The Ideal Solution

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Revision as of 03:41, 16 July 2017 by Kiltsa (talk | contribs) (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.)

The Ideal Solution is the somewhat corners first solving method present originally by 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.

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 Overview

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[1] that is now sold with Rubik's brand cubes.

Advantages:

  • 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.
  • 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:

  • 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.


Resources

A PDF of the original packet can be downloaded here.