If you've ever been mesmerized by the colorful puzzle that is the Rubik's Cube, you're not alone.
For decades, this iconic 3x3 puzzle has puzzled people of all ages, but fear not!
In this guide, we will break down the steps to help you solve the Rubik's Cube as a beginner.
Whether you've never touched a cube before or you've tried to solve it and got stuck, this article will walk you through the basics with clear, simple steps.
The Rubik's Cube is a 3x3x3 puzzle made up of 26 smaller squares, each of which has a single color. It is made up of six faces, each containing a 3x3 grid. The goal of the puzzle is to rearrange the colors until each face of the cube is a single, solid color. It may seem impossible at first, but with a bit of practice and a few techniques, you'll be solving it like a pro!
To solve the Rubik's Cube, we'll use a method called the Layer-by-Layer method, which is the easiest and most common method for beginners. It involves solving the cube one layer at a time: the first layer, the middle layer, and then the last layer.
Step 1: Solve the White Cross
The first step is to solve the white cross on the top face. The white cross is made up of white edge pieces (pieces with two colors, including white). The key here is to match both the white and the adjacent colors correctly. Once you've placed the four white edge pieces around the white center piece, you're ready for the next step.
Step 2: Solve the White Corners
Now, move on to solving the white corners. These are the pieces with three colors, including white. Position them one by one in the correct place to form a solid white layer on the top face. This step requires a little twisting, but don't worry, you'll be able to figure it out with a bit of practice.
Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer Edges
Once the top white layer is completed, it's time to focus on the middle layer. The goal here is to move the edge pieces into their correct positions without disturbing the solved white layer. This part of the process involves a few different moves, but don't worry—it's a matter of following a few simple algorithms (set sequences of moves).
Step 4: Solve the Yellow Cross
After the middle layer is solved, you'll move on to the yellow face (the opposite side of white). The goal is to form a yellow cross on the top layer, similar to what you did with the white face. At this point, it's important to follow the algorithms to move the yellow edge pieces into place without disrupting the white face.
Step 5: Solve the Yellow Corners
Next, solve the yellow corners. You want to get the yellow corner pieces in their correct spots, even if they're not oriented the right way yet. This step might take a few tries to get everything in place, but with patience, you'll get there.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Finally, the last step is orienting the yellow corners so that all the yellow stickers are facing upwards. This can take a little twisting, but once the yellow corners are oriented correctly, you'll have completed your first Rubik's Cube!
- Stay Calm and Don't Rush: It's easy to get frustrated when you first start, but take your time. Practice will help you get better with each attempt.
- Use Algorithms: As you get more comfortable with the Rubik's Cube, you'll learn more algorithms, which will speed up your solving time.
- Watch Videos: Sometimes it's easier to watch a visual guide. There are plenty of great tutorials on YouTube that will demonstrate these steps in real-time.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be discouraged if it takes a while to solve your first cube. It's all about learning the steps and practicing them until they become second nature.
Solving the Rubik's Cube isn't just about solving a puzzle—it's about improving your problem-solving skills, memory, and even your patience. Many people find it therapeutic, while others enjoy the challenge it presents. As you become more skilled, you may even be able to time yourself and solve the cube in under a minute!