Question

How to solve a Rubik's cube

Answer 1

Solving a Rubik's Cube can be a fun and rewarding challenge! Here’s a beginner-friendly method known as the layer-by-layer (LBL) method. This approach breaks the solving process down into manageable stages.

### Steps to Solve a Rubik's Cube:

#### Step 1: Understand the Cube
- **Pieces**: A Rubik’s Cube has 26 smaller pieces: 8 corner pieces, 12 edge pieces, and 6 center pieces which do not move. Each face of the cube has a different color.

#### Step 2: Make the White Cross
1. **Select the white face**: Start by making a white cross on the top face.
2. **Align the edges**: Make sure the edge pieces are also aligned with the center colors on the adjacent sides.

#### Step 3: Solve the White Corners
1. **Find a white corner piece**: Look for a corner piece in the bottom layer that has white on it.
2. **Position it**: Maneuver it to the bottom-right position of where you want it to go on the top face.
3. **Use the R U Ri U algorithm**: Repeat this algorithm until the corner piece is at the top:
- R (Right face clockwise)
- U (Upper face clockwise)
- Ri (Right face counterclockwise)
- U (Upper face clockwise)

#### Step 4: Solve the Middle Layer Edges
1. **Position the edge**: Find a non-yellow edge piece in the top layer that needs to go into the middle layer.
2. **Use the appropriate algorithm** based on whether it needs to go left or right:
- For left: U L' U' L U F U' F'
- For right: U R U' R' U' F' U F

#### Step 5: Make the Yellow Cross
1. **Get a yellow cross**: You’ll need to flip the yellow edges on the top layer to form a cross.
2. **Use the F R U R' U' F' algorithm**: Apply it until you get a cross, regardless of the corner pieces.

#### Step 6: Position the Yellow Edges
1. **Align yellow edges**: Ensure the yellow edges are in the correct position (even if they aren't flipped correctly).
2. **Use this algorithm**: Hold the cube so two yellow edges are correctly positioned, then use:
- R U R' U R U2 R' U

#### Step 7: Position the Yellow Corners
1. **Locate corners**: Look for corners that are in the right position, regardless of orientation.
2. **Use the algorithm**: Hold one of the correctly positioned corners at the front right and repeat:
- U R U' L' U R' U' L

#### Step 8: Orient the Yellow Corners
1. **Flip the remaining yellow corners**: Use the R U Ri U algorithm until each corner is oriented correctly. You may need to reposition the cube to continue flipping corners.

### Final Step
- **Adjustments**: Once all corners and edges are oriented correctly, your cube should be solved!

### Additional Tips:
- Practice is key! It might take several attempts to get the hang of it.
- You can also look for online tutorials and videos for visual guidance.
- Once you master the beginner method, consider learning advanced techniques like CFOP, Roux, or ZZ methods for speedcubing.

Good luck, and enjoy solving your Rubik's Cube!