Thank you so much for enrolling in Cubiversity. We are honored to join you in your journey from cube novice to cube master. In this e-book you will find all of the information you need to get started on that journey. However, Cubiversity is more than just a book…in fact Cubiveristy is a multimedia learning experience! This book is a companion to the Cubiverisity album. The Cubiversity album is a full length album full of catchy songs. These songs will not only walk you through every step, but will also help you memorize all of those tricky but crucial algorithms that help make up the cube-solving process. In fact, this book will be referencing tracks from the album, so have those earbuds handy! Believe it or not, the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ve also produced a video series that goes hand in hand with this book and our album. You can find more information about all of these great tools at www.cubiversity.com.
1
WELCOME TO
Cubiversity 101 Syllabus 3 Terminology 5 Learn Your Cube 7 The White Cross 9 The First Layer 13 The Second Layer 17 The Yellow Cross 19 The Yellow Top 21 Solve Remaining Corners 23 The Finishing Move 25 Cheat Sheet
2
TERMINOLOGY Here is a illustrated guide to the terminology used in this program. Each move has a corresponding letter. For instance, “R” means the “Right
Axis” of the cube.
Each move is clockwise, unless the letter is followed by and then the move is counter
clockwise.
For example, “F” is the “Front clockwise.
“Prime,”
Face” of the cube turned once
“F’ ” (F Prime) is the “Front Face” of the cube turned counter clockwise. If the designated letter is lowercase, for example, “r,” it includes the center axis along with the right axis. Below is an illustrated key to understand the moves. If the letter is accompanied by a number, you turn the axis in relation to the number. For example, “U2” is two turns of the
3
“Upper Face.”
Front
R
R’
L
L’
F
F’
B
B’
U
U’
f
f’
4
CENTER PIECES 1 Color Center of sides 6 Total Pieces
EDGE PIECES 2 Colors Adjacent to center pieces 12 Total Pieces
CORNER PIECES 3 Colors Center of cube 8 Total Pieces
“Remember: The center pieces do not move. This means whatever color the center cubie is, that is what color that side will ultimately be when solved.”
TRACK #1
5
“Get To Know Your Cube”
LEARN YOUR
CUBE At Cubiversity, knowledge is key. We think that it is important to understand how your cube works before you begin to solve it. With this in mind, let’s learn our cube.
cubie with a yellow and blue color, that is an edge piece. Last, there are corner pieces. The corner pieces are cubies that have three colors and are located on the corners of the cube. For example, a corner piece may have a red, green, and white sticker.
The Rubik’s cube is often referenced as the world’s toughest puzzle. But in reality, the puzzle itself is quite simple. The Rubik’s cube contains 6 sides and 54 faces. A cubie is one piece of the cube. For example, each face has one cubie unique to it’s side, but shares all the other pieces with another side. There are 26 total cubies on your cube.
Some of your cubes will have stickers, but the newer cubes are typically made entirely of plastic. We recommend the newest version of the official Rubik’s Cube with no stickers. The inner mechanism has been refined and the new cubes turn very well. Plus, you never have to worry about someone giving you a hard time claiming that you peeled the stickers off and replaced them in the correct order (which by the way is virtually impossible to do, and arguably more difficult than actually solving one – I don’t even believe that it has ever been done in a believable manner. I have tried it... but I digress).
The cube is made up of three types of cubies. First, there are centers. These are the middle cubie on each side of the cube. These cubes do not move. For example, If you are looking at the side with the blue center, that will always be the blue side. If you are looking at the side with the orange center, that will always be the orange side. Secondly, there are edge pieces. The edge piece is any cubie that has two different color stickers. For example, if you see a
Now that you know a little bit about your cube, let’s begin solving it, shall we?
6
THE WHITE CROSS
Reversed View
The first step to solving the Rubiks Cube is completing a White cross. This is a completely intuitive step. Each of your cross solves will be different. Lets begin. Hold your cube with White center (logo cubie) facing you. The goal of this step is to move the four white edge pieces into a cross shape. The pieces must be placed in the correct order to move on to the next step. For example, the White/Red edge piece must be placed between the White and Red center, and so on. (See cube left of page title) Lets begin by solving the cubies in this order: Red, Green, Orange, Blue. First, Locate the Red/ White Cubie. Place it in the
“Practice this step by picking any cubie and moving it to another chosen destination. Eventually, it will click.”
top layer with its white side adjacent to the white center. Orient the top layer so that the cubie is in between the White and Red centers. Continue these steps in the order Red Green Orange Blue. Next the green/white. Then the Orange/ white. And finally, the blue/ white. (See example on opposite page) Remember to only work in an “unsolved” axis so not to “undo” any previous work. When you are finished, your cube should look like the example at the top of page. (Our White Cross video will be very helpful in this process) Once you are comfortable solving the white cross each and every time with the correct orientation to their colored centers, move on to the next step.
TRACK #2
7
“The White Cross”
BOTTOM
1
2
1
BOTTOM
2
WHITE CUBIE ON BOTTOM EDGE LAYER
3 8
WHITE CUBIE ON BOTTOM EDGE LAYER
3
THE FIRST LAYER
Reversed View
Once you can solve the white cross from a randomly mixed cube, its time to move on. First, turn the cube over so that your solved cross is on the bottom. You will notice that the Yellow center is on top now. This is how your cube will remain oriented for the remainder of the solve. Step two involves locating and correctly positioning the four corner pieces that contain a white sticker. First, locate each of the four cubies that you are going to position. You will notice that along with a white side, each corner piece has two other colors. These colors represent where the corner pieces will end up. for example, the white / green / red piece will end up between the red and green edge pieces.
In a perfect case, Your corner piece will be in the top layer and oriented with the white square facing either left or right. Another possibility is that white side will be facing up, or that the corner piece will be in the bottom layer. For the first scenario, the corner piece is in the top layer and the white square is facing right. (See #1) Position this piece on top of the row where the cubie will end up. Perform algorithm A.
R U R’ The corner piece is now solved. Continue looking in the top layer for another corner piece with a white side. In this scenario, the cubie we are moving is in the top layer with the white square facing the left. (See #2) Once again, position this cubie on top of the row where it will end up. with your left hand, perform algorithm B.
“Onions have many layers, but for now, let’s focus on the first.”
TRACK #3
9
“The First Layer”
(See #4) You can place this cube into the top layer by performing either one of the previous algorithms.
L’ U’ L The cubie has been solved. In the case that the correct corner piece is in the top layer, but the white square is on the top, perform the same principle but move the upper layer twice. (See #3) For example, perform algorithm C.
Now the corner piece is oriented correctly to solve with the previous method. (See #2) Move the piece back over the row it will end up, and perform algorithm B.
1
2
L’ U’ L
Remember to only move the positions that you are working with to not undo any previous work.
A third scenario is that the cubie is in the first layer in the incorrect position.
nt
In the example of #4, you would perform algorithm B.
Be careful to make sure the cubie is placed in the top layer with the white square facing left or right to enable proper placement. Once cubie is in top layer, solve using previous algorithm.
L’ U’2, L
Fro
R U R’ or L’ U’ L
Here are some examples.
t
on
Fr
3
t
on
Fr
4
t
on
Fr
A U
R
10
R’
Continue to next page
THE FIRST LAYER B L’
U’
L
L’
U2
L
C
11
Listen to the tracks to memorize the algorithms!
“Mix it back up. Don’t move on until you have this one down!”
12
THE SECOND LAYER In this step we will be positioning the remaining four pieces to complete the second layer. (See cube Ex. left of Page title) First, locate the four edge pieces that do not contain a yellow sticker. We know that if there is yellow on the cubie, it will be in the final layer, so that piece will not be relevant to us right now. There two cases for our edge pieces. In the first case, the edge piece is located in the top layer of your cube. (See #1) There are two possible algorithms in this step depending on which direction you need to move the edge piece. To begin, locate an edge cubie that doesn’t contain yellow and align it with its center color. For example (as in #1), if you are working with the Blue / Red cubie, and the red side is
on the front face, align the red side with the red center. In this example, since the blue color is on top, we will be moving AWAY from the blue center. Perform algorithm A.
U’ L’ U’ L U Now solve your white corner piece from the previous step and you will notice that the correct edge piece will be moved into position. Remember to always move the edge piece AWAY from the side that matches its top color. If the Orange / Blue edge piece is in the top layer with the orange color on top, align the blue side with the blue center and perform algorithm A.
U’ L’ U’ L U. If the blue side is facing the top, align the orange side with the orange center,
“First is the worst, second is the best.”
TRACK #4
13
“The Second Layer”
and perform algorithm B.
pieces in the top layer will contain a yellow color. You will need to move an edge piece from the second layer into the top. (See #2) If the edge piece is on the right side, simply perform algorithm C.
U R U R’ U’ Then solve the white corner piece as previously learned and your edge piece will be moved into the correct position. TIP: whatever the top color is on the edge piece you are moving, use that hand that matches the center color. For example, with the orange/green edge piece, if the orange color is on top, the orange center will be on your right. Use your right hand to perform the algorithm. If the green side is on top, the green center will be to your left. Use your left hand. In the second scenario, all of the edge
R U R’ Immediately re-solve the white corner piece and you have successfully moved an edge into the top layer. If the edge piece is in the left side, perform algorithm D.
L’ U’ L Reposition the white corner back into the first layer and then solve the edge piece with the method discussed here.
1 A
2 U’
U’
L’
L
U
14
THE SECOND LAYER B
U
R
R’
U’
“Remember to always move the edge piece AWAY from the side that matches its top color.”
U
15
C
R
U
R’
L’
U’
L
D
16
THE YELLOW CROSS Now that you have the first two layers solved, the next step in our journey is to complete a yellow cross on the top of the cube. You will see one of four cases on the top side of your cube.
final scenario is a single yellow center. (See #3) In the first case, position the yellow line to run horizontally. (See #1) Perform algorithm A. F R U R’ U’ F’
The best case scenario is that the Yellow Cross is already solved. In some cases, you will solve the first two layers and your yellow cross will be complete. If this is true, you can skip this step. However, It is very important to learn this process because you will not happen into this scenario on every solve.
In the second case, position the top layer so that it makes a proper lower case r. (See #2) Perform algorithm B. f R U R’ U’ f’ (note: the lower case f represents the front two layers being turned as one axis).
There are three other scenarios that you can encounter during this step.
In the third case of a single yellow center, perform algorithm A followed by algorithm B.
In the first scenario, there will be a yellow line. (See #1) The second scenario is a yellow r. (See #2) The
“Listen to track # 6 on the Cubiveristy Album to help you memorize The Yellow Cross!”
F R U R’ U’ F’ - f R U R’ U’ f’ Once you have a yellow cross, move to the next step!
TRACK #5
17
“The Yellow Cross”
1 A
B
2
3
F
R
U
R’
U’
F’
f
R
U
R’
U’
f’
18
THE YELLOW TOP In this step, there is one algorithm to learn. In this step we are looking for a yellow fish. (See #2) If you have a yellow fish, point the fish to the bottom left, and perform algorithm A.
R U R’ U R U2 R’. If it does not solve the yellow top, reposition the fish to the lower left once more and perform the algorithm again. If you do not have a yellow fish, position the cross so that a yellow cubie is facing left in the lower left corner of the top layer. (See #1) The pattern on
the top of your cube is not important. Perform algorithm A.
R U R’ U R U2 R’ Once you see the fish, point it to the lower left and repeat the algorithm A. Note: Make sure you position the fish to the lower left hand corner before repeating the algorithm. (See #2) Once you have the Yellow Top, let’s move on!
“Note: You may need to perform this algorithm 3 times.”
TRACK #6
19
“The Yellow Top”
1 A
2
R
U
R’
U
R
U2
R’
20
SOLVE
REMAINING
CORNERS In this step, there is one algorithm to learn. It is possible that the corners will be solved after completing the Yellow Top. If this is the case, you may skip this step. However, it is important to learn this process because the corners will not be correctly oriented in every solve. If one pair of corners is solved, place the solved pair to the back side of cube (See #1). Perform algorithm A.
If you do not have any corners solved, perform algorithm A. On completion of algorithm A, you will have completed one solved pair of corners. Position the solved pair to back side of cube (See #1), and repeat the algorithm A. Once your corners are oriented correctly, move to the final step! REMINDER: B2 = perform the move 2 times.
R’ F R’ B2 R F’ R’ B2 R2. This will solve all of your remaining corners.
“Getting closer.”
TRACK #7
21
“Solve Remaining Corners”
SOLVED CORNERS IN BACK
1 A
R’
F
R’
B2
R
F’
R’
B2
22
R
THE
FINISHING
MOVE It is possible that after performing the previous step, your cube will be solved!
If one side is solved, place the solved side to to back of the cube, and perform algorithm A.
This step is to correctly position the edge pieces in the top and final layer of the cube.
R U’ R U R U R U’ R’ U’ R2
You will run into two scenarios here. First, you will have corners on all four sides solved, but all four edge pieces will need to be oriented. (See #1)
If no sides are solved, perform algorithm A, then place solved side to back of cube, and repeat algorithm A.
Second, you will have the corners solved on all four sides as well as one edge piece correctly oriented, or one side completely solved. (See #2)
Congratulations. Mix up your cube as fast as you can. Let’s do it again! Step 1
“A cuber you are. Finished, it is.”
TRACK #8
23
“The Finishing Move”
ALL FOUR CORNERS ARE SOLVED
A
1
ALL FOUR CORNERS AND BACK EDGE ARE SOLVED
2
(BACK SIDE IS COMPLETE)
R
U’
R
U
R
U
R
U’
R’
U’
R2
24
CHEAT SHEET
THE FIRST LAYER A
R
THE SECOND LAYER U
R’
A
U’
L’
L’
U’
U
R
R’ L’
U2
A
F
R
U
R’
U’
F’
f
R
U
R’
U’
f’
L
B
C
U’
U
L
B
THE YELLOW CROSS
U
U’
L
C
D
R
U
L’
U’
25
R’
L
B
THE YELLOW TOP A
THE
CORNERS
MOVE
REMAINING
R
U
R’
U
R
U2
R’
SOLVE A
R’
FINISHING
F
R’
B2
R
F’
R’
B2
R
A
R
U’
R
U
R
U
R
U’
R’
U’
26
R2
27
Can’t get enough Cubiversity? Check out www.cubiversity.com for more cool stuff! Join the Cubiversity conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages.