《The Rubik's Cube》 --- What is your record?

[kolio]

As a long-time casual at-home cube master, I have decided to see what connections you guys have with the puzzle itself.

Be sure to post your best time and with what cube (3x3x3, 4x4x4 or whatever you have!). And as always, discuss it mates!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

################################
OFFICIAL UNOFFICIAL GTP RUBIK'S CUBE LEADERBOARD​

################################
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


I started solving the 3x3x3 cube at the age of 8.

I remember ripping open the package and scrambling the thing like a mad man. Quickly, I told my family, "I'll get in a couple minutes." 5 minutes or so went by and it seemed as if I had scrambled it even more.

I will admit that I was absolutely clueless on what to do.

Dad and I spent the next week figuring it out...


First the green cross with the edge and centers matched up. Then solve the top green corners and make sure the other face corners were correct. Flip the cube over and solve the middle row. Get the blue cross. Solve the edges. Make sure the corners have the correct mates and solve the blue corners. Your done.


To this day, I still remember every single step of the 3x3x3. Embedded in my brain. It will not escape. It is there for good and I will be proud of it until the day I die.

Dad could remember all the steps and algorithms before I could. But it did not take long for me to start whizzing past him on the clock!

Rather than learning any other way of doing it, I continue to do it the way I learned. I know it is not the fastest - nor will it ever be. But being fast is not my goal anyways. Just remebering all the good memories I have had with it is enough.

Whether it be placing bets on people that I could do it in less that 3 minutes, or if I was solving one for an old fella who has had it set there on his shelf for the past 20 years.

This simple, yet highly complex cube, has truly been one of the best things in my life.

 

[mcsqueegy]

About 4 years ago I decided I wanted to learn how to solve it. Memorising the algorithms for the 3x3 was tricky but once I could solve it a few times it was really just muscle memory! Usually I can solve one in around a minute but my best is 35 seconds

 

[kolio]

About 4 years ago I decided I wanted to learn how to solve it. Memorising the algorithms for the 3x3 was tricky but once I could solve it a few times it was really just muscle memory! Usually I can solve one in around a minute but my best is 35 seconds

Nice time you got there.

My personal best is a 1:04, which I would say is about slightly above average for the method I use.

What method do you use?

 

[Casey]

I have solved the 4x4x4 once before took me like 6 or 7 years though .

I wasn't trying to solve it every day though more like every once a month or so.

 

[kolio]

I have solved the 4x4x4 once before took me like 6 or 7 years though .

I wasn't trying to solve it every day though more like every once a month or so.

I have always wanted to have. Not to solve though. Unless I felt like it at some point. Just a piece to junk up my desk.

 

[Daniel]

With some practice it takes me around 3-4 minutes solving either the Classic or the Void cubes.

 

[kikie]

My personal record is, with instructions I got from the internet, a couple of weeks.

This is no joke. I did it once and was so proud of myself that I solved it, that I didn't want to mess up the colours again and spend another couple of weeks trying to solve it.

I'm so smart.

 

[kolio]

With some practice it takes me around 3-4 minutes solving either the Classic or the Void cubes.

I just got the void cube for Christmas.

You just have to remember which colors are opposite of each other.

Personally, using the method I learned with is easiest because the center do not have to match its corners and edges.

So basically you can solve it incorrectly but nobody would ever know because you cannot see the centers.

Good invention, greater intention!

 

[Mikeybc]

Took me couple weeks way back when I was like 12. Later I had a "Rubik's Revenge" cube, never did finish it, lost interest.

 

[MoLiEG]

Never finished one. But I might give it a try again sometime, with internet help

 

[wfooshee]

I pop one of the edges out and disassemble it, reassemble in correct places.

I once knew the algorithms but I don't any more.

 

[kolio]

I pop one of the edges out and disassemble it, reassemble in correct places.

I once knew the algorithms but I don't any more.

So did you ever solve it using algoriths?

 

[Cano]

My record is undoing one my uncle had honestly put together. I was 4 years old.

 

[wfooshee]

So did you ever solve it using algoriths?

Yes, that was the part about "I once knew....."

 

[Chris123]

I used to practice quite often a few years back on a regular 4x4x4, my record was like a minute and a half. I'm sure if I really tried I could get it down to under a minute. It always makes me laugh when someone I know get's one for Christmas and can't solve it. I come along and solve it in about 2 minutes and they think I'm some sort of mad scientist
when in actuality all it really is is remembering a few combinations in a certain order.

edit: When I said 4x4x4 I mean't 3x3x3, must be the beer kicking in

 

[Aesthetics]

My personal record is about 20 minutes until I give up and peel off the stickers.

 

[wfooshee]

Don't have to peel the stickers!!! Start here and everything else is easy!

 

[Akmuq]

Doing one at the moment, I'm 15 years in and got a side once...

 

[Flying_Kefran]

Years ago, I bought a cube and I learned how to do the two first layers (with the method in the booklet of the official Rubik's cube). I even managed to do one cube fully without the booklet after spending an evening reading and practicing the final steps. But I did it only once, never touched it again and totally forgot about it (I also lost the Rubik's cube in the process).

Last month, I was looking for a non-expensive hobby that does not require equipment or planning. I saw some kids trying to solve a Rubik's cube and that gave me the idea to give a try, more seriouly this time.

I bought a new cube last week and started to practice on January 1st. I have set an ambitious objective for the end of the year. I will see if I can achieve it.
I am learning one of the advanced method directly (but simplified). I am skipping the "normal method" stage. Doing it this way can be a bit frustrating as there are much more sets of moves to learn before being able to do a first cube without reading notes but is very interesting.

So far I am really bad at anticipating what is going to happen on the cube, I only see the move I am doing. I also take ages to do the moves... but I guess it is normal after only 5 days

 

[kolio]

Years ago, I bought a cube and I learned how to do the two first layers (with the method in the booklet of the official Rubik's cube). I even managed to do one cube fully without the booklet after spending an evening reading and practicing the final steps. But I did it only once, never touched it again and totally forgot about it (I also lost the Rubik's cube in the process).

Last month, I was looking for a non-expensive hobby that does not require equipment or planning. I saw some kids trying to solve a Rubik's cube and that gave me the idea to give a try, more seriouly this time.

I bought a new cube last week and started to practice on January 1st. I have set an ambitious objective for the end of the year. I will see if I can achieve it.
I am learning one of the advanced method directly (but simplified). I am skipping the "normal method" stage. Doing it this way can be a bit frustrating as there are much more sets of moves to learn before being able to do a first cube without reading notes but is very interesting.

So far I am really bad at anticipating what is going to happen on the cube, I only see the move I am doing. I also take ages to do the moves... but I guess it is normal after only 5 days

I have also been learning some new methods lately. I am completely skipping how to to do F2L as in the Fredrich's Method though.

Basically I solve normaly as explained in the OP up until I get the 2nd cross done. From there I do the same algorith as I would to get my centers, except it would solver the complete upper face.

I am learning to remember the algs. for getting my 3rd layer edges and the 3-way cycle.

Will post pictures if that doesn't make sense.

 

[Flying_Kefran]

I think I understand. For the top face, you get the corners mate correct, then the cross.
After that, you rearrange corners and rearrange edges all at once... and this makes 21 cases to learn.

At first I will do that in two steps to reduce the number of algorithm to learn... but it is something I will be interested in if I see that I manage to remember the sequences without suffering too much !

 

[kolio]

I think I understand. For the top face, you get the corners mate correct, then the cross.
After that, you rearrange corners and rearrange edges all at once... and this makes 21 cases to learn.

At first I will do that in two steps to reduce the number of algorithm to learn... but it is something I will be interested in if I see that I manage to remember the sequences without suffering too much !

Spoiler: 1st Step

Green cross and first layer along with centers of the second layer.

Spoiler: 2nd Step

Solve the entire 2nd layer.

Spoiler: 3rd Step

Solve the blue cross.

Spoiler: 4th Step

And then solve the top face. Using the same algorith you would use to solve your 3rd layer centers. Will add another picture in an Edit to show how that is done.

From here. All I need to know is two algoriths.

 

[Flying_Kefran]

January 31st.
I started on January 1st not knowing how to solve the cube. It was annoying at first as I chose to learn from the start something more complicated than the "beginners method".

I took me more or less 20 days (20-30 minutes of daily practice) to be able to do the cube whatever configuration I encounter and without reading notes.

I started looking at solve times one week ago.
My best time is the following (done today):

It is not representative of my real level. My other best times are in the 46-50 range. This 39 came from nowhere.

I do many 50-60 seconds solves but still too many above 1 minute.

I am still manipulating the cube basically, I position my hands as anybody would do. I think part of the next steps will be to improve on that area.

 

[wfooshee]

 

[kolio]

January 31st.
I started on January 1st not knowing how to solve the cube. It was annoying at first as I chose to learn from the start something more complicated than the "beginners method".

I took me more or less 20 days (20-30 minutes of daily practice) to be able to do the cube whatever configuration I encounter and without reading notes.

I started looking at solve times one week ago.
My best time is the following (done today):

It is not representative of my real level. My other best times are in the 46-50 range. This 39 came from nowhere.

I do many 50-60 seconds solves but still too many above 1 minute.

I am still manipulating the cube basically, I position my hands as anybody would do. I think part of the next steps will be to improve on that area.

Great work man! That is really impressive.

I have also recently learned some a little different for solving the cube.

Instead of solving the 3rd layer and the top face at the same time, I solve the top layer and then the 3rd layer. It has cut my times by about 30 seconds on average. Now if I really want to cut my times, I should learn F2L.

I am curious to the method you use. I am guessing you use F2L, PLL and OLL?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mini Review for the Newisland Stickerless 3x3 Cube

Now that I have had for about a week I can tell you how I feel about it. I have probably around 50 - 75 solves with it.

1. Spins very freely and is almost impossible to use when you first get it. But this is a good thing! It is something you just have to learn how to hold and use.

2. Popping. Popping has only happened to me ONCE. And it was my fault. I was trying a few fast moves and wasn't properly holding the cube. Accidentally tried a corner cut that was quite rediculous and 1 single piece popped. That is it.

3. Colors. Colors are great. Except for the orange and red look similar in dim lighting conditions.

Final thought. The cube was well worth the 12 dollars it cost. I can average about 1:20 for 5 consecutive solves. My best time is 1:00.087. Basically I got a last layer skip that worked in my favor.

 

[Flying_Kefran]

Great work man! That is really impressive.

I have also recently learned some a little different for solving the cube.

Instead of solving the 3rd layer and the top face at the same time, I solve the top layer and then the 3rd layer. It has cut my times by about 30 seconds on average. Now if I really want to cut my times, I should learn F2L.

I am curious to the method you use. I am guessing you use F2L, PLL and OLL?

Yes, I am doing the cfop method in its simplified shape:
- Cross (i do that intuitively without real algorithm. So far I generally know how to place 2 or 3 edges before starting depending on the case.)
- f2l. I do that intuitively too (i just know how to insert pairs in 4 basic situations and I move things around to get to these 4 cases)
- 2-look oll (I build a cross on the top layer to be in one of the 7 cases I know. Then I use one of the 7 algorithm to get the top face of the same color)
- 2-look pll (I get the corners right to be in one of the 4 cases I know then I apply the algorithm corresponding to this case to finish the cube).

I think it is what people generally learn after the beginners method (the one in the rubik's brand cube booklet).
I have started from the beginning by doing the first cross on the bottom of the cube. It was harder at first but this way I never turn the cube upside-down during the solving process.

I do not plan to learn the full friedrich method for 1-look oll (more than 50 cases) and 1-look pll (21 cases). I will be more interested in learning other ways to solve the cube (corners first for example).

To improve time I will work on improving the way I manipulate the cube, I am still doing it like I did on day one. I will also learn some algorithm for some f2l patterns to be more efficient during this phase.


------------------

Your new cube seems very nice. I use a Moyu Tanlong: I think it is very good too but I cannot realy compare except with the normal Rubik's cube ( that is really bad if you are trying to go fast)

 

[250 GTO]

My record is throwing it all the way past the neighbors garden an into the next one...

 

[kolio]

Yes, I am doing the cfop method in its simplified shape:
- Cross (i do that intuitively without real algorithm. So far I generally know how to place 2 or 3 edges before starting depending on the case.)
- f2l. I do that intuitively too (i just know how to insert pairs in 4 basic situations and I move things around to get to these 4 cases)
- 2-look oll (I build a cross on the top layer to be in one of the 7 cases I know. Then I use one of the 7 algorithm to get the top face of the same color)
- 2-look pll (I get the corners right to be in one of the 4 cases I know then I apply the algorithm corresponding to this case to finish the cube).

I think it is what people generally learn after the beginners method (the one in the rubik's brand cube booklet).
I have started from the beginning by doing the first cross on the bottom of the cube. It was harder at first but this way I never turn the cube upside-down during the solving process.

I do not plan to learn the full friedrich method for 1-look oll (more than 50 cases) and 1-look pll (21 cases). I will be more interested in learning other ways to solve the cube (corners first for example).

To improve time I will work on improving the way I manipulate the cube, I am still doing it like I did on day one. I will also learn some algorithm for some f2l patterns to be more efficient during this phase.


------------------

Your new cube seems very nice. I use a Moyu Tanlong: I think it is very good too but I cannot realy compare except with the normal Rubik's cube ( that is really bad if you are trying to go fast)

CFOP seems to be the way to go. Learning beginner F2L seems to be the hardest part for me. I have studied a little bit of OLL and PLL and they don't seem to be as hard as F2L for me.

Just the whole intuitive part of F2L flusters me. I am not saying I cannot do F2L. It just takes me about 2 minutes to do it. And sometimes longer if I cannot find my pair or something.

For solving the top face, I use only one algorith and repeat it. (R U Ri U R U2 Ri)

From there, I could do PLL if I learned it enough to do it without looking.

So I guess, I pretty much use a modified version of beginners method.

I have heard that F2L can almost cut your time by 30-50 percent. So that is my goal. Slowly.

 

[Flying_Kefran]

For me the time is split as follows when things do not go totally wrong:
- Cross: 7-12 seconds (the time required by good "cubers" to do the all cube) :-) It 's where I see that I am totally new to this thing !
- f2l: 20-40 seconds
- oll: 6-15 seconds (as i do 2-look oll, time is very dependent on how far I am to getting a cross shape after oll)
- pll: 5- 15 seconds (as I do 2-look pll, time is very dependent on the corners position after oll)

 

[kolio]

For me the time is split as follows when things do not go totally wrong:
- Cross: 7-12 seconds (the time required by good "cubers" to do the all cube) :-) It 's where I see that I am totally new to this thing !
- f2l: 20-40 seconds
- oll: 6-15 seconds (as i do 2-look oll, time is very dependent on how far I am to getting a cross shape after oll)
- pll: 5- 15 seconds (as I do 2-look pll, time is very dependent on the corners position after oll)

I really time break downs. I did this a while back just to see. I am going to do it again real quick to make sure it is accurate.

Cross (Green) - 6-12 seconds. Just depends on the order I am placing them.

Top Corners - 6-12 seconds. Generally, I can have to top face solved in about 14-24 seconds. Rarely do I get it below 14.

2nd Layer - 10-25 seconds. This is ussually what makes or breaks my time.

2nd Cross - 2-5 seconds. Pretty simple step.

2nd Face (Blue) - 2-8 seconds.

2 correct edges on 3rd layers if needed - 4 seconds.

Solve 3rd Layer Centers - 6 seconds.

Overall. It really just depends on the luck of the scramble for me. Especially the 2nd layers because sometimes I have to undo pieces that are incorrect by default.