Difference between revisions of "The Ideal Solution"

From Speedsolving.com Wiki
(Added a relevant image for visual effect. Added more detail as to the use of "The Ideal Solution"as well as compared it to the more popular CFOP standard for reference.)
m
 
(5 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''''The Ideal Solution''''' is the somewhat [[corners first]] solving method present originally by [[Ideal Toys|Ideal Toy Corp]], the company responsible for producing the original Rubik's cube puzzle. 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.
+
[[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.
  
[[File:The Ideal Solution - Booklet.jpg|thumb|x400px|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.]]
+
==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 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]).
 
 
Despite its age, '''''The Ideal Solution''''' continues to be relevant in the cube solving world, having several advantages over the more modern [[CFOP]] method popularized by [[Jessica Fridrich]][https://www.speedsolving.com/wiki/index.php/CFOP] that is now sold with Rubik's brand cubes.
 
  
 
'''Advantages:'''
 
'''Advantages:'''
 
+
*This method is generally easy to learn, requiring few algorithms to solve the cube and is logical enough for beginners.
*This method is generally easier to learn, requiring fewer actual algorithms to solve the cube and in my personal opinion, seems to be the more logical method for most 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.
*When solving cubes of a higher order than 3x3 (the 4x4 in particular) there is less parity to solve at the end if you use '''''The Ideal Solution'''''. This is because you solve the corners before solving the remaining edges, ensuring that your corners are always correct.  If parity is going to occur, it will always occur on the edges.  With the CFOP method, parity can happen with both edges and corners, creating more work during your solve.
 
 
 
*'''''The Ideal Solution''''' is a unique solve these days.  Since the CFOP booklet comes with all official 3x3 Rubik's brand cubes, that is the more common method.  If you like feeling special, this may be an enjoyable thing for you to know.
 
 
 
*Something that applies to all methods: every solution style has it's unique algorithms crafted for that method. The more algorithms you know, the faster you solve your cube; it's as simple as that.
 
  
 
'''Drawbacks:'''
 
'''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.
  
*The obvious: this method is slower than the CFOP.  The booklet isn't sarcastically boasting a solve time of 2 minutes, although I've gotten my personal time down to 1:14 using this method.  The extentded 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.  Most CFOP algorithms are done in a single orientation making it more efficient.
 
 
*If you are a teacher like me, it's harder to get your hands on source material for '''''The Ideal Solution'''''.  Online versions are available but you won't always have the luxury of internet where ever you are.  Short of having your own physical copy that you either lend out or photocopy and share, you must teach this method verbally and by example.  This is not often the most ideal way for a student to learn how to solve the cube.
 
<br/>
 
 
== Resources ==
 
== Resources ==
 
+
*[https://youtu.be/tsVfht6iFI0 Youtube tutorial]
A PDF of the original packet can be downloaded [http://www.mediafire.com/view/28vlkb912mk33at/Ideal_Solution.pdf here].
+
*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:Books]]
 +
[[Category:3x3x3 corners first methods]]
 +
[[Category:3x3x3 beginner methods and substeps]]
 +
[[Category:3x3x3 methods]]

Latest revision as of 09:28, 3 June 2020

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 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