Difference between revisions of "The Ideal Solution"
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| − | The Ideal Solution is the somewhat [[corners first]] solving method | + | [[File:The Ideal Solution - Booklet.jpg|thumb|alt=The original solution for the Rubik's Cube as printed by Ideal Toy Corp in the 1980's.|The original solution booklet by Ideal Toy Corp: ''The Ideal Solution'']] |
| + | '''''The Ideal Solution''''' is the somewhat [[corners first]] solving method presented in the 1980s by [[Ideal Toys]], the company responsible for producing the original [[Rubik's Cube]]s. The method is somewhat unorthodox, being that it solves the corners first of the first layer, then solves the first layer (or top according to the instructions), then it does the same with the Last layer (or bottom), and finally finishes by solving the 4 middle layer edges. | ||
| − | A PDF of the original | + | ==History== |
| + | The solution guide was written by Robert (Bob) Weisman in 1981. He was working as a Sales Promotion Manager for [[Ideal Toys]], and was part of the team that introduced and promoted Rubik’s Cube when it was launched in 1980. Once the cube craze hit, consumers began writing to Ideal asking for a solution. Weisman offered to write one: it took him six months of flipping and exchanging cubies at home before he developed a solution. It was published as "The Ideal Solution", and was offered to customers who wrote in for $1.50 plus postage. He estimates that about a million and a half copies were sold, and eventually it was sold in stores alongside the Cube. His initials "RW" are inside the first page. Weisman was also an editor for Ideal's four Rubik's Cube newsletters. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Overview == | ||
| + | ''The Ideal Solution'' has advantages and disadvantages over the [[Layer by layer]] method sold with modern Rubik's brand cubes ([https://www.rubiks.com/solve-it/3x3]). | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Advantages:''' | ||
| + | *This method is generally easy to learn, requiring few algorithms to solve the cube and is logical enough for beginners. | ||
| + | *Might make solving 4x4 and higher cubes easier for beginners since parity will only occur on the edges at the end of the solve. | ||
| + | *An unusual solve compared with modern beginner [[Layer by layer]] approaches. | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Drawbacks:''' | ||
| + | *A slow and inefficient method. The booklet boasts a solve time of 2 minutes, although a time close to 1 minute is possible. The extended time comes from how you must perform several of the algorithms; they require you to turn the whole cube to shift your grip as you go through them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Resources == | ||
| + | |||
| + | *A PDF of the original booklet can be [http://www.mediafire.com/view/28vlkb912mk33at/Ideal_Solution.pdf downloaded here]. | ||
| + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Ideal_Solution_To_Rubik%27s_Cube&direction=prev&oldid=17605308 Article about ''The Ideal Solution''], by Robert Weisman, June 3, 2005 | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Books]] | ||
| + | [[Category:3x3x3 corners first methods]] | ||
| + | [[Category:3x3x3 beginner methods]] | ||
Revision as of 19:28, 15 January 2020
The Ideal Solution is the somewhat corners first solving method presented in the 1980s by Ideal Toys, the company responsible for producing the original Rubik's Cubes. The method is somewhat unorthodox, being that it solves the corners first of the first layer, then solves the first layer (or top according to the instructions), then it does the same with the Last layer (or bottom), and finally finishes by solving the 4 middle layer edges.
History
The solution guide was written by Robert (Bob) Weisman in 1981. He was working as a Sales Promotion Manager for Ideal Toys, and was part of the team that introduced and promoted Rubik’s Cube when it was launched in 1980. Once the cube craze hit, consumers began writing to Ideal asking for a solution. Weisman offered to write one: it took him six months of flipping and exchanging cubies at home before he developed a solution. It was published as "The Ideal Solution", and was offered to customers who wrote in for $1.50 plus postage. He estimates that about a million and a half copies were sold, and eventually it was sold in stores alongside the Cube. His initials "RW" are inside the first page. Weisman was also an editor for Ideal's four Rubik's Cube newsletters.
Overview
The Ideal Solution has advantages and disadvantages over the Layer by layer method sold with modern Rubik's brand cubes ([1]).
Advantages:
- This method is generally easy to learn, requiring few algorithms to solve the cube and is logical enough for beginners.
- Might make solving 4x4 and higher cubes easier for beginners since parity will only occur on the edges at the end of the solve.
- An unusual solve compared with modern beginner Layer by layer approaches.
Drawbacks:
- A slow and inefficient method. The booklet boasts a solve time of 2 minutes, although a time close to 1 minute is possible. The extended time comes from how you must perform several of the algorithms; they require you to turn the whole cube to shift your grip as you go through them.
Resources
- A PDF of the original booklet can be downloaded here.
- Article about The Ideal Solution, by Robert Weisman, June 3, 2005
