🧊 /cubing/

A standard 3x3 cube. 📌 Written by Dan 📅 Last updated: December 20th, 2025 This guide focuses primarily on the 3x3x3 cube, with a complete section for the Beginner Method and an intermediate approach to CFOP.

This guide uses standard Western (WCA) Notation.

Fingertricks are highly recommended to advance past the beginner stage.


📜 Table of Contents


🚀 Getting Started

TL;DR: Get a decent magnetic 3x3 cube (e.g., MoYu RS3M V5), learn basic Notation, and follow the Beginner Layer-by-Layer Method. Consistency is more important than speed at first.


✝️ The Solvers' Trinity: The Path to Speed

1. Get a Modern Speedcube

Avoid the cheap, stiff cubes found in toy aisles. Modern cubes feature magnets, smooth turning, and cut corners. A magnetic cube is the biggest upgrade.

  • Recommended: MoYu RS3M V5 or QiYi MS3

2. Master One Beginner Method

Don't jump straight to advanced methods. Learn one foundational method well. I recommend the Layer-by-Layer (LBL) Beginner Method. This builds muscle memory and spatial recognition.

3. Consistency (Algorithm Repetition)

Practice one algorithm (alg) until you can execute it without thinking. Use a timer from day one to track your progress and encourage speed. Practice is 80% muscle memory.


Once you get these three things, you can choose which method you want to master from the list below. Although, if you're a beginner, I would recommend:

  • Beginner Method (LBL): Simple concepts, low algorithm count, guaranteed first solve.
  • CFOP (Fridrich): The most popular and fastest competitive method, with a clear path for upgrades.

🔠 Notation Guide (Learning the Cube's Language)

The language of the cube is Notation. To read any algorithm, you must know what the letters mean. All notation is read as a clockwise turn when facing that side. An apostrophe (') denotes a counter-clockwise turn (known as a "prime" or "inverse").

Notation Action (Turn 90° Clockwise) Example: R Example: R' (R-Prime)
R Right face R R inverse
L Left face L L inverse
U Up (Top) face U U inverse
D Down (Bottom) face D D inverse
F Front face F F inverse
B Back face B B inverse
M Middle layer (between R/L) M M inverse
x, y, z Entire cube rotations x (R-turn view) y (U-turn view)
w Wide turn (outer two layers) R w (R and M layers) L w' (L and M layers inverse)
2 Two turns (180°) R 2 (2 turns of R face) U 2 (2 turns of U face)

Info: Mastering notation is the first step to becoming a speedcuber. Without it, you cannot learn new algorithms.


🥇 The Solvers' Trinity: Fundamental Concepts

Element Description Impact on Solve Time
Inspection The 15 seconds before the timer starts. Use it to find your first move (e.g., the Cross) and scout your first F2L pair. Reduces missteps and pauses; saves seconds.
Algorithms (Algs) Memorized sequences of moves (e.g., R U R' U'). Higher algorithm count means faster final stages (like PLL and OLL). Reduces move count; converts slow LBL moves to fast muscle memory.
Lookahead The ability to simultaneously execute the current step while visually identifying the pieces and solving strategy for the next step. Eliminates pauses between steps; important for sub-20 second times.

🛠️ Core Methods: The Systems

TL;DR: Start with Beginner LBL to learn the fundamentals. Transition to CFOP (or Roux for a different challenge) when you are consistently solving under 2 minutes.

🟢 The Beginner Method (Layer-by-Layer)

The standard starting point. Very intuitive with minimal memorization.

At a Glance
Goal Complete the cube in three distinct layers.
Algorithm Count Low (3-5)
Step 1 Cross (Solve 4 bottom edges)
Step 2 First Layer (Solve 4 corners)
Step 3 Second Layer (Solve 4 middle edges)
Step 4 Last Layer (Simple OLL/PLL)

The Foundational Algorithms (The Core of LBL):

  • The Sexy Move: R U R' U' (The most versatile move in cubing; used for inserting pieces and orientation).
  • The Sledgehammer: R' F R F' (Used to orient edges and insert pairs more efficiently).

Pros:

  • Extremely intuitive; pieces are solved one at a time.
  • Minimal memorization required.
  • Guarantees the first successful solve.

Cons:

  • High move count (inefficient).
  • Becomes a significant barrier past the 1-minute mark.

🟡 CFOP (Fridrich Method)

📺 Watch Video

The most popular speedcubing method, used by the majority of world record holders. It is a four-step method that requires a much larger algorithm set but is extremely efficient.

At a Glance
Goal Efficiency through simultaneous solving steps.
Focus Lookahead and pattern recognition.
Algorithm Count High (121+ for full CFOP)
Ideal Time Range Sub-60 seconds to World Class (under 6 seconds)
Step 1 Cross (Solve 4 bottom edges)
Step 2 F2L (First Two Layers solved in pairs)
Step 3 OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer)
Step 4 PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer)

🔴 Roux Method

📺 Watch Video

A block-building method that emphasizes M-slice moves (M turns) and minimizes whole cube rotations. It's known for having fewer algorithms than CFOP but is more focused on intuitive building.

At a Glance
Goal Low turn count, high efficiency with M-moves.
Focus Intuitive 2x3x1 block building and efficient last layer.
Algorithm Count Medium (Around 40-50)
Ideal Time Range Sub-60 seconds to Sub-10 seconds
Step 1 First 1x2x3 Block
Step 2 Second 1x2x3 Block
Step 3 CMLL (Corners of the Last Layer)
Step 4 LSE (Last Six Edges)

🔴 ZZ Method

📺 Watch Video

The ZZ Method is a low move count method that prioritizes efficiency and ergonomics. By orienting all edges at the start, the rest of the cube is solved without any rotations.

At a Glance
Goal Rotationless solving and high move efficiency.
Focus Edge Orientation (EO) and <R, U, L> move-set F2L.
Algorithm Count High (Similar to CFOP)
Ideal Time Range Sub-60 seconds to Sub-10 seconds
Step 1 EOLine (Edge Orientation + Line)
Step 2 ZZ-F2L (Left and Right 2x3x1 Blocks)
Step 3 OCLL (Orientation of Corners)
Step 4 PLL (Permutation of Last Layer)

🟦 Beyond the 3x3: The Big Cube Series (2x2 - 7x7)

While the 3x3x3 is the gold standard, the WCA recognizes puzzles from 2x2 up to 7x7. As the cubes get larger, the complexity shifts from memorizing algorithms to efficiency in piece reduction.

🤏 The 2x2x2 (Pocket Cube)

The 2x2 has no centre pieces and no edge pieces, it is comprised entirely of 8 corners.

  • Primary Method: Ortega Method. Solve one face (not necessarily a layer), orient the opposite face (OLL), and then permute both layers at once (PBL).
  • Advanced Method: CLL/EG. Solving the entire cube in just two steps (Base layer + one algorithm).
  • Key Challenge: Speed. Top solvers finish in under 2 seconds.

🧱 The "Big Cubes" (4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 7x7)

For any cube 4x4 and larger, the universal strategy is the Reduction Method. You "reduce" the big cube into a state where it can be solved exactly like a 3x3.

1. Centres

You must group the centre "stickers" into solid 2x2 (for 4x4) or 3x3 (for 5x5) blocks.

  • Note: On even-numbered cubes (4x4, 6x6), there is no fixed centre piece. You must know your Colour Scheme (White opposite Yellow, Blue opposite Green, Red opposite Orange) or you will solve it into an unsolvable state.

2. Edge Pairing

You must find the matching edge pieces and "pair" them together into single units.

  • 4x4: Uses 3-2-2-3 pairing.
  • 5x5+: Often uses the "Freeslice" method to pair multiple edges simultaneously.

3. 3x3 Stage

Once centres are done and edges are paired, you solve the cube as if the grouped centres are one piece and the paired edges are one piece.


⚠️ The Big Cube Enemy: Parity

On even-numbered cubes (4x4 and 6x6), you will encounter "Parity".
Cases that are physically impossible on a standard 3x3. These require long, specific algorithms to fix.

Parity Type Description Occurrence
OLL Parity One single edge pair is flipped the wrong way. 50% of 4x4/6x6 solves.
PLL Parity Two edge pairs need to be swapped, but the rest of the cube is solved. 50% of 4x4/6x6 solves.

📊 Big Cube Comparison Table

Puzzle Est. Solve Time (Intermediate) Complexity Key Skill Needed
2x2 5–10 Seconds Low High TPS / One-look recognition
4x4 1:00–1:30 Minutes Medium Parity Algs & Color Theory
5x5 2:30–4:00 Minutes High Centre building efficiency
6x6/7x7 5:00–10:00+ Minutes Very High Endurance & Lookahead

Big cubes are prone to "pops" (pieces flying out) and "lock-ups." Getting a high-quality magnetic version is even more important here than on a 3x3.

  • 2x2: YJ Zhilong Mini (Budget) or GAN 251 M Pro (Flagship).
  • 4x4: YJ MGC 4x4 (The community favorite for performance/value).
  • 5x5: YJ MGC 5x5 or Hong 5x5.
  • 6x6/7x7: YJ MGC Series. (The MGC line is widely considered the best balance of stability and speed for large puzzles).

🧠 Advanced Technique Deep Dive

🧐 Lookahead

Lookahead is the single greatest skill that separates an advanced cuber from a beginner. It is the practice of solving your current pair/step while simultaneously searching for and recognizing the pieces for your next step.

  • How it works: A beginner solves a F2L pair, then stops, searches for the next pair, and then solves it. An advanced cuber starts the first F2L pair and, while their fingers are turning, their eyes are already scanning the U-face and side faces for the second pair's pieces.
  • The Goal: Eliminate all pauses between your F2L and OLL/PLL steps. Your cube should never stop moving.
  • The Drill: Practice solving F2L with a metronome or a steady beat, forcing yourself to keep turning while you search. Slow your turning speed (TPS) to allow your brain time to search and plan.

⚙️ Turns Per Second (TPS) & Fingertricks

TPS (Turns Per Second) measures the speed of your execution of an algorithm or move sequence. High TPS is achieved through excellent Fingertricks.

  • What are Fingertricks?: The most efficient, comfortable, and fastest way to execute a move without repositioning your grip or rotating the entire cube unnecessarily.
  • Example (Roux): The M slice move is usually done by pushing the middle layer with your ring finger or pinky finger while the cube stays firmly in your hands.
  • Example (CFOP): Pushing the U face with a fingertip instead of gripping the entire top layer.

Info: Good Fingertricks save time because they reduce the number of times you have to Regrip (readjust your hold on the cube) or Rotate (x, y, z moves). Each regrip/rotation is time lost.


🌈 The Influence of Color Neutrality

  • What it is: The ability to start your solve on any centre piece (White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, or Green) rather than always starting on the traditional White cross.
  • Why it matters: During Inspection, if the White cross pieces are in a terrible starting position, a Color Neutral solver can instantly switch to the Yellow or Blue cross, where the pieces might be much more easily solved.
  • Impact: A Color Neutral solver often has the best available starting position, leading to a much more efficient first step and a more efficient overall solution. It is a necessary skill for world-class times, but a massive memorization challenge for beginners.

⚙️ Cubing Gear & Tools

TL;DR: A good magnetic 3x3 and a digital timer/mat are your most important tools. Lube radically improves the feel and speed.

YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY A £60 CUBE TO GET FASTER TIMES. THIS IS A MYTH.

Cubing is 90% skill, and 10% hardware. Don't buy an expensive cube, and believe you will be faster.
You can get a Moyu RS3M V5, an S Tier cube, for £11.

🧩 The 3x3x3 Cube: Your Main Instrument

Cube Type Key Features Price (approx.) Best For...
Non-Magnetic (Budget) Basic plastic, high friction, requires lubricant, poor corner cutting. £5–£10 True beginners who just want to learn the method.
Magnetic (Entry) Standard magnets embedded for tactile feedback, smooth plastic, good corner cutting. £10–£20 The best starting point for a serious beginner. (e.g., MoYu RS3M V5)
Magnetic (Flagship) Adjustable magnets, tension systems, glossy/matte finish, superior engineering. £30–£50+ Enthusiasts and competitors (e.g., Gan 14 MagLev, MoYu Super RS3M Ball Core)
MagLev Cubes Uses magnetic repulsion instead of springs in the core, eliminating friction for a faster feel. £40+ Advanced cubers who prefer an extremely fast, frictionless feel.

🥇 Cubing Tier List

This list aggregates opinions from multiple reviewers, balancing raw performance, features, and value for money.

S Tier: The "Instant Buy" Class

Why this tier?
These cubes represent the absolute peak of the market. To reach S Tier, a cube must either offer unbeatable performance regardless of cost, or performance so good for its price that it renders other budget cubes obsolete.

A Tier: Elite Performers

Why this tier?
These are world-class speedcubes that are virtually indistinguishable from S-tier in terms of raw speed. They generally only missed the top spot due to a higher price tag or being slightly older designs that have just barely been surpassed.

B Tier: The Polarizing & The Pricey

Why this tier?
This is the most controversial tier. It consists of three types of cubes:

  1. Excellent cubes that are simply too expensive for what they offer
  2. Older flagships that are showing their age
  3. "Love it or Hate it" cubes with unique feelings that divide reviewers.

C Tier: The Overshadowed

Why this tier?
These cubes are fully functional and "fine," but they suffer from an identity crisis. There is almost no reason to buy them because you can get better performance for the same price (B/A tier) or equal performance for much cheaper (S tier).

D Tier: Hard to Recommend

Why this tier?
These cubes are universally considered underwhelming. They either lack modern features (like auto-alignment) found in cheaper cubes or have a feeling that most speedcubers find unpleasant.


Tier Best Cubes Summary
S-Tier MoYu RS3 V5, WRM V10 Peak performance and value.
A-Tier WRM V9, Fangshi Fengxin Professional level performance.
B-Tier GAN 15, Tornado V3/V4 Often overpriced for the tech.
C-Tier YS3M, GAN 14 Pro Functional but better options exist.
D-Tier ZhanChi V5, QiYi Ming Lacks modern features; unpleasant feel.

⏱️ Speedcubing Timers & Mats

Tool Description Price (approx.) Notes
Stackmat Timer The competitive standard. Starts/stops with a two-hand touch. £20–£40 Highly accurate, the feel is important for competition practice.
Speedcubing Mat A soft, padded mat that plugs into the timer. £5–£15 Protects the cube and dulls the noise of the timer stop.
App Timer (e.g., CubeTime) Free app/website timers for phones/laptops. Free Perfect for starting out before investing in a physical timer.

💧 Lube & Maintenance

Cube Lube is important for controlling the feel of the cube. Without it, cubes can become sluggish, dry, or even lock up. Lube is the key to dialing in your perfect feel.

  • Fast Lube (Thin): Applied to the cube's pieces. Makes the cube feel faster and more frictionless (e.g., Lubicle Silk, Mystic).
  • Slow Lube (Thick): Applied to the cube's core/core parts. Adds control, dampens the speed, and creates a smoother, slower feel (e.g., Lunar, Galaxy, Max Fleet).
  • Core Lube (Grease): Very thick lube for the internal core mechanisms, used for minimizing spring/bearing noise and friction (e.g., MoYu V2, Gan Standard Lube).

Info: The most effective "tune-up" is a combination: clean the cube, apply a thick core lube for control, and a thin piece lube for speed.


💻 Apps & Resources

App/Resource Focus Best For... Notes
csTimer (Web) Timing and Statistics Serious practice, tracking progress, and generating scrambles. The most feature-rich and customizable online timer, including session logging and WCA standard scrambles.
SpeedCubeDB Algorithm Database Learning, practicing, and reviewing OLL/PLL and F2L algorithms. Excellent visual and step-by-step guides for hundreds of algorithms across multiple methods.
Twisty Timer (Mobile) Mobile Practice Convenient, on-the-go solving and tracking. User-friendly interface with good stats tracking and WCA-compliant scrambles.
CubeTime (App) Casual Timer Beginners needing a simple, clean timer interface. Perfect for your first 100 solves without distractions.

🚀 Your Cubing Journey

Wondering what's next? Use this guide to find your next goal based on your current solve time.

🌱 Path 0: The First Breakthrough (3:00+ min)

You are here if you are still using the LBL method.

Your Next Step:

  1. Master the full Beginner Layer-by-Layer Method.
  2. Practice consistently until you are reliably sub-2:00.
  3. Upgrade: Buy a Magnetic Entry-Level Cube and App Timer.
    • Next -> Move to Path 1.

🟡 Path 1: The Transition (1:00 to 2:00 min)

You are here if you are comfortable with LBL and ready for an efficiency boost.

Your Next Steps:

  1. Learn and start practicing the Cross on the Bottom.
  2. Start learning Intuitive F2L (no algorithms needed, just understanding the pairs).
  3. Focus: Eliminate your pauses between the Cross and the first F2L pair. Slow down your turns to search for the next pieces (Lookahead).
    • Next -> Move to Path 2.

🔵 Path 2: The CFOP Grind (30 to 60 seconds)

You are here if you are solving F2L intuitively and are ready to tackle the last layer.

Your Next Steps (Choose one):

  1. Option A: Focus on OLL/PLL. Start learning 2-Look OLL (10 algorithms) and 2-Look PLL (6 algorithms). This is the fastest way to get to the sub-30 range.
  2. Option B: Master F2L fully. Practice your F2L recognition and lookahead until you can solve this step in 25 seconds or less.
  3. Upgrade: Buy a Physical Timer and Mat.
    • Next -> Consider the deep dive into full OLL/PLL (Path 3) or a new method.

🔴 Path 3: World Class Aspirations (Sub-20 seconds)

You are here if you know 2-Look OLL/PLL and are hitting plateaus.

Your Next Steps (The Final Push):

  1. Algorithms: Commit to learning Full PLL (all 21 cases). Full OLL (all 57 cases) can wait until you are consistently sub-15.
  2. Technique: Dedicate 50% of your practice time to slow F2L with Lookahead drills.
  3. Upgrade: Get a Flagship Magnetic Cube and experiment with Lubes to fine-tune the feel.
    • Next -> Full OLL, Color Neutrality, and competing in WCA events.

📖 Cube Glossary

Algorithm (Alg)

A memorized sequence of moves, defined by Notation, used to achieve a specific effect on the cube.

Block Building

A core concept in methods like Roux and ZZ, where a small solved area (e.g., a 2x2x2 or 2x3x1 block) is created and preserved to form the final layers.

CFOP (Fridrich Method)

The most common and fastest method for speedcubing, standing for Cross, First Two Layers (F2L), Orientation of the Last Layer (OLL), and Permutation of the Last Layer (PLL).

Color Neutrality

The ability to start the solve process on any color centre piece, allowing the solver to choose the most efficient starting position found during Inspection.

Corner Cutting

A mechanical feature of a speed cube that allows the solver to complete a turn even if the previous layer was not perfectly aligned. Good corner cutting prevents lock-ups and allows for faster, more aggressive turning.

Cross

The first step of most solving methods, where the four edge pieces around one centre (usually white or yellow) are solved to form a cross shape.

Edge Piece

A piece with two stickers and two colors, located between the centre pieces. There are 12 edge pieces on a 3x3.

F2L (First Two Layers)

The second step of the CFOP method, where the corner and edge pieces of the first two layers are solved simultaneously in pairs, improving efficiency over the Beginner Method.

Fingertricks

Efficient, fast movements of the fingers used to execute turns without having to regrip the cube. Important for high TPS.

Inspection

The 15-second period before a timed solve begins, during which the solver studies the scrambled cube to plan the first few moves, usually the Cross and the first F2L pair.

J-Perm

A specific, named algorithm used in the PLL step to swap a set of pieces on the top layer. It is one of the 21 PLL cases.

Lookahead

The ability to identify the pieces and plan the strategy for the next step of the solve while executing the current step. Lookahead is critical for eliminating pauses.

Lube

A specialized silicone oil or fluid used to reduce friction between the cube's pieces, improving the turning feel and speed.

Notation

The symbolic language used to write down algorithms (e.g., R, U, F, R', U2). See Notation Guide.

OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer)

The third step of the CFOP method, where all top-layer pieces are oriented so the top color (e.g., yellow) is fully solved.

PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer)

The final step of the CFOP method, where the top-layer pieces are moved to their correct positions to solve the entire cube.

Regrip

Adjusting one's grip on the cube during a solve. Frequent regrips slow down the overall time.

Rotation (x, y, z)

Turning the entire cube to change the orientation of the faces. Minimized in advanced methods like Roux and ZZ.

Skewb

A WCA-recognized puzzle that is solved by twisting around its eight corners, not its six faces.

TPS (Turns Per Second)

A metric used to measure the rate at which a cuber executes algorithms or moves. It is calculated by dividing the total move count by the solve time.

WCA (World Cube Association)

The non-profit organization that governs and sets the standards for official speedcubing competitions worldwide.


📑 Appendix

Full OLL/PLL Algorithm Sheets

Section Cases Notes
2-Look OLL 10 The important algorithms to learn before full OLL.
Full OLL 57 Important for sub-15 second times.
2-Look PLL 6 The algorithms for the final step.
Full PLL 21 Mandatory for competitive speedcubing.

Note: Due to the length and complexity of the algorithms, these are not listed here. Please refer to external resources like SpeedCubeDB or your chosen method's guide for the full list.


WCA Regulations Quick Reference

Regulation Standard Impact on Cubing Practice
Inspection Time 15 seconds maximum Practice planning your first step (Cross) within this time frame.
Timer Start Two hands must be placed flat on the timer pads. Use a Stackmat Timer for accurate competition simulation.
Timer Stop Two hands must be placed flat on the timer pads. Time stops when the hands touch the pads, not when the cube is finished.
DNF (Did Not Finish) Occurs if the cube is more than 2 turns away from solved, or if the solver touches the cube after stopping the timer. Always check your cube before stopping the timer; aim for a solved state.

Credits

  • The Cubicle, Speedcubing store from New York, and their reviewers
  • The /r/cubers subreddit
  • The FMHY community, and the section in their wiki for Rubik's Cube educational content

If you feel that there are errors (or you just want to give general feedback), please feel free to reach out.
💬 Discord: danxyz7

I collate all the information for my guides from around the internet, but sometimes use AI for it's formatting. All the information is from the above sources.

Edit

Pub: 17 Dec 2025 11:43 UTC

Edit: 25 Dec 2025 09:24 UTC

Views: 213