How to Master a Rubiks Cube
The Rubik's Cube is one of the most iconic and famous puzzle toys in the world. Erno Rubik, of Hungary, invented the toy in 1974 and originally called it the Magic Cube. The toy was an instant success, and in 1980 it was renamed Rubik's Cube. Rubik's official website claimed in 2011 that the cube is the world's best selling toy, with more than 300 million units sold worldwide. Many "cube-aholics" spend their lifetimes attempting to master the cube. Mastering the cube is about understanding the cube, knowing where to begin and practicing.
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Instructions
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Examine a solved cube and note there are three distinct types of pieces. These are centers, corners and edges. For centers, white is always opposite yellow, orange is opposite red, and green is opposite blue.
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Mix up the cube with only three or four turns, and resolve the cube, carefully noting the positions that require moving. Continue mixing up the cube slightly more every time, eventually ending up with a totally random cube.
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Solve one face to begin. Assuming you have solved the cube before, you should now recognize that you haven't solved the face until the colors that touch the edges are correct as well. Remember, the edge and corner pieces are not independent of the other sides of the cube. Starting with white, create a cross/plus sign on top of the cube, and then position the corners until you have solved the entire layer.
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Flip the cube upside down so the white face is now on bottom, and solve the middle layer next. You should be comfortable with the way each piece of the cube can move and how to move them without disrupting the solved faces you have already created.
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Solve the top layer next. If you used white on the bottom, this will be the yellow face. Begin again with a cross, and then position the corners. If you have solved this correctly, it should be one or two turns away from totally finished. Align the correct edge to the correct face and it's done.
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Mix the cube up, and begin again. Commit these steps to memory, and learn to solve the cube by process, instead of by color. With practice, it will become more fluid and quicker. You will learn how to solve every problem you encounter in the minimum number of moves.
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Time yourself. Compete against yourself or others to see who can solve the cube the fastest. Solve with one hand, with your feet or blindfolded. If you think you've mastered the cube, find a new way to solve it or a new group to compete with.
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Tips & Warnings
Alternate methods to solving the puzzle exist. Check the Internet or develop your own method if you choose.<br /><br />If you get tired of the 3x3x3 Cube, buy a 4x4x4 or a 5x5x5. These provide substantially different challenges and encompass new methods for solving.
Take breaks every once in a while. The cube can be addictive and can cause wrist or thumb injuries if overused.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Magic Cube Puzzle image by joephoto from Fotolia.com
