how to solve a rubik's cube step by step

Jordan Emanuel

3 min read

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06-09-2024

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Solving a Rubik's Cube can seem like deciphering a secret code, but with a bit of patience and practice, anyone can become a master! This guide will walk you through the solution in simple, digestible steps. By the end, you'll not only be able to solve the cube but also impress your friends with your newfound skills!

Understanding the Cube

Before diving in, let's familiarize ourselves with the Rubik's Cube structure:

• Faces: The cube has 6 faces, each a different color (traditionally: white, yellow, blue, green, red, and orange).
• Pieces: The cube consists of 26 smaller pieces:
  • 8 corner pieces
  • 12 edge pieces
  • 6 center pieces (which hold the colors).

Each face can turn independently, which is how we scramble and solve the cube.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The White Cross

Goal: Create a white cross on the white face.

1. Find the white center: This is your starting point.
2. Locate the edge pieces: Search for the white edge pieces (those that have white on one side).
3. Align with centers: Move the white edge pieces so that they align with the center colors on adjacent sides.
4. Complete the cross: Position all four edge pieces to form a cross on the white face.

Step 2: White Corners

Goal: Place the white corner pieces in their correct positions.

1. Locate the white corners: Find a corner piece that has white and two other colors.
2. Position it under the right corner: Turn the bottom layer until the corner piece is directly beneath where it needs to go.
3. Use the right algorithm:
   • For the corner to move up, use this sequence: R U R' U'.
   • Repeat until all white corners are in place, forming a completed white face.

Step 3: The Middle Layer Edges

Goal: Solve the middle layer edges.

1. Find an edge piece: Look for an edge piece that doesn't contain yellow.
2. Position it correctly: If it's on the top layer, orient it so that it matches the colors of the centers.
3. Use the algorithm:
   • If the edge needs to go left: U L U' L' U F U' F'.
   • If it needs to go right: U' R' U R U' F' U F.
4. Repeat until the middle layer is complete.

Step 4: The Yellow Cross

Goal: Form a yellow cross on the top face.

1. Identify the yellow pattern: You might see just a dot, an "L", or a line.
2. Use the algorithm:
   • For the dot: Perform F R U R' U' F'.
   • For the "L": Hold it in the top left corner and perform the algorithm.
   • For the line: Position it horizontally and perform the algorithm.
3. Repeat until a yellow cross appears.

Step 5: Yellow Edges

Goal: Position the yellow edges correctly.

1. Identify mismatched edges: You might find that some yellow edges are not in their correct places.
2. Use the algorithm:
   • Hold the cube with two correct edges on the back and perform R U R' U R U2 R'.
3. Repeat as necessary until all yellow edges are correctly oriented.

Step 6: Positioning Yellow Corners

Goal: Move the yellow corners into their correct spots.

1. Look for yellow corners: If one or more are in the correct position, that’s great!
2. Use the algorithm:
   • Position the cube so one of the incorrect corners is at the front right.
   • Perform U R U' L' U R' U' L.
3. Repeat until all corners are in their right places.

Step 7: Orienting the Yellow Corners

Goal: Flip the yellow corners to complete the cube.

1. Identify the wrong corners: Pick one corner to start.
2. Position the cube: Keep the wrong corner on your front right.
3. Use the algorithm:
   • Perform R U R' U' until the corner is correctly oriented.
4. Turn the top layer to bring another incorrect corner to the front right and repeat.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to solve a Rubik's Cube step by step! Solving the cube may require practice, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. Remember, every twist and turn is a step closer to becoming a cube expert. As you continue to practice, you'll find your fingers moving faster, and you'll even start to develop your unique solving style.

Helpful Tips

• Stay patient: It might take time to get comfortable with the moves.
• Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll get.
• Check online tutorials: Sometimes a visual aid can help!

Resources

For further reading and video tutorials, check out:

• Beginner's Guide to Rubik's Cube
• Advanced Solving Techniques

Happy cubing! 🧊