [[Category:Competitive Cubing]] | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | ===Should I go to a competition? === | |
| − | |||
| − | [ | + | Of course! If you can solve a cube, you should go to a competition. There you will meet many people who share your interest. It isn't just about competition, it's about the community! To see if there is one in your area, [https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions click here (WCA competition page)]. |
Revision as of 13:39, 4 December 2018
This guide will give you a small introduction to speedcubing.
If you are new to speedcubing, you will find out there is a lot of information available. If you are dazzled about the amount of information, just take it one step at a time. The SpeedSolving.com Forums has a lot great discussions, and this page will give you an overview of the most common questions.
Contents
- 1 Frequently Asked Questions
- 1.1 What is the Rubik's Cube?
- 1.2 What is speedcubing?
- 1.3 How can I solve the cube?
- 1.4 How does the notation system work?
- 1.5 What is the best method for speedsolving the Rubik's Cube?
- 1.6 Where can I buy puzzles?
- 1.7 How can I solve higher order cubes? (4x4, 5x5)
- 1.8 Where can I see all current official/unofficial records?
- 1.9 Other Information
- 1.10 How-To Guides
- 1.11 Should I go to a competition?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rubik's Cube?
The Rubik's Cube is a puzzle, invented by Erno Rubik in 1974. In 1980, the Cube was marketed world-wide, and 200 million of them were sold. Today many brands make cubes designed specifically for speedsolving - they are more robust, more loose, and better designed. The vast majority of speedsolvers use brands other than Rubik's, and the puzzle is often referred to as "a 3x3" in the community rather than a "Rubik's Cube".
What is speedcubing?
Speedcubing is the art of solving Rubik's Cube (and other twisty puzzles) as fast as possible. Most people would also say that speedcubing is more than that: Other disciplines, such as one handed cubing or blindfold cubing, or even solving non-cubic twisty puzzles can also be called "speedcubing". Speedcubing is a combination of solving efficiently, but also solving quickly. The shortest solution may not be the fastest.
How can I solve the cube?
If you are a beginner, there are a lot of websites available that will explain how to solve the 3x3x3 cube easily. There are also a lot of good tutorials on YouTube. There are many different techniques and methods. Beginners typically start with a simple Cross > First Layer > Last Layer (In 4 steps - Flip Last Layer Edges > Flip Last Layer Corners > Cycle Last Layer Corners > Cycle Last Layer Edges). Faster solvers typically learn more advanced techniques and study positions to find quicker solutions and faster algorithms (sequences of moves to solve a given position). Below are 2 tutorials to start:
How does the notation system work?
The cube has six sides: Front, Back, Left, Right, Upper and Down (F, B, L, R U and D). A single letter represents a clockwise turn of that face. The 3x3x3 notation page has a more in depth description on how notation works. It takes a little practice to get used to, but gets easier with practice.
What is the best method for speedsolving the Rubik's Cube?
There is not a "best" method, but most of the fastest solvers in the world currently use CFOP, with several top 100 solvers using Roux Method. An overview of methods can be found on the 3x3x3 speedsolving methods page.
Where can I buy puzzles?
There are many shops online that sell puzzles all over the world. To start, we'd recommend checking out this thread on the SpeedSolving forum suggesting beginning, intermediate, and expert level puzzles for varying budgets, as well as links for prices and shops to purchase the puzzles at.
How can I solve higher order cubes? (4x4, 5x5)
There are several methods for solving he 4x4x4 and 5x5x5. To start, watch this YouTube tutorial on how to solve the 4x4x4 Cube. YouTube has many other tutorials on how to solve the 5x5x5 and other puzzles.
Where can I see all current official/unofficial records?
All official records (records that are done at an official competition) can be found here: http://www.worldcubeassociation.org/results/index.php
Other Information
The best way to learn is to search the vast amount of posts on the Speedsolving Forum. You can search via the Search box in the upper right of the forum.
Here is a thread with the Best/Most Useful threads on the forum that is worth checking out.
How-To Guides
The How-To/Guides forum on SpeedSolving.com has a vast amount of great tutorials on various topics.
Should I go to a competition?
Of course! If you can solve a cube, you should go to a competition. There you will meet many people who share your interest. It isn't just about competition, it's about the community! To see if there is one in your area, click here (WCA competition page).
