Since it was first introduced back in the 1970s, the Rubik’s cube, or originally named Magic Cube, has been leaving its users perplexed and at a loss. Solving this 3x3x3 cube of blocks of mixed colors is already difficult and tricky enough. However, there are now speedcubers, or people who solve the cube at such swift speeds, who have sparked a transformed interest in solving the cube for people from different parts of the world.
You need to start small if your goal is to become a speedcuber who can break world records. But, before you become one, first, you need to be familiar with how this cube came to be together with a few terms you need to know to play it to the fullest.
A Short History
Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian architecture professor and sculptor, was the man behind the invention of this puzzle cube. Rubik hoped to come up with something that would assist him in getting a better understanding of how a structure made up of several pieces can have the pieces moved with no need to destroy the mechanism. It was not until he jumbled the pieces and needed to fix them did he find out its potential use as a form of 3D puzzle.
The original cubes that were a test design were introduced in toy stores in Budapest in 1977 before these were bought by Ideal Toys, an American toy company. Ideal Toys gave the cube a rebranding in 1980 and called it Rubik’s cube to honor its creator. In the next 10 years, the toy enjoyed a huge popularity.
The Rubik’s Cube is named after its inventor, Ernő Rubik
Not long after, the cube lost its popularity in the US as well as other countries in the west. But, it still remained famous in China and the then USSR since the trend also spread to Communist countries across the globe. The reputation of these cubes in Communist nations, particular the populous ones as China, eventually continued the production of the toys.
It was during the 21st century when these puzzle cubes rose to popularity all over again, partly because of the establishment of World Cube Association in year 2003. For the longest time, speedcubing had been in demand among the enthusiasts of the cube. However, the foundation of the organization further pushed the fans to become much faster when it comes to their solving methods and techniques.
Solving the huge Rubik’s Cube 15X15 in record time
As of writing, Yusheng Du from China is the holder of the world record for solving one cube in just a matter of 3.47 seconds. However, there are many other records that are worthy to mention. There is the American Daniel Rose-Levine with the single-cube world record who was able to solve the cube using his feet in just 16.96 seconds.
The Australian Feliks Zemdegs has a one-handed single-cube record at only 6.88 seconds. Another Australian, Jack Cai, is the record-holder for being able to solve a single cube in 16.22 seconds while blindfolded.
Important Vocabulary Terms to Know
As far as solving a Rubik’s cube, which you can buy on the Chebeltza toy and children’s equipment website, is concerned, it might seem like you just need to follow a series of several simple steps. But, the truth is, things are more complicated and complex than that.
The 8×8 Rubik’s cube is ideal for everyone for whom no challenge is big enough
However, before you start following the different solving strategies, you should learn some important vocabulary terms first. This way, it will be easier for you to following the confusing permutations and algorithms of the cube that you need in order to solve it.
Algorithm
The algorithm refers to a series of rotations or an operation that will reorient the blocks into the preferred outcome. These are often written using a capital letter that denotes the face that must be rotated, a number 2 if it must be rotated two times, and an a letter “i” in lowercase of the rotation must be counterclockwise.
Center
The center cubes can be found in the middle of both sides with a single visible color. You can find a total of six centers and not like other parts of the cubes, these don’t move in position. Since these are fixed, the center cube’s color is used to represent each of the cube’s sides.
Learn How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube in 10 Minutes (Beginner Tutorial)
Corner
From the name itself, a corner piece can be found in the corner of every side of the Rubik’s cube. These have three visible corners with 8 corners in total.
Edge
The edge piece on the cube is the meeting point of two visible colors. A cube has 12 edges in total.
Faces
Similar to all cubes, the cube has a total of six faces or sides. When executing the algorithms of the cube with the method for beginners, it is assumed that you are looking at the cube with its white side up, which means that the cube logo must be on the top.
Inverted or Regular Turn
Inverted and regular are the two ways of turning a layer. Regular turns are clockwise turns while inverted turns are counterclockwise turns. An inverted turn in a cube notation is represented with letter “i” in lower case like Ri. It means that the right side should be rotated counterclockwise.
Layer
The layer is the part of the cube that is being turned and is made up of 9 blocks. There are always three layers regardless of the way you are holding the cube.
Permutation
Permutation pertains to the act of moving all the blocks into the preferred formation or the pieces’ arrangement.
Key Tips for Solving for Beginners
It is not a small and simple feat to solve the Rubik’s cube mind game. In fact, the beginner’s method can also be tricky to pull off. One of the most important tips you need to remember is to practice, practice, and practice more. The beginner’s method is a detailed and long process that requires you learn new vocabulary and follow steps you might not be familiar with. It is also best that you start simple even if your goal is to try speedcubing. The beginner’s method should be mastered first before moving on to the rest.
