Step by Step

When learning how to solve a rubik's cube, there are many different ways to consider. The easiest way to understand is probably the algorithm method. This method utilizes different sequences of moves, or algorithms, to solve each layer of the cube one by one until the final product is achieved. If an algorithm is repeated enough times, it will put the cube back in its original state before the first algorithm was performed. There are seven main algorithms to use when learning how to solve a rubik's cube.

1)      Fi  U Li Ui

2)      Ri Di R D

3)      U R Ui Ri Ui Fi U F

4)      Ui Li U L U F Ui Fi

5)      F R U Ri Ui Fi

6)      R U Ri U R UU Ri U

7)      U R Ui Li U Ri Ui L

Where

F refers to turning the front face 90 degrees clockwise.

U refers to turning the up face 90 degrees clockwise.

D refers to turning the down face 90 degrees clockwise.

R refers to turning the right face 90 degrees clockwise.

L refers to turning the left face 90 degrees clockwise.

All with respect to that face, meaning that if making the move “R”, the right side is being turned clockwise as the right face is, frankly, facing you. When an “I” is added next to a letter, it means inverted. When you see a letter with an i, you just perform the same move, except in a counterclockwise motion. So for example, when performing the algorithm Fi U Li Ui, or front inverted, up, left inverted, up inverted, first you turn the front face counterclockwise 90 degrees, then the up face 90 degrees clockwise, left face 90 degrees counterclockwise, followed by a 90 degree turn of the up face counterclockwise. To simplify some of these algorithms, the following moves correspond to the letters:

F= Moving the front face one turn to the right

Fi= Moving the front face one turn to the left

U= The easiest way to do the U, Ui, D, and Di moves is to have the cube in both hands, with the index fingers resting on the up later and the ring ringers resting on the bottom layer. A U movie would simply consist of pushing in on the cube with the right index finger to complete one move.

Ui=Pushing in on the cube with the left index finger to complete one move counterclockwise.

D=Pushing in on the bottom layer with the LEFT ring finger to complete one turn where the down face turns clockwise. This one particularly gave me trouble visualizing the clockwise and counterclockwise turns, so pay special attention to the way you’re turning.

Di= Pushing in on the bottom layer with the RIGHT ring finger to complete one counterclockwise move of the down face.

R=Turning the right face one move AWAY from you.

Ri=Turning the right face one move TOWARD you.

L= Moving the left face one move TOWARD you

Li=Moving the left face one move AWAY from you.

When learning how to solve a rubik's cube, knowing when and how to use these algorithms, solving the rubix cube can become mere habbit. If you are serious about solving the cube, I would suggest memorizing the seven algorithms before moving on to how to actually solve the cube. It will make your life a whole lot easier.