Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (2024)

Date of: 2012-11-20Editor: Zagumenny Vladislav

Stage 1. Get acquainted with the Rubik's cube.
The names of the parts of the Rubik's Cube:
Rib parts or ribs– parts with two colors. In total, the cube has 12 edge parts located in the middle of the edges.

Corner pieces or corners are parts with three colors. In total, the cube has 8 corner pieces located at the corners.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (1)

Central parts or simply centers– parts with one color. In total, the cube has 6 central parts located in the center of each face. The central parts do not move and represent the colors of their faces.
Centers always opposite each other:

White is the opposite of yellow.
- Orange is the opposite of red.
- Green is the opposite of blue.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (2)

Each side of the cube is denoted by a Latin letter

R- right side - the right side of the cube
L– left side – left side of the cube
U- top face - the top side of the cube
D- lower face - the lower side of the cube
F- front face - the front side of the cube
B back face - the back side of the cube.
Comment: the letter "i" after the letter of the face means reverse movement or movement counterclockwise when looking directly at the face.

Very important
When performing the movements below, keep the cube fully turned with one side towards you, as shown in the figure. The dark gray color in the pictures means that the actual color of these parts does not matter. Every movement is one fourth of a full turn 360 degrees.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (3)

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (4)

Stage 2. Assemble the white cross.

Task: Holding your die so that the white center is on the top face (U), you must complete the white cross as shown in the picture below. Most of this stage is achieved by trial and error, but there are still a few tips.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (5)

Hints:
Be sure to remember that you need to collect the parts of the white cross in the following order - blue, orange, green, red.
Notice how the edges in the image above blend in with the top white center and the side red or blue center. This way you can easily determine that the edges are in the right places.
Keeping the white center position on the top face, move the white/blue edge to the bottom face (D). Next, rotate the bottom face until the white/blue edge is directly under the blue center. Now take the die so that the blue center and white/blue edge are on the right side (R).
Rotate the right side (R), Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (6)until the blue/white edge is on the top(U) face above the blue center.
If your die looks like the one below, then take the die so that the orange center is on the right side, and assemble the side with the orange center in the same way.
If your die looks like the one below, then follow the sequence below, making sure the blue center is on the right (R) side.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (7)

In the same way, the remaining parts of the white cross are assembled.

Congratulations!
If your die has a white cross the same as in the picture, then you can go to stage 3!

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (8)
Stage 3. We collect white corners.

Task: take the die so that the white cross is on the top face (U). Now you have to collect the white corners, and get a cube like in the picture below.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (9)

Hints:
The corners will have one white edge and 2 other color edges.
If the corner is already on the bottom face, rotate the bottom face until the corner is directly below where it should be. After that, your cube may look like one of the 3 pictures below.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (10)

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (11)

Repeat the whole process for all four corners.
If the corner is located on the top face, then move it to the bottom face by following the sequence:

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (12)

Now rotate the bottom face until the corner is directly under its location on the top face.

Congratulations!
If your white layer looks like the picture below, then you have completed one third of the cube and you can proceed to stage 4.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (13)

Stage 4. We collect the middle layer.
Task: Take the cube so that the fully assembled white layer is on the bottom face. Now you need to assemble the middle layer by placing the side edges in their places.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (14)

Hints:
Pay attention to the vertical blue stripe (it can also be red, orange, green) - this is critical.
Assemble this vertical stripe by rotating the top face until the color of the edge on the top face without yellow matches the color of the center of the face. The color of the top part of the edge on the top face determines the direction of movement of the edge, that is, in which direction this part should move.
1) If you move the edge in the same direction as in the picture, then follow the sequence of pictures below.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (15)Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (16)

2) If you move the edge in the same direction as in the picture, then follow the sequence of pictures below.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (17)Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (18)

Repeat these steps until all side edges are in place.
Comment: if one of the edges is already in place, but not properly oriented, follow one of the sequences above and it will be in the top layer. After that, follow the appropriate sequence of actions to place the edge back into place in the middle layer.

Congratulations!
If the bottom two layers on your cube look the same as the picture below, you can proceed to stage 5. You have passed two-thirds of the way!

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (19)

Stage 5. We collect the top layer. We get a yellow cross.
Task: compare the state of the yellow face of your die with the patterns below. Then follow the appropriate sequence.
Clue: the yellow parts on the top face should not yet match the color of the side faces.
Step one: Collect the yellow cross.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (20)

Switch to step two and start collecting the corners of the yellow face.

Perform the following sequence of actions:

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (21)

Option 3.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (22)

Option 4.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (23)

Step Two: Make all the corners of the top face yellow.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (24)

Take a look at the top face and match the state of the die with the options below.
If there are no yellow corners on the top yellow side, then you must take the die so that the yellow side of one of the corners is on the left side of the die. See drawing.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (25)

If there is one corner on the yellow face, follow the sequence below.

Option 3. If there is not a single yellow corner on the upper yellow face, and there is also not a single corner that could be used in option 1(that is, all corners have faces on the right). Then take the cube as shown in the picture below. The yellow part of the corner should be on the front face of the cube.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (26)

Follow the sequence below 1, 2 or 3 times to get a fully assembled yellow face. After each execution of the sequence, re-compare the state of your die with the options described above.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (27)

Congratulations!

If your cube looks like the one in the picture, you can go to stage 6!

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (28)

Stage 6. We put the yellow corners in their places.

All the youth of the city were so in love
to the secretary of the local communal committee, that this prevented her from collecting membership dues.

After the publication of the story with the history of the creation of the Rubik's Cube, the blog began to receive requests for " how to solve a rubik's cube», « assembly scheme 3x3"and even by" secrets of the rubik's cube for beginners". The afflicted with burning eyes, constantly rotating five dice in each hand, conjured: “Give me! Give us a diagram with pictures! Give us back peace, sound sleep and healthy digestion!”.

I must admit that in the first days I was a little stunned by such an influx of cube fans. And at first he patiently explained to each Rubicompanist commentator that here about how the object of their passion appeared, and they write about assembly schemes in other places. Then I gave up.

As a lazy person, I decided to do something simple: give those who wish what they want and wash their hands. This is how this page came about. Enjoy.

Rubik's Cube Schemes. For beginners

Rubik's Cube 2x2: Very simple instruction and assembly diagram in 3 steps. (PDF, 217 Kb).
In general, the solving of the 2x2 Rubik's Cube is built on the logic of solving the last layer of the 3x3 Rubik's Cube, so for those who have mastered the 3x3, tips and tricks on how to solve the 2x2 Rubik's Cube most likely will not be needed.

Rubik's Cube 3x3: Translation of the original instructions and assembly diagram. (PDF, 898 Kb)

Rubik's Cube 3x3: Assembly scheme on 1 A4 sheet (author A. Pechenkin). (PDF, 1.25 Mb)

Rubik's Cube 3x3: Algorithm of 7 steps how to solve the Rubik's Cube. Version from in Belarus. (PDF, 2.8 Mb)

Rubik's Cube 4x4: Assembly scheme in three stages - central cubes, side cubes, all together by analogy with the assembly of a 3x3 cube. (PDF, 897 Kb). You will need the ability to solve a 3x3 cube.

Rubik's Cube 4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 7x7... 11x11: Author's algorithm Konishcheva GV, Magnitogorsk . A universal algorithm by which you can solve a Rubik's cube 4x4, 5x5 and more, up to 11x11. (PDF, 1.8 Mb)

Rubik's Cube 5x5: Assembly scheme in four stages - the first layer, then the corners, the outline and finally the central layers. (PDF, 1.4 Mb).

Famous articles about the Rubik's Cube that appeared in popular magazines during the Soviet era:

From tatya from magazine "" How to solve a Rubik's Cube:

1981 (PDF, 355 Kb)

1982 (PDF, 466 Kb)

1983 (PDF, 318 Kb)

1983 (PDF, 634 Kb)

1985 (PDF, 924 Kb)

1985 (PDF, 220 Kb)

From tatya from magazine "" about Rubik's Cube:

1980 No. 12 (PDF, 687 Kb)

1982 No. 3 (PDF, 1.7 Mb)

1982 No. 7 (PDF, 1 Mb)

1982 No. 8 (PDF, 1.4 Mb)

1983 No. 9 (PDF, 2 Mb)

From tatya from magazine " Junior Technician» about the Rubik's Cube: : Booklet on English language(PDF, 943 Kb)

Rubik's Tic-Tac-Toe (Rubik's Tac Toe): Instructions for the game. (PDF, 184 Kb)

If you have other options for Rubik's cube algorithms, descriptions of Rubik's puzzles or methods for their assembly, send them to us and we will publish them on this page or add a link to your site.

TOP 10 world records for solving the Rubik's cube for speed:

Before you begin to study the algorithm for assembling the Rubik's Cube game, you need to find out the history of its occurrence. The cube was invented by the Hungarian professor and sculptor Erno Rubik in order to explain the basics of mathematics to his students.

However, the mathematics of the Rubik's Cube soon struck the minds of others, including Tibor Lakzi, who was busy promoting the game. By the end of the 20th century, assembling the Rubik's Cube had become a new hobby for many, and the circulation of the game exceeded one hundred million copies. The world record was set by Mats Volk. He solves the best Rubik's cube in 5.55 seconds.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (29)

How to disassemble a Rubik's Cube if it is already assembled and why is it needed? The structure should be disassembled in order to make sure that all the parts are arranged correctly. To do this, you need to mechanically arrange the parts in their places and only then proceed to the initial stage.

What are Rubik's Cubes? It should be said that the varieties of the Rubik's Cube range from 2x2 to 7x7 inclusive.

The types of Rubik's cube are also diverse. For example, there is a very original Rubik's cube - in the form of a 3 d pyramid, munks, mirror cube rubik. However, the 3x3 Rubik's Cube puzzle is most often used.

Before you learn how to assemble a disassembled game, it's worth learning a little theory for beginners. For starters, this is a Rubik's Cube device. The whole cube consists of 6 edges and 12 faces, as well as mounts that hold all parts of the structure.

There are three positions of minor elements:

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (30)

  • Central. There are only 6 such positions, the element is located in the center of the face. One side item belongs to 1 part.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (31)

  • Lateral. Such elements form a cross of 4 pieces on one face. One side position belongs to 2 elements.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (32)

  • Corner. located at the corners of the structure. There are 3 cubes per corner.
    It is also necessary to learn the language in which any formula for solving a Rubik's cube is written. Rubik's cube diagram notation.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (33)

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (34)

After the basic notation has been studied, you can proceed to the assembly of the structure itself.

How to solve a Rubik's cube 3x3 - quickly and easily. The best technique for beginners.

Steps to assemble a Rubik's Cube

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (35)

There is a simple instruction that proves best of all that even a child can fold an ordinary figure, as well as a mirrored Rubik's cube. How to solve a Rubik's cube 3x3 scheme for children - the Friedrich method.

First stage. Assembling a Rubik's Cube always starts with a cross. Assembling an ordinary cross on one of the faces is quite simple, you just have to decide on the color: yellow is most often used. At this stage, you can ignore the position of the colors on the other sides.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (36)

Second phase. The most important thing is to learn how to assemble the right cross. This means that the top elements of the mating sides must have the same color as the central ones of the same faces. If this did not happen, that is, a maximum of two sides did not match, one of the following algorithms should be used.

In this case, an important criterion is that the cross is always at the top.

Third stage. It is necessary to completely assemble one of the sides, that is, put the corners in place. If you turn the cross over and make it the bottom side, you will notice that the upper corners of the adjacent sides contain the one you chose as the basis. Accordingly, there are three options for the position of the yellow element: top, left or right, and for each of them there are their own combinations to combine them with the bottom side.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (37)

In the end, it should turn out that one side is completely ready, and the top layer of each adjacent side and the center have the same color.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (38)

Fourth stage. Before you start collecting a cube for speed, you should remember some more formulas.

First you need to turn the finished side up again. Then scroll the bottom edge so that one of the colors of the side element matches the color of any side and forms the letter “T”. Thus, you will need to move the side cube from the bottom layer to the middle one so that its two colors match the colors of the adjacent sides. In this case, there may be two positions.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (39)

Fifth stage. Now we need to deal with the 3rd layer. First you need to turn the cube so that the “raw” side is on top. If you chose yellow as the main color, then white should be the diametrically located color. You need to apply the following algorithm for a certain position of the cube(s) with white color.

Sixth stage. Assembling a regular cross, in which the colors of the upper face must match with adjacent ones, implies two cases, but if none of the cases is suitable, any algorithm can be taken.

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (40)

Seventh stage. Arranging the corners in your position at this stage will be quite difficult. There can be confusion between the layers here, but with proper assembly, everything will easily fall into place.

Eighth stage. To turn the corners correctly, we need to consider two cases, again related to moving in a circle.

If you need to change the corners crosswise or opposite corners, you can use any of the algorithms.

The same method can be used to assemble a mirrored Rubik's cube. small cube Rubik's cube will be much easier to solve, but the Rubik's cube record will only be considered for the 3x3 option.

Secret Technology

Rubik's cube step by step instructions. How to Solve a Rubik's Cube and Save Your Nervous System (41)

If your goal is to complete a Rubik's Cube in a minute or less, and become the best at it, you need to know some assembly secrets.

  1. It is best to start the assembly by choosing white or yellow as the base.
  2. The correct Rubik's cube technique means that you need to spend as little time as possible turning the cube over. Even if you do it quickly, there will be a difference in precious seconds or milliseconds, which can change the world record. Therefore, many begin the assembly of the initial cross on the bottom face.
  3. A good result is always shown by the one who knows how to look one step ahead - at stages where strong mental stress is not required, one must already think over the next move.
  4. Speed ​​Rubik's Cube 3x3 is different high quality and the ability to rotate, however, for this you can use a special lubricant, even for not very expensive designs.
  5. A professional Rubik's Cube implies the ability to use all fingers when solving, and this often helps to set a new world record.

How to assemble with closed eyes according to the algorithm

How to solve a rubik's cube eyes closed? Just remember a few rules.

  1. Pictures of the Rubik's Cube should always be in memory as before your eyes. To do this, you need to start the assembly each time with the same color and remember that the centers of the sides are always stationary relative to each other.
  2. The invented method of assembling with closed eyes is the best way to quickly start hitting others. The algorithm assumes that you first need to correctly orient the corner elements using the formula “R W R’ W R W2 R’ L’ W’ L W’ L’W2 L”, since each corner contains either white or yellow.
  3. Then you need to do the orientation of the side elements. We need to determine if the element is in the correct orientation. If it is correct, then the color of the element matches the color of sides B and H and does not match the other sides. If the element belongs to the middle layer, then the orientation is correct if the color of the element of the same sides has the F or Z sides.

Thus, by repeating these algorithms, it is possible to arrive at the initial position of all elements. In the same way, you can learn how to collect another unusual look - a mirrored Rubik's cube.

How to solve the Rubik's Cube simple instruction

There are many ways, methods and algorithms for solving the Rubik's Cube. But first, let's try to find out how all these concepts differ and somehow classify it all. So here are some definitions:

Algorithm- a set of instructions describing the procedure for the performer to achieve the result of solving the problem in a finite number of actions. That is, the entire assembly of the Rubik's cube and some specific formula that leads to a certain result can be called an algorithm.

Method synonym in mathematics method, algorithm problem solving, goal achievement. Unlike a field of knowledge or research, it is authorial, that is, created by a specific person or group of people, a scientific or practical school. Therefore, next to the word method you will see its name or the name of the author of this very method.

A set of hom*ogeneous methods is usually called an approach. In the case of the Rubik's Cube, for example, one can distinguish layer by layer assembly, block assembly.

How are the methods different speed assembly from methods for beginners? Everything is simple here, the more formulas you use, the faster you collect the cube. In algorithms for beginners the minimum number of formulas is used, but they are easier to remember.

In general, a cube can be collected from any combination (and there are more than 43 quintillion) in 20 moves (more recently it was thought that in 21), but a person who can immediately calculate the sequence of these actions has not been born yet. Or maybe you will be...

So, the common and not so common methods for solving the Rubik's Cube 3x3, which you can find on the open spaces of the tyrnet with detailed or very detailed instructions from the authors of these methods or their (methods) admirers:

The simplest and easiest way (scheme, method, algorithm) of assembly for beginners

This is a way to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube from the Science and Life magazine No. 5 for 1983, described on many other sites. I also came across this method on the network called “Alexander Pechenkin’s method”, however, it’s not entirely clear why he became its author with a fright ... Perhaps he is simply the author of a common picture describing this one-to-one algorithm. Nevertheless, about a hundred people a month search the RuNet for a Pechenkin assembly diagram, and about five hundred search for a diagram from Science and Life magazine. Know it's the same. This assembly algorithm belongs to the layer-by-layer one, which is easy to see after reviewing its main stages.

Assembly steps for beginners:

  • first layer
    • cross on 1 side
    • corner cubes on 1 side
  • second layer
  • third layer
    • placement of the sides in places (cross)
    • reversal of the sides (correct cross)
    • placement of corners 3 layers in places
    • flip corners 3 layers

The following method is also layered and is also suitable for beginners.

Method of Mikhail Rostovikov.

The first two layers are assembled in the same way as in the previous method, and for the third layer, other formulas (there are more of them) and the assembly order are used. First, in two stages, the "cap" of the third layer is assembled, that is, all the cubes of the upper layer are turned up in one color, without taking into account their placement in places, and then, in the next two stages, these cubes move in their places (first the corner cubes, then sides). After mastering this method, it is easiest to move on to learning one of the most common high-speed assembly methods, the Jessica Friedrich method, since formulas from her method are used here and the general assembly order is close to Jessica's method.

Stages of the Rostovikov Mikhail method:

  • first layer
    • cross on 1 side
    • corner cubes on 1 side
  • second layer
    • placement of rib cubes in places
  • third layer
    • flip corners
    • setting corners
    • installation of side pieces

Simplified speed assembly method.

It can also be classified as layered. First, a cross is assembled on the first side. The next stage combines the assembly of the first and second layers: 4 “columns” are put in place, consisting of the corner cube of the first layer and the edge cube of the second layer adjacent to them. The formulas for this step are also borrowed from Jessica Friedrich's method. Actually, this is all that distinguishes this method from the method of Mikhail Rostovikov. The third layer is assembled in the same way as in his method. Thus, we have already come close to Friedrich's method. Let's then designate the assembly steps as hers.

Stages of high-speed assembly (simplified method):

  1. Cross (cross on 1 side, according to tradition, white)
  2. F2L (First two layers) - assembly of two layers - lower and middle
  3. OLL (Orientation the last layer) - the orientation of the last layer
    • cross on top side 3 layers
    • flip corners
  4. PLL (Permutation the last layer) - permutations of the last layer
    • installation of side pieces
    • setting corners

Jessica Friedrich Speed ​​Method or CFOP

CFOP - by the first letters of the names of the assembly steps: C ross, F 2l, O ll, P ll. (For those who are interested, here is her website) This method, which, by the way, is also layered, allowed her to win the first Czechoslovak Rubik's Cube Championship, which took place in April 1982, but at that time Jessica used fewer formulas. Most of the formulas for this method were developed during the time period between the summer of 1981 and the spring of 1983 (and not only her, by the way). In total, to master this most popular of the speed methods (and maybe of all), you will need to remember at least 119 formulas.

Stages of high-speed assembly according to the method of Jessica Friedrich:

  1. Cross (cross)
  2. F2L (First two layers) - assembly of two layers - lower and middle -41 formula
  3. OLL (Orientation the last layer) - orientation of the last layer - 57 formulas
  4. PLL (Permutation the last layer) - permutations of the last layer - 21 formulas

The human intellect needs constant training no less than the body needs physical activity. The best way to develop, expand the abilities of this quality of the psyche - to solve crossword puzzles and solve puzzles, the most famous of which, of course, is the Rubik's Cube. However, not everyone manages to collect it. Knowledge of the schemes and formulas for solving the assembly of this intricate toy will help to cope with this task.

What is a puzzle toy

Mechanical cube made of plastic, the outer faces of which consist of small cubes. The size of the toy is determined by the number of small elements:

  • 2 x 2;
  • 3 x 3 (the original version of the Rubik's Cube was exactly 3 x 3);
  • 4 x 4;
  • 5 x 5;
  • 6 x 6;
  • 7 x 7;
  • 8 x 8;
  • 9 x 9;
  • 10 x 10;
  • 11 x 11;
  • 13 x 13;
  • 17 x 17.

Any of the small cubes can rotate in three directions along the axes, represented as protrusions of a fragment of one of the three cylinders big cube. So the design has the ability to rotate freely, but at the same time, small parts do not fall out, but hold on to each other.

Each side of the toy includes 9 elements, painted in one of six colors, opposite each other in pairs. The classic combination of shades is:

  • red opposite orange;
  • white opposite yellow;
  • blue opposite green.

However, modern versions may be colored in other combinations.

Today you can find Rubik's cubes of different colors and shapes.

This is interesting. The Rubik's Cube even exists in a version for the blind. There, instead of color squares, there is a relief surface.

The goal of assembling the puzzle is to arrange the small squares so that they form the face of a large cube of the same color.

History of appearance

The idea of ​​​​creation belongs to the Hungarian architect Erne Rubik, who, in fact, did not create a toy, but a visual aid for his students. So interesting way the resourceful teacher planned to explain the theory of mathematical groups (algebraic structures). It happened in 1974, and a year later the invention was patented as a puzzle toy - future architects (and not only them) got so attached to the intricate and bright manual.

The release of the first series of the puzzle was timed to coincide with the new year 1978, but the toy entered the world thanks to the entrepreneurs Tibor Lakzi and Tom Kremer.

This is interesting. Since the appearance of the Rubik's Cube ("magic cube", "magic cube"), about 350 million copies have been sold worldwide, which puts the puzzle in first place in popularity among toys. Not to mention dozens computer games based on this assembly principle.

The Rubik's Cube is an iconic toy for many generations

In the 80s, the inhabitants of the USSR met the Rubik's Cube, and in 1982, the first world championship in assembling a puzzle for speed, speedcubing, was organized in Hungary. Then the best result was 22.95 seconds (for comparison: in 2017 a new world record was set: 4.69 seconds).

This is interesting. Fans of assembling a multi-colored puzzle are so attached to the toy that they find it not enough for them to assemble for speed alone. Therefore, in last years there were championships for solving puzzles with closed eyes, one hand, legs.

What are the formulas for the Rubik's Cube

Collecting a magic cube means arranging all the little details so that you get a whole face of the same color, you need to use God's algorithm. This term refers to a set of minimum actions that will solve a puzzle that has a finite number of moves and combinations.

This is interesting. In addition to the Rubik's Cube, God's algorithm is applied to puzzles such as Meffert's pyramid, Taken, Tower of Hanoi, etc.

Since the Rubik's magic cube was created as a mathematical aid, its assembly is decomposed according to formulas.

The assembly of the Rubik's cube is based on the use of special formulas

Important Definitions

In order to learn how to understand the schemes for solving the puzzle, you need to get acquainted with the names of its parts.

  1. An angle is a combination of three colors. The 3 x 3 cube will have 3, the 4 x 4 version will have 4, and so on. The toy has 12 corners.
  2. An edge denotes two colors. There are 8 of them in a cube.
  3. The center contains one color. There are 6 in total.
  4. Facets, as already mentioned, are simultaneously rotating elements of the puzzle. They are also called "layers" or "slices".

Values ​​in formulas

It should be noted that the assembly formulas are written in Latin - these are the schemes that are widely presented in various manuals for working with the puzzle. But there are also Russified versions. The list below shows both options.

  1. The front face (front or facade) is the front face, which is in color to us [Ф] (or F - front).
  2. The back face is the face that is centered away from us [З] (or B - back).
  3. Right Edge - the edge that is on the right [P] (or R - right).
  4. Left Edge - the edge that is on the left [L] (or L - left).
  5. Bottom Face - the face that is below [H] (or D - down).
  6. Upper Face - the face that is at the top [B] (or U - up).

Photo gallery: parts of the Rubik's cube and their definitions

To clarify the notation in the formulas, we use the Russian version - this will be more understandable for beginners, but for those who want to move to the professional level of speedcubing, the international system of notation in English is indispensable.

This is interesting. The international designation system is adopted by the World Cube Association (WCA).

  1. The central cubes are indicated in the formulas with one lowercase letter - f, t, p, l, c, n.
  2. Corner - in three letters according to the name of the faces, for example, fpv, flni, etc.
  3. Capital letters Ф, Т, П, Л, В, Н denote elementary operations of rotation of the corresponding face (layer, slice) of the cube by 90° clockwise.
  4. Designations Ф, Т, П, Л, В, Н" correspond to the rotation of faces by 90° counterclockwise.
  5. The designations Ф 2 , П 2 , etc., indicate a double rotation of the corresponding face (Ф 2 = FF).
  6. The letter C denotes the rotation of the middle layer. The subscript shows which side of the face to look at to make that turn. For example, C P - from the side of the right side, C N - from the bottom side, C "L" - from the left side, counterclockwise, etc. It is clear that C N \u003d C "B, C P \u003d C" L and etc.
  7. The letter O is the rotation (revolution) of the entire cube around its axis. О Ф - from the side of the front face clockwise, etc.

Recording the process (F "P") N 2 (PF) means: rotate the front face counterclockwise by 90 °, the same - the right side, rotate the bottom face twice (that is, by 180 °), rotate the right side by 90 ° along clockwise, rotate the front face 90° clockwise.

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http://dedfoma.ru/kubikrubika/kak-sobrat-kubik-rubika-3x3x3.htm

It is important for beginners to learn to understand the formulas

As a rule, instructions for building a puzzle in classic colors recommend holding the puzzle with the yellow center up. This advice is especially important for beginners.

This is interesting. There are websites that visualize formulas. Moreover, the speed of the assembly process can be set independently. For example, alg.cubing.net

How to solve a Rubik's puzzle

There are two types of schemas:

  • for newbies;
  • for professionals.

Their difference is in the complexity of the formulas, as well as the assembly speed. For beginners, of course, instructions appropriate to their level of knowledge of the puzzle will be more useful. But even they, after training, after a while will be able to fold the toy in 2-3 minutes.

How to build a standard 3 x 3 cube

Let's start by building a classic 3 x 3 Rubik's Cube using a 7-step pattern.

The classic version of the puzzle is the Rubik's Cube 3 x 3

This is interesting. The reverse process used to solve certain irregularly placed cubes is the reverse sequence of the action described by the formula. That is, the formula must be read from right to left, and the layers must be rotated counterclockwise if direct movement was indicated, and vice versa: direct if the opposite is described.

Assembly instructions

  1. We start by assembling the cross of the upper face. We lower the required cube down by turning the corresponding side face (P, T, L) and bring it to the front face with the operation N, N "or H 2. We finish the stage of the removal by mirroring (reverse) the same side face, restoring the original position of the affected edge cube of the upper layer. After that, we perform operation a) or b) of the first stage. In case a) the cube came to the front face so that the color of its front face matches the color of the facade. In case b) the cube must not only be moved up, but also unfolded so that it is correctly oriented, standing in its place.

    We collect the cross of the upper line

  2. The required corner cube is found (having the colors of the faces F, V, L) and, using the same technique that is described for the first stage, it is displayed in the left corner of the selected facade face (or yellow). There can be three cases of orientation of this cube. We compare our case with the picture and apply one of the operations of the second stage a, beat c. The dots on the diagram mark the place where the desired cube should be placed. We look for the remaining three corner cubes on the cube and repeat the described technique to move them to their places on the top face. Result: the top layer is picked up. The first two stages cause almost no difficulty for anyone: it is quite easy to follow your actions, since all attention is paid to one layer, and what is done in the remaining two is not at all important.

    Choosing the top layer

  3. Our goal: to find the desired cube and first bring it down to the front face. If it is at the bottom - by simply turning the bottom face until it matches the color of the facade, and if it is in the middle layer, then you must first lower it down using any of the operations a) or b), and then match it in color with the color of the facade face and perform the operation of the third stage a) or b). Result: two layers collected. The formulas given here are mirror formulas in the full sense of the word. You can clearly see this if you put a mirror to the right or left of the cube (with an edge towards you) and do any of the formulas in the mirror: we will see the second formula. That is, operations with the front, bottom, top (not involved here), and back (also not involved) faces change sign to the opposite: it was clockwise, it became counterclockwise, and vice versa. And the left side changes from the right one, and, accordingly, changes the direction of rotation to the opposite.

    We find the desired cube and bring it down to the front face

  4. The goal is achieved by operations that move the side cubes of one face, without ultimately violating the order in the collected layers. One of the processes that allows you to pick up all the side faces is shown in the figure. It also shows what happens in this case with other face cubes. By repeating the process, choosing a different front face, you can put all four cubes in place. Result: the rib pieces are in place, but two of them, or even all four, may be incorrectly oriented. Important: before proceeding with this formula, we look at which cubes are already in place - they may be incorrectly oriented. If there is none or one, then we try to rotate the upper face so that the two that are on two adjacent side faces (fv + pv, pv + tv, tv + lv, lv + fv) fall into place, after that we orient the cube like this , as shown in the figure, and execute the formula given at this stage. If it is not possible to combine the details belonging to adjacent faces by turning the top face, then we execute the formula for any position of the cubes of the top face once and try again by turning the top face to put 2 details located on two adjacent side faces into place.

    It is important to check the orientation of the cubes at this stage

  5. We take into account that the unfolded cube should be on the right side, in the figure it is marked with arrows (cube pv). Figures a, b, and c show possible cases of location of incorrectly oriented cubes (marked with dots). Using the formula in case a), we perform an intermediate rotation B "to bring the second cube to the right side, and the final rotation B, which will return the upper face to its original position, in case b) an intermediate rotation B 2 and the final one also B 2, and in case c) intermediate rotation B must be performed three times, after turning each cube and also completed with rotation B. Many are confused by the fact that after the first part of the process (PS N) 4, the desired cube unfolds as it should, but the order in the collected layers is violated. confuses and makes some people throw an almost completed cube halfway through. Having completed an intermediate turn, ignoring the “breakage” of the lower layers, we perform operations (PS N) 4 with the second cube (the second part of the process), and everything falls into place. Result: assembled cross.

    The result of this stage will be an assembled cross

  6. We put the corners of the last face into place using an easy-to-remember 8-way process - forward, rearranging the three corner pieces in a clockwise direction, and reverse, rearranging the three dice in a counterclockwise direction. After the fifth stage, as a rule, at least one cube will sit in its place, even if it is incorrectly oriented. (If after the fifth stage none of the corner cubes has sat down in its place, then we apply any of the two processes for any three cubes, after that exactly one cube will be in its place.). Result: all the corner cubes are in place, but two of them (maybe four) may not be oriented correctly.

    Corner cubes sit in their places

  7. We repeatedly repeat the sequence of turns PF "P" F. Rotate the cube so that the cube we want to unfold is in the upper right corner of the facade. An 8-way process (2 x 4 turns) will rotate it 1/3 turn clockwise. If at the same time the cube has not yet oriented, repeat the 8-move again (in the formula this is reflected by the index “N”). We do not pay attention to the fact that the lower layers will become a mess. The figure shows four cases of incorrectly oriented cubes (they are marked with dots). In case a) an intermediate turn B and a final B" are required, in case b) - an intermediate and final turn B 2, in case c) - turn B is performed after each cube is rotated to the correct orientation, and the final B 2, in case d) - intermediate rotation B is also performed after each cube is rotated to the correct orientation, and the final rotation in this case will also be rotation B. Result: the last face is assembled.

    Possible errors are shown with dots

Formulas for correcting the placement of cubes can be shown like this.

Formulas for Correcting Misaligned Cubes in the Last Step

The essence of Jessica Friedrich's method

There are several ways to assemble the puzzle, but one of the most memorable is the one developed by Jessica Friedrich, a professor at the University of Binghamton, New York, who develops techniques for hiding data in digital images. While still a teenager, Jessica became so fascinated with the cube that in 1982 she became the world champion in speed cubing and subsequently did not leave her hobby, developing formulas for quickly assembling the "magic cube". One of the most popular options for folding a cube is called CFOP - after the first letters of the four assembly steps.

Instruction:

  1. We collect the cross on the upper face, which is made up of cubes on the edges of the lower face. This stage is called Cross - cross.
  2. We collect the lower and middle layers, that is, the face on which the cross is located, and the intermediate layer, consisting of four side parts. The name of this step is F2L (First two layers) - the first two layers.
  3. We collect the remaining face, not paying attention to the fact that not all the details are in place. The stage is called OLL (Orient the last layer), which translates as “orientation of the last layer”.
  4. The last level - PLL (Permute the last layer) - consists in correct placement top layer cubes.

Friedrich Method Video Instructions

The speedcubers liked the method proposed by Jessica Friedrich so much that the most advanced amateurs develop their own methods to speed up the assembly of each of the stages proposed by the author.

Video: accelerating the assembly of the cross

Video: collecting the first two layers

Video: working with the last layer

Video: last build level by Friedrich

2 x 2

The 2 x 2 Rubik's Cube or mini Rubik's Cube is also stacked in layers, starting from the bottom level.

The mini-dice is a lighter version of the classic puzzle

Easy Assembly Instructions for Beginners

  1. We assemble the bottom layer so that the colors of the last four cubes match, and the remaining two colors are the same as the colors of the neighboring parts.
  2. Let's start organizing the top layer. Please note that on this stage the goal is not to match the colors, but to put the cubes in their places. We start by determining the color of the top. Everything is simple here: it will be the color that did not appear in the bottom layer. Rotate any of the top cubes so that it gets to the position where the three colors of the element intersect. Having fixed the corner, we arrange the elements of the remaining ones. We use two formulas for this: one for changing diagonal cubes, the other for neighboring ones.
  3. We complete the top layer. We carry out all operations in pairs: we rotate one corner, and then the other, but in the opposite direction (for example, the first one is clockwise, the second is counterclockwise). You can work with three angles at once, but in this case there will be only one combination: either clockwise or counterclockwise. Between rotations of the corners, we rotate the upper face so that the corner being worked out is in the upper right corner. If we work with three corners, then we put the correctly oriented one at the back left.

Formulas for rotating angles:

  • (VFPV P"V"F")² (5);
  • V²F V²F "V"F V"F"(6);
  • FVF² LFL² VLV² (7).

To rotate three corners at once:

  • (FVPV "P" F "V")² (8);
  • FV F "V FV² F" V² (9);
  • V²L"V"L²F"L"F²V"F" (10).

Photo Gallery: Building a 2 x 2 Cube

Video: Friedrich method for a 2 x 2 cube

Collecting the most difficult versions of the cube

These include toys with a number of parts from 4 x 4 and up to 17 x 17.

Models of a cube for many elements usually have rounded corners for ease of manipulation with a toy

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Updated: 03/29/2020

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