How to solve the Rubik's cube

The Rubik's Cube is one of the most popular games in the world. Created by Hungarian sculptor and architecture professor Ernő Rubik, the cube has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world since its creation in 1974.

However, solving the cube can seem like an impossible challenge for many people. With its colorful faces and complex structure, it can be difficult to know where to start.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps necessary to solve the Rubik's Cube. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an expert looking for new tricks, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully solve the cube.

The Structure of the Rubik's Cube

Before starting to solve the Rubik's Cube, it is important to understand its structure. The Rubik's Cube is composed of 6 colored faces, each of which has a size of 3x3 squares. There are three different types of pieces on the cube:

• Centers: these are the central pieces of each face and have only one color.
• Edges: these are the pieces that are located between two faces and have two colors.
• Corners: these are the pieces that are located at the corner of three faces and have three colors.

In total, there are 26 pieces on the Rubik's Cube (9 centers, 12 edges, and 5 corners). Each piece can be rotated around its center, but cannot be removed from the cube. In addition, each face of the cube can be rotated in four different directions: clockwise, counterclockwise, upward, and downward.

To identify the various positions of the pieces on the cube, it is useful to use the official notation of the Rubik's Cube. This notation uses the following symbols:

• F: front
• B: back
• R: right
• L: left
• U: up
• D: down

In addition, these symbols can be combined with an apostrophe ('), which indicates a counterclockwise rotation, or with the number 2, which indicates a 180-degree rotation.

For example, the notation F' indicates a counterclockwise rotation of the front face, while the notation U2 indicates a 180-degree rotation of the up face.

Now that we know the structure of the Rubik's Cube and its official notation, we are ready to learn how to solve it!

The Notation of the Rubik's Cube

To solve the Rubik's Cube, it is necessary to know the notation used to describe the movements of its layers. This notation consists of letters and symbols that indicate which layer should be rotated and in which direction.

The Letters of Notation

The six faces of the cube are indicated by the following letters:

• F: front
• B: back
• R: right (right face)
• L: left (left face)
• U: up (upper face)
• D: down (lower face)

Each letter indicates a quarter turn in the clockwise direction of the corresponding face. For example, the letter F indicates a rotation of 90 degrees of the front face in the clockwise direction.

The notation symbols

To indicate a rotation other than a quarter turn, the following symbols are used:

• ': apostrophe, indicates a rotation of 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction of the corresponding face. For example, F' indicates a rotation of 90 degrees of the front face in the counterclockwise direction.
• 2: number, indicates a rotation of 180 degrees of the corresponding face. For example, F2 indicates a rotation of 180 degrees of the front face.

You can combine letters and symbols to describe sequences of movements. For example, the sequence "R U R' U'" indicates a rotation of 90 degrees of the right face, followed by a rotation of 90 degrees of the upper face in the clockwise direction, then a rotation of 90 degrees of the right face in the counterclockwise direction and finally a rotation of 90 degrees of the upper face in the counterclockwise direction.

Knowing Rubik's cube notation is essential to solve the puzzle efficiently. Once you have mastered this notation, you can move on to the next phase: learning the algorithms to solve the cube.

The fundamental moves to solve the Rubik's cube

To solve the Rubik's cube, you need to learn some fundamental moves. These moves are the basis for solving any combination of cubes and can be used in different sequences to achieve the final goal.

Move 1: Cross

The first move to learn is called "Cross". The goal of this move is to create a cross on the upper side of the cube that has the same color as the center of the upper face. To do this, you need to observe the side pieces and position them so that they match the color of the center of the upper face. Once you have done this, you need to rotate the side pieces to align the cross with the center of the upper face.

Move 2: Corners

After creating the cross, you need to focus on "corners" (the corners) of the cube. The goal here is to position all corners in their correct position on the upper face. To do this, you need to use a sequence of moves that involves rotating corners and side pieces.

Move 3: Second Layer

After completing the first phase, you need to focus on the "second layer" of the cube. The goal here is to complete the second layer by positioning side pieces in their correct position. To do this, you need to use a sequence of moves that involves rotating corners and side pieces.

Move 4: Top Layer

The final phase consists of solving the last layer of the cube. The goal here is to position all pieces of the upper face in their correct position. This can be done using a sequence of moves that involves rotating corners and side pieces.

• For example, to move a single piece from the third to the fourth row, you can use this sequence:
• R U R' U'
• This sequence rotates the piece clockwise and moves it to the next row.

By following these basic moves, you can solve any combination of Rubik's cubes. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't give up if you can't solve it right away!

Solving the first layer

The first step in solving the Rubik's cube is to solve the first layer. This may seem difficult at first, but with a little practice it will become easier.

Step 1: Solve the white cross

To solve the white cross, you need to position the white pieces on the correct sides of the cube. Start by looking for the central white piece and position it on the bottom of the cube. Then, look for other pieces that have white as their color and position them so that they are aligned with the white center.

If you have difficulty finding the white pieces, try rotating different faces of the cube until you see one of the pieces you are looking for. Once found, move it to its correct position using appropriate moves.

Continue positioning the white pieces until you have a complete cross on the top side of the cube.

Step 2: Positioning first layer corners

After completing the white cross, you need to position first layer corners correctly. To do this, look for corners that have white as their color and position them so that they are aligned with the white cross.

In some cases, you may need to move the corners to the bottom of the cube to position them correctly. Use appropriate moves to do this, then return to the top position and check if they have been positioned correctly.

Step 3: Positioning first layer central pieces

The last step in solving the first layer is to position the central pieces. These pieces are those that do not have white as their color and are located between the corners of the first layer.

To position these pieces, look for those that have the same center color as nearby corners and position them so that they are aligned with the white cross and corners of the first layer.

Continue repeating these steps until you have completed the first layer of Rubik's cube.

• Solve the white cross;
• Position first layer corners;
• Position first layer central pieces.

Remember that it may seem difficult at first, but with a little practice it will become easier. Don't give up!

Solving the second layer

After solving the first layer of Rubik's cube, it's time to move on to the second layer. This stage will require a little more time and attention than the first one, but with a little practice you will be able to solve it without too many problems.

Step 1: Solving the second layer cross

The first step to solving the second layer is to complete the cross on the top face of the cube. In this case, however, you won't have to worry about colors, but rather about the positions of the pieces.

Firstly, identify one of the side pieces that form the cross on the first layer and look at the color of the face above it. Then, rotate the cube so that this color is on the front face and find the other three side pieces that complete the cross.

Once you have found all four side pieces, you need to move them into their correct positions. To do this, turn the top face until you have two adjacent pieces in the same row and then execute the following sequence:

• F (front)
• R' (right turn)
• U (up)
• R (right turn)
• U' (inverse up)
• F' (inverse front)

Repeat this sequence until you have completed the second layer cross.

Step 2: Positioning the second layer side pieces

Now that you have completed the second layer cross, your next step is to position all four side pieces in their correct positions. In this case, pay attention to both colors and angles.

To start with, identify a side piece on the front face of the cube and look at the color of its adjacent upper face. Then, rotate the upper face until you find another side piece with the same color on the front face.

At this point, execute the following sequence to move the first piece into its correct position:

• U' (inverse up)
• L' (inverse left)
• U (up)
• L (left)
• U (up)
• F (front)
• U' (inverse up)
• F' (inverse front)

Repeat this sequence for the other three side pieces of the second layer, paying attention to their correct positions relative to the angles of the cube.

Solving the third layer

The third layer of the Rubik's Cube is the final step in completing it. At this point, you should have two layers solved and only one last layer remaining.

Step 1: Positioning the edges

The first thing to do is to position all edges in their correct place. In this step, we don't care about their orientation. To position all edges, follow these steps:

• Find an edge that is out of place.
• Orientate it so that it is parallel to its correct position.
• Execute the following algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'.

Repeat these steps until all edges are in their correct positions.

Step 2: Orienting the corners

Now we need to orientate all corners of the last layer. There are three possible situations:

• Already oriented corner: If the corner is already oriented in the correct direction, move the cube so that the corner is in the top right position and perform the following algorithm: U R U' L' U R' U' L. Repeat this step until all corners are oriented correctly.
• Wrong corner: If the corner is in the wrong position, move the cube so that the corner is in the top right position and perform the following algorithm: U R U' L' U R' U' L. Repeat this step until all corners are oriented correctly.
• Correctly oriented but in wrong position: If the corner is in the wrong position but oriented correctly, move the cube so that the corner is in the top right position and perform the following algorithm: R U2 R' U2 R U R'. This will rotate the corner to its correct position. Repeat this step until all corners are in their correct positions.

You're almost done solving your Rubik's Cube!

Step 3: Positioning Corners

The final step involves positioning the corners in their correct order. Follow these steps:

• Find a corner that is out of place.
• Position the cube so that the corner is in the top right position.
• Perform the following algorithm: R U R' U R U2 R'.

Repeat these steps until all corners are in their correct positions.

Conclusion

Solving the Rubik's Cube may seem like an impossible task at first, but with the right strategy and a lot of practice, it is possible. Don't get discouraged if you can't solve it immediately; it takes time and dedication to become skilled at solving the cube.

Remember that the key to solving the Rubik's Cube is understanding how it works and developing a consistent strategy. Start by learning the basic movements of the cube, then learn the algorithms needed to solve it. Practice consistently until you can solve it without any help.

Additionally, don't forget that solving the Rubik's Cube is also a great way to improve your cognitive skills such as visual memory and problem-solving.

• Always remember to stay calm and patient when tackling the Rubik's Cube.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek online tutorials if you need further assistance.
• And most importantly, have fun! Solving the Rubik's Cube can be very rewarding and satisfying.

We're confident that with these tips, you'll soon be able to solve your Rubik's Cube quickly and efficiently!