To illustrate the algorithms we will use cube notation as listed below. Solving the cube involves following a set of algorithms. Learning to solve the Rubiks cube is a great way to explore how we can effectively set up processes in order to take a wide range of possible inputs and reliably transform them into given outputs. This is also why this Rubiks cube tutorial is on a website with IT tutorials. This is the power of well thought out algorithms, they can be very flexible in what they can solve. They do involve more than 20 moves but they are guaranteed to solve any combination. Instead we are going to introduce you to the beginner algorithms. Virtually all of these combinations required a different algorithm in order to sovle optimally and we are not going to propose you try to remember that many combinations and corresponding algorithms. Despite this large number, a group or researchers with a heap of spare computing time actually worked out the optimal solve for each of these combinations working out that the maximum required number of moves (see below) to solve any cube is 20 moves. the face with the blue center piece is the blue face.Īll up this makes for 26 pieces making up the cube with a total of 54 panels on those pieces. These pieces also identify the six faces of the cube. They each have only one panel so can be in a single orientation. They have 2 panels and can each be in any of 2 orientations.Ĭenter pieces - There are 6 center pieces. They have 3 panels and can each be in any of 3 orientations in each position.Įdge pieces - There are 12 edge pieces. Pieces of the cubeThere are three different types of pieces that make up your Rubiks Cube.Ĭorner pieces - There are 8 corner pieces. For extra challenge, see if you can solve the cube face one handed. You should practice holding the cube in two hands whilst doing this and manipulating the cube with both hands. Doing this helps to build an understanding of how the pieces move around and how pieces can be put into place without affecting others. You should be able to do this intuitively (that is without using predefined algorithms). Don't worry if the squares adjoining that face don't line up correctly, just work on solving a single face. A good starting exercise is to work on solving just a single face of the cube. What at first seems like just blindly following algorithms will start to make sense and you'll start modifying the algorithms to create shortcuts.īefore we begin working on solving the cube it can be beneficial to get a feel for how the cube behaves.
With practice manipulating the pieces it will get easier and you will start to appreciate how certain moves result in certain outcomes. Some people will figure out manipulating the pieces fairly quickly. Getting to know your cubeĮveryone picks up the Rubik's Cube differently. If you don't want to read the explanations, you are perfectly fine skipping them.
Cube Simulator - Useful for helping to teach how to solve the cube.Įach Step of the tutotial lists the algorithms and has detailed explanations.Cheat Sheet - All of the algorithms on a single page for easy reference.Pattern Challengets - Just for fun, see if you can create these cube patterns (then challenge others to intuitively solve them).Keep reading below to get started or skip to one of the following sections. The rest of the pages work towards solving the cube. The rest of this page introduces you to cube notation and getting to know your cube.
This Cube tutorial is divided into 5 sections. This is merely a tutorial on how to solve it and is in no way affiliated with the company.) Outline (The Rubik's Cube is a product created by Rubik's Brand Ltd. On the following pages you'll learn a simple and easy to apply set of algorithms (pre organised steps) which will solve the cube. When you know the steps, and are armed with the right algorithms it is actually quite easy. Getting the first few pieces into place is easy enough but soon you find you can't do anything without stuffing up other areas. The Rubik's Cube can seem almost impossible when you first start playing with it. Learn how to solve the Rubik's cube with easy to follow instructions and interactive demonstrations.