How to Solve a Rubik's Cube [Best Method 2024]

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of solving a Rubik's Cube using the best method as outlined in the video by CubeHead. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive step-by-step approach will help you understand each phase of solving the cube.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Pieces

• Rubik's Cube Structure:
  • Center Piece: Stays in place, determines the cube's color orientation (e.g., white is opposite yellow).
  • Edge Piece: Contains two colors.
  • Corner Piece: Contains three colors.
• Objective: Position each piece correctly to solve the cube.

Chapter 2: Creating the White Cross

• Step 1: Form a "Daisy" around the yellow center using white edge pieces.
  • Match white edge pieces with the corresponding center colors.
• Step 2: Convert the Daisy into a white cross.
  • Align the white edges to their respective centers and position them above the white center to place them correctly.

Chapter 3: Solving the First Layer

• Step 1: Insert white corner pieces into the correct position.
  • Righty Algorithm:
    • Turn right side clockwise
    • Turn top clockwise
    • Turn right side counterclockwise
    • Turn top counterclockwise
  • Lefty Algorithm:
    • Turn left side counterclockwise
    • Turn top counterclockwise
    • Turn left side clockwise
    • Turn top clockwise
• Step 2: Locate a corner piece with white on top and position it between the correct center pieces.
  • Depending on the orientation of white, apply the appropriate algorithm.

Chapter 4: Solving the Second Layer

• Step 1: Hold the white cross at the bottom and find edges in the top layer without yellow.
• Step 2: Match the edge color to the correct center and determine its destination (left or right).
  • For left: Move the edge piece one turn away, then apply the Lefty Algorithm.
  • For right: Move the edge piece one turn away, then apply the Righty Algorithm.

Chapter 5: Creating the Yellow Cross

• Step 1: Assess the yellow edge configuration.
  • Line Case: Rotate top layer so the line is horizontal, perform the Righty Algorithm, and rotate the front counterclockwise.
  • Hook Case: Position the hook in the back left, perform two Righty Algorithms, and rotate front counterclockwise.
  • Dot Case: Treat it as a line case to create a hook.

Chapter 6: Positioning the Yellow Edges

• Step 1: Learn the "Sune" algorithm to align yellow edges.
  • Start by aligning the edges to the center and apply the Sune algorithm based on the orientation of the aligned edges (across or next to each other).

Chapter 7: Solving the Yellow Corners

• Step 1: Use the "Niklas" algorithm to position yellow corners.
  • Track two pairs, move the right pair up, then the left, and repeat until corners are correctly placed.
• Step 2: Check if corners are correctly oriented by matching colors that aren't yellow.
• Step 3: If no corners are in the correct spot, perform Niklas from any angle to reposition.

Chapter 8: Flipping the Corners

• Step 1: Flip the cube so white is on top and yellow is on the bottom.
• Step 2: Hold the cube so the unsolved corner is in the right bottom position.
• Step 3: Use Righty Algorithms for each corner until solved, rotating the bottom layer to bring unsolved corners into position.

Conclusion

Congratulations on learning how to solve a Rubik's Cube! By following these steps, you have gained a methodical approach to tackling the cube. Once you feel comfortable with this method, consider exploring speed cubing techniques. For further resources, check out speed cube options and additional tutorials online. Happy cubing!