Road to Sub-15 Second Averages

From Speedsolving.com Wiki

Here we present some ideas as to how to break 15 seconds consistently with the Fridrich method.

Using the Fridrich Method

Reaching 15-second averages may be obtained via the following tips -- to be performed in chronological order.

  1. Beginner's Method
    • First learn how to solve the Rubik's cube using a tutorial, such as one in the Beginner's Methods section.
      • Tip: Solve with your cross on the bottom! It will help you out later.
    • Learn how to lubricate your cube.
    • Use a timer, such as an online timer or a PC timer to see your progression.
  2. Learn 2-look OLL algorithms.
  3. Learn 2-look PLL algorithms.
  4. Learn to do the First Two Layers (F2L) efficiently.
    • Use a tutorial, such as Badmephisto's YouTube Tutorial on F2L.
    • Your times will temporarily get worse, but after a few days of practicing, they will rapidly become better.
    • Practice F2L -- practice a lot. F2L is undeniably the most important part.
  5. Learn full (1-look) PLL.
    • 21 algorithms to learn.
    • At this point, consider buying a DIY Cube. Assuming look-ahead is good, focusing on speed might be important now.
  6. Learn full (1-look) OLL.
    • 57 algorithms. Don't learn them too quickly, otherwise recognition will be impeded upon. But don't learn them too slowly; try to learn consistently. Steady, slow or fast, will always win the race.
  7. Look into advanced F2L techniques, such as the extended cross (also known as X-cross), or other extensions to the Fridrich Method, such as COLL for suitable LL cases..



How to get faster with the Fridrich Method

This was written by the members of the speedsolving forum in this thread: http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3688 - Posted by someone... and edited by Rubik's Cube Fan

This thread will be provided as a little tutorial for people who are stuck and want to become faster in solving the Rubik's Cube. Please read this thread and do some forum searching prior to asking questions about becoming faster. First off, the most important factor is practice. Regardless of how many algorithms you cram or optimize, it really boils down to practice. A sub 20 second average can be achieved using a basic beginners method, however, it takes practice. More algorithms are useful to help with your understanding of the cube, and very importantly, your recognition, but these will not get you nearly as far as practice will get you. In spite of this, which is the best way to go about getting those times down, apart from practice alone? Here are some basic, set out steps to follow to help you on your way (note this is only a guideline to help you). You do not have to follow these steps, as this is only to guide you.

Here's a video of one of the top cubers, Erik Akkersdijk, getting a sub 20 second average only using a Layer By Layer method with Fridrich 4 Look Last Layer.


Fridrich Method: Step 1

Current Average: 1:30+ or don't know how to solve a Rubik's Cube

Goal Average: 1:00-1:19

Learn the method from one of these two sources: Leyan’s Beginners Method, or Badmephisto's Youtube Video Tutorial.

NOTE: It is possible to achieve sub-1 minute with these methods

If you are still stuck, follow these tips:

  • Try to reduce pauses, meaning try to never stop turning during your solve
  • Sand, Break in, and Lubricate Your Cube (In that order, and only sand if your cube is brand new and you've barely solved it).
  • Decrease your last layer times (about 25 seconds or less) - you can do this by improving your recognition and execution for each case
  • Work on solving the cross. Try to do the cross in 12 moves or less, and under 12 seconds. Here are some links which will help you achieve/learn this:
  • Use finger tricks (this will speed up your times A LOT)
  • Practice - The more you practice, the faster you'll become
  • Once you get a little used to the beginner method, you can also try inserting the first layer/side corners from different angles. See Macky's guide: http://cubefreak.net/easy_fast.html
  • Use a timer to see your progression: http://www.cubetimer.com

Estimated Time: 2-4 Weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 2

Current Average: 1:00-1:19

Goal Average: 40 - 50 seconds

Learn 4 look last layer (4LLL). (Links to where to learn the algorithms will be at the end of this guide)

2 Look OLL

  • Edge Orientation - 2 algorithms
  • Corner Orientation - 7 algorithms


2 Look PLL

  • Corner Permutation - 3 Algorithms Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb
  • Edge Permutation - 4 algorithms - Ua, Ub, Z, H


Here are a couple of videos explaining how to use the 4LLL (2 Look OLL + 2 Look PLL) algorithms for your last layer:

Estimated Time: 2-4 weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 3

Current Average: 40-55 seconds

Goal Average: 30-39 seconds

  • Now learn intuitive First Two Layers (F2L).
  • Your times will temporarily get worse, but after a few days of practicing, they will become better greatly!
  • Practice your F2L, and never give up!

Estimated Time: 2-3 weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 4

Current Average: 30-40 seconds

Goal Average: 20-29 seconds

  • Now, learn the rest of the PLLs so your 2 Look PLL becomes 1 Look PLL - 21 Algorithms (you have already learned 7 algorithms for 2-Look PLL) (Links where to learn the algorithms are at the end of this guide
  • Learn how to look ahead during F2L - this will tremendously help your times

Estimated Time: 2-6 weeks


Fridrich Method: Step 5

Current Average: 20-30 seconds

Goal Average: Sub 20 seconds

  • Practice your F2L, learn/make up your own techniques, and possibly learn some of the algorithms for odd cases. (Links where to learn the F2L algorithms are at the end of this guide) Also, remember to look ahead! Try to complete your cross and F2L in 12 seconds or less on average
  • Master all your PLLs and OLLs that you know. Meaning optimize it to your maximum speed, try to use the triggers, and try to get all of them under 3 seconds for recognition and execution.
  • Get your cross sub 4 seconds consistently (make sure you solve the cross on the bottom of the cube.)

Estimated Time: 1-2 Months


Fridrich Method: Step 6

Current Average: Sub 20 Seconds

Goal Average: 15 Seconds or less

  • Master your Cross and F2L, try to finish them in 10 seconds or less on average
  • Get your cross done in ~2 seconds on average
  • Learn the rest of the OLL algorithms - 57 algorithms (Note that you should completely master everything else before learning these, as they will only help you by about 3 seconds or less)
  • To learn/memorize the OLL's easier look at Badmephisto's video
  • Practice, practice, and keep on practicing!!

Estimated Time: 4+ months


Fridrich Method Algorithms

F2L Algorithms:


OLL Algorithms:

2 Look OLL for Corner Orientation are cases 21-27.
2 Look OLL for Corner Orientation are cases 4-10


PLL Algorithms:


Corner Permutation are the Aa/Ab and E/V/Y/Na/Nb permutation algorithms.

Edge Permutation are the Ua, Ub, H, and Z permutation algorithms.


You should print out your OLLs/PLLs so you can learn them and use them at any time. Keep in mind that you should choose the algorithms that best suit you. Just because one person is fast with an algorithm doesn't mean you will be fast with the same algorithm.


Remarks: How can i get as fast as Nakajima?

Speed up your f2l. Nakajima has crazy f2l. If you want to study advanced f2l, forget cubeloop! almost half of the algs there are inefficient and are difficult to recognize. Nakajima's 106 advanced f2l cases are way better! here's the link:

http://www.cubingtechniques.com/cubing/algorithmsbank/f2l/

(You might want to use this translator)


It's in japanese though, so you might not understand the explanations but the algorithms are right there for your disposal. Try also Jason Baum's cubing page. It contains the best OLL and PLL algs (i think, they're even better than macky's or vandenbergh's) for ambidextrous cubers.

From noober cuber to UBER CUBER!

Written by Lotsofsloths in this thread: http://masterthecube.com/forums/index.php?topic=1008.0 - Posted by Pcwiz


1:30+

Use Tucker's Beginners Method,

to acheive an average of 1:00-1:19.

If you are still stuck, follow these tips:

Try to reduce Pauses.

Lube your cube.

Decrease Last layer times.

You can decrease Last Layer times by improving yor recognition for each case.

Est. Time: 3 Weeks


1:00-1:19

Once you acheive these times;

I strongly suggest you learn 4 look last layer.

Once you goto that link, DON'T learn F2l!! Just learn the last layer part of it.

This includes:

Edge Orientation(2)

Corner Orientation(1-7)

Edge Permutation(1-4)

Corner Permutation(1-3)

Est. Time: 3 weeks - 2 monthes


40-55

I suggest from here that you know learn F2l.

This WILL increase your times at first, but in a couple days it should decrease your times GREATLY!

Now, practice your F2l.

Est. Time: 2 weeks


30-40

I know suggest that you learn ALL THE PLLS!

Est. Time: 2-3 Months


20-30

Work on yor F2l,

Possibly use the algs.

You should end up at 12ish F2l.

ALSO:

MASTER(sub 3) all of your PLLs and OLLs that you know. Est. Time: 3-4 months


Sub-20

Learn all 57 OLLs, AND PRACTICE!

Est. Time: ???

External links