3x3x3

Here is my approach to solving a standard 3x3x3 Rubic’s Cube. There’s nothing new here. It’s just how I learned about 12 years ago.

I try to use as few algorithms as possible, but it is handy to be familiar with the notation.

images were created using this site.

I add the word loop() when there is a step or combination that can be repeated indefinitely.

Fundamentals

• the cube is composed of 26 3-dimensional pieces. 8 corners, 12 Edges, 6 Centers. Stop thinking about each 2D colored square and start thinking in 3D.
• centerpieces do not move, they define color of each side.

Phase 1 - 1st corner

place the 1st corner and find the 1st 3 edges

starting with the red/white/blue corner

place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd edges by aligning 1 color ( there are three sides that can move freely without moving the 1st corner )

then move the 1st corner out of the way temporarily. for example, F loop(U) F’ will place the UR edge.

the Left, Back, and Downsides can still move freely

Phase 2 - 2nd corner

- place 2nd corner

- place 2 more edges

  - target 1 side
- F' U2 F
- L U L'

Phase 3 - 2nd layer

rotate the cube, so you can hold it by the solved portion and move the remaining 2 sides easily

Edge Parity

• target 2 unpaired edges (these always occur in pairs)
  • U’ R’ U

Place next corner

• loop(R U)

place 2 more edges

• target 1 side
  • U R loop(U) R’ U'
  • U2 R’ loop(U) R U2

Place last corner of 2nd layer

• orient corner
  • loop(U R2 U’ R)
• place
  • R’ U’ R U

Place last edge of 2nd layer

• U R U R loop(U) R’ U’ R’ U'

Phase 4 - Last Layer

permute 2 corners

• target 2 adjacent corners
  • left version: R U’ L’ | U | R’ U’ L
  • right version: L’ U R | U’ | L U R'

Orient remaining corners

• target 1 corner 1st
  • R U R’ U R U2 R'

permute last 3 edges

• clockwise version: B2 U L’ R | B2 | L R’ U B2
• counter clockwise: B2 U’ L’ R | B2 | L R’ U’ B2

• Puzzles