Are you ready to conquer the Rubik’s Cube? This iconic puzzle has enthralled and perplexed generations, inspiring a fervent community of cube enthusiasts. While there are countless methods to solve the Rubik’s Cube, the “Beginner’s Method” stands out as an accessible approach that can guide you to victory in just 20 moves. Embark on this captivating journey, and prepare to unlock the secrets of the Rubik’s Cube.
The Beginner’s Method is meticulously designed to simplify the solving process, breaking it down into manageable steps. It commences with the creation of the White Cross on the top face, followed by the positioning of the White Corner pieces. Transitioning smoothly, the next phase involves the formation of the Middle Layer, where the Edge pieces are inserted into their rightful places. With each step, the cube gradually transforms, revealing a path to the ultimate solution.
As you progress through the steps, you’ll master essential techniques such as the “F2L” (First Two Layers) and “OLL” (Orientation of Last Layer) algorithms. These algorithms provide systematic instructions for manipulating the cube, ensuring that you can consistently achieve the desired results. With patience and practice, you’ll internalize these moves, empowering you to solve the Rubik’s Cube with increasing speed and finesse. The satisfaction of completing the cube in just 20 moves is an exhilarating experience that will ignite your passion for puzzle-solving.
The Beginner’s Guide to Rubik’s Cube Mastery
1. Getting Started: Understanding the Rubik’s Cube
A Rubik’s Cube is a 3D puzzle consisting of six faces, each with nine squares. The squares are colored with six unique colors. The goal is to twist and turn the faces to align the colors on each side, creating a “solved” cube.
The cube is made up of 26 small cubes, called “cubies.” The central cubies on each face form a cross. The edge cubies connect two faces. The corner cubies connect three faces.
To solve the cube, we will follow a series of steps that gradually align the cubies until the cube is solved.
Below is a table summarizing the types of cubies on a Rubik’s Cube:
| Type of Cubie | Number |
|---|---|
| Central cubies | 6 |
| Edge cubies | 12 |
| Corner cubies | 8 |
Unraveling the Secret Algorithm: Solving in 20 Moves
Mastering the art of solving a Rubik’s Cube in just 20 moves requires a precise algorithm that combines a series of rotations and flips. This algorithm, known as a speed-solving technique, enables enthusiasts to solve the puzzle with lightning speed and efficiency.
Step 2: The Second Layer
Once the top face has been completed, it’s time to focus on the second layer. This involves two sub-steps:
- **Front Layer:** Rotate the front face (F) to align the edge piece with its corresponding position on the second layer.
- **Side Layer:** Insert the edge piece into the second layer by rotating the right or left face (R or L) until it clicks into place.
The following table provides a detailed overview of the rotations involved in solving the second layer:
Step Rotation Description 1 F’ Rotate the front face clockwise 2 R or L Rotate the right or left face to insert the edge piece 3 F Rotate the front face counterclockwise 4 R’ or L’ Rotate the right or left face in the opposite direction to align the next edge piece By carefully following the steps and executing the rotations precisely, you’ll be able to complete the second layer of the Rubik’s Cube effortlessly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the First Layer
1. Solve the White Cross
To start, find the white center piece and align it with the center of the top face. Match the edge pieces that have white faces with the white center and insert them by turning the top face. Ensure that the colored faces on the edge pieces match the sides they are placed on.
2. Solve the White Corners
Rotate the white face until a white corner piece is aligned with the center of its respective side face. Perform the following steps:
- Turn the top face counterclockwise to bring the corner piece to the back.
- Turn the right face clockwise to move the corner piece to the top.
- Turn the top face clockwise to insert the corner piece beneath the corresponding side face.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 if necessary until the corner piece is inserted correctly.
3. Solve the Middle Layer
To complete the middle layer, follow these steps:
Edge Piece Position Algorithm Edge at the bottom, aligned with the right side R U R’ U’ R U2 R’ Edge at the top, aligned with the left side U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ R U R’ U’ R U2 R’ Edge at the top, misaligned with the left side U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ R U R’ U’ R U2 R’ Repeat these algorithms until all the middle edge pieces are solved.
Navigating the Second Layer with Precision
Once you’ve solved the bottom layer, it’s time to move on to the second layer. This can be a bit tricky, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to do it in no time.
Positioning the Corner Pieces
The first step is to position the four corner pieces on the second layer. To do this, hold the cube with the solved bottom layer facing down. Locate a corner piece that is not in its correct position and bring it to the bottom layer. Rotate the bottom layer until the corner piece is aligned with its correct position on the second layer. Lift the corner piece and insert it into the second layer.
Matching the Side Pieces
Once the corner pieces are in place, it’s time to match the side pieces. To do this, hold the cube with the solved bottom layer facing down. Locate a side piece that is not in its correct position and bring it to the bottom layer. Rotate the bottom layer until the side piece is aligned with its correct position on the second layer. Lift the side piece and insert it into the second layer.
Inserting the Last Side Piece
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to insert the last side piece:
Step Action 1 Identify the side piece that needs to be inserted. 2 Hold the cube with the solved bottom layer facing down. 3 Locate the side piece that is directly opposite the side piece that needs to be inserted. 4 Rotate the bottom layer until the two side pieces are aligned. 5 Insert the side piece that needs to be inserted into the second layer. 6 Rotate the bottom layer to return the cube to its original position. Conquering the Third Layer: Parity and Permutations
Parity
Parity refers to the situation where two edge pieces on the top layer are swapped, while the two corresponding edge pieces on the bottom layer are also swapped. To resolve this, perform the following algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 R’
Permutations
Permutations occur when the top layer edges need to be rearranged. There are six possible permutations:
Permutation Algorithm RU’R’URU2R’ F R’ F’ RU’R’U2RUR’U’R’ F R’ F’ R B R B’ RUR’U’R’U2RU2R’ F R2 F’ R B2 R B2 F R’ F’ R UR’ U’ R’ R’ F R F’ R U R’ U’ F R’ F’ R R U R’ U’ R U R’ U’ R’ F R’ F’ R U R’ U’ R U2 R’ U’ R’ F R F’ R U2 R’ U’ R’ UR’ U’ R U R’ F R’ F’ R U2 R’ U’ R’ U2 R’ U’ R U R’ F R F’ To find the correct algorithm for your permutation, identify the two edges that need to be swapped and find the corresponding algorithm in the table.
Mastering the Yellow Cross: A Pivotal Moment
The yellow cross is a crucial step in solving the Rubik’s Cube. It involves aligning the four yellow edge pieces correctly on the top face. This step lays the foundation for the subsequent layers and sets the stage for a smooth solution.
Solving the Yellow Edge Pieces
To solve the yellow cross, you will need to:
- Find an edge piece that has yellow on one side and a different color on the other side.
- Align the yellow side of the edge piece with the center of the top face, while ensuring that the colored side matches one of the side faces.
- Insert the edge piece into the top layer, sliding it into place by performing an algorithm.
Placing the Edge Piece Correctly
The following table provides the algorithms for placing the edge piece correctly based on its initial orientation:
Initial Orientation Algorithm Yellow side up, correct color on top R U R’ U’ Yellow side down, correct color on top R U R’ U’ R B R’ B’ Yellow side down, incorrect color on top R U2 R’ U’ R U2 R’ By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can master the yellow cross and progress towards solving the Rubik’s Cube in 20 moves.
Fine-tuning the Yellow Face: Algorithms Explained
The final step in solving the Rubik’s Cube is fine-tuning the yellow face to ensure it’s perfectly aligned and without any misplaced edges or corners. This involves executing a series of specific algorithms designed to manipulate the cube’s pieces until the desired configuration is achieved.
Step 7: Fixing an Incorrectly Placed Yellow Edge
If one of the yellow edges is out of place, the following algorithm will rotate it correctly:
D L D’
This algorithm rotates the front face clockwise, then rotates the left face counterclockwise, and finally rotates the front face counterclockwise again, resulting in the correct placement of the yellow edge.
Incorrect Edge Position Correct Edge Position 
Repeat this algorithm until all yellow edges are in place.
Note: If multiple yellow edges are out of place, apply the algorithm to each edge individually until they are all correct.
Solving the Remaining Edges and Corners
Once the top and middle layers are solved, proceed to the final step of solving the remaining edges and corners.
8. Orient the Last Two Edge Pieces
Next, focus on solving the last two edge pieces. If any of these edge pieces is already correctly positioned, refer to the table below for guidance.
Scenario Algorithm One edge piece inserted correctly R’ F R B R’ F’ R No edge pieces inserted correctly R’ F R’ B R F R’ Repeat the algorithm until all edge pieces are inserted and properly oriented.
Achieving the Final Layer: Advanced Technique
9. Permuting the Final Layer Corners
To permute the three final layer corners, there are two cases to consider:
-
Case 1: The three final layer corners are adjacent to their correct positions (e.g., Front-Right, Front-Left, Back-Right).
Follow these steps:
- Orient the front face correctly.
- Perform the following algorithm:
[U R U' R' F R U R' U' F']. - Repeat steps a and b until all three corners are in place.
-
Case 2: The three final layer corners are opposite to their correct positions (e.g., Front-Left, Back-Right, Front-Right).
Follow these steps:
- Orient the front face correctly.
- Perform the following algorithm:
[U R U' R' F R U R' U' F'] x 2. - Repeat steps a and b until all three corners are in place.
Troubleshooting Tips for Common Obstacles
Edge Piece in Wrong Slot
Identify the edge piece that needs to be moved and its correct position. Use the “pair flip” or “corner twist” algorithms to adjust its orientation and insert it into its proper slot.
Edge Piece Flipped
Utilize the “edge flip” sequence to rotate the edge piece and align it with the correct face. Perform the following moves: R U R’ U’ R U2 R’
Corner Piece in Wrong Slot
Determine the correct position of the corner piece and rotate the top layer until the corner is aligned with its designated location. Use the “corner swap” algorithm to switch the corner pieces.
Corner Piece Flipped
Align the corner piece with the correct face and apply the “corner flip” sequence: R U R’ U’ L’ U R U’ R’ U’ L.
Middle Layer Edge Twisted
Rotate the adjacent side of the aligned edge piece until it is facing the front. Use the “edge twist” algorithm to rotate the edge piece: R U R’ U’ R’ F R2 U’ R’ U’ R U R’ F’
Middle Layer Corner Twisted
Position the corner piece to be aligned with the front-right edge and perform the “corner twist” sequence: R U R’ U’ R U2 R’ F R F’
Last Layer Edge Twisted
Use the “twisted edge” algorithm to rotate the edge piece: U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L
Last Layer Corner Twisted
Apply the “corner twist” sequence: R U R’ U’ R’ F R2 U’ R’ U’ R U R’ F’
Last Layer Edge Flipped
Utilize the “edge flip” algorithm: R U R’ U’ R U2 R’
Last Layer Parity Error
Mirror Parity Corner Parity R U R’ U’ R’ F R2 U’ R’ U’ R U R’ F’ R U2 R’ U’ R’ F R2 U’ R’ U’ R U R’ F’ How To Solve A Rubik’s Cube In 20 Moves
The Rubik’s Cube is a 3-D puzzle cube with six faces, each with nine squares of different colors. The puzzle is solved when all six faces have one solid color. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 20 moves:
- Solve the white cross. Start by aligning the white edge pieces with the corresponding center pieces on the top face. Then, use the following algorithm to insert the white corner pieces:
- Solve the white corners. Use the following algorithm to move a white corner piece from the middle layer to the top layer:
- Solve the middle layer. Use the following algorithm to insert an edge piece from the middle layer into the top layer:
- Solve the yellow cross. Use the following algorithm to create a yellow cross on the top face:
- Solve the yellow corners. Use the following algorithm to insert a yellow corner piece from the top layer into the bottom layer:
- Solve the yellow edges. Use the following algorithm to insert an edge piece from the top layer into the bottom layer:
- Solve the bottom layer. Use the following algorithm to rotate the bottom layer clockwise:
R U R' U' R U2 R'
R U R' U' R U R'
U R U' R' U' F U F'
F R' F' R F R' F R F R' F R F R' F2
R D R' U R D' R' U'
R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'
R U R' U' R U2 R'
People Also Ask
How many moves does it take to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
The minimum number of moves required to solve a Rubik’s Cube is 20.
What is the best way to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
The best way to solve a Rubik’s Cube is to use a step-by-step method, such as the one described above.
How long does it take to learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
With practice, it is possible to learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute.
