NPB
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NPB is a speedsolving method designed for big cubes. It was proposed by V Achyuthan (V Sundararajan) as a way of applying the APB method to the 4x4 puzzle.
Steps
Step 1 : Solve 2 opposite centres, which will be your U/D face centres
Step 2 : Pair up and attach 2 adjacent cross coloured edges to the cross centre relative to each other
Step 3 : Place the U/D centres in the left and right side and keep the 2 attached edges at the BL and DL position. Solve the rest of the centres using <rRUF> move set
Step 4 : Rotate back such that U/D centres are in the U and D layer respectively and Solve a 222 block by using the already. paired up cross edges
How to build a 222 -
i) Pair up the edges that go between the 2 centres to which the 2 cross pieces are solved
ii) Connect the paired up edges with the corresponding corner that makes a F2L pair
iii) Solve the F2L pair to complete a 222
Step 5 : Extend it to a 223
How to extend 222 to 223 -
i) Pair up and solve any one of the remaining 2 cross edges.
ii) Use Step 4's i, ii and iii steps to extend it to a 223
Step 6 : Edge pairing. Pair up edges while connecting 1 F2L pair
Step 7 : From here the rest of the cubes can be solved with just algorithms just like the APB method (with parity of course)
Average movecount
The total average movecount with OLL and PLL parity is ~130 STM, since this method is mostly based on blockbuilding. This average movecount is actually equal to the Triforce's average movecount, even with OLL parity.
Comparison with Yau (The most popular big cube speedsolving method)
- NPB has a lower movecount than Yau. It's edge pairing ergonomics are better. Arriving at 3x3 stage, in NPB most of the cube is solved leading to better look ahead
- It has a higher TPS compared to Yau Since every step after arriving at the 3x3 stage is only algorithms
Variants
In NPBA, you use the ZBLL+Parity and EOPairity to finish the cube. These algsets are theoretical, and have not been generated yet. NBPA- is an easier version of NPBA which uses COLL and then finishes the cube with EPLL+Parity. These variants were proposed by RobotMania during 2023.
Pros
- More efficient than most speed solving methods
- Can get singles which have a really low movecount (<120 STM)
- More Ergonomic and algorithmic compared to most of the other methods
- Since the F layer is free during Last 4 Centres, Centre pairing will be more efficient
Cons
- Requires a pause before starting 3x3 stage to recognise EO (but this can sometimes be look ahead to while pairing up edges)
- Look ahead to certain F2L wings can be hard to get used to but can be achieved.
