instructables

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!

by T3h_Muffinator

This instructable will teach YOU how to solve a 1 Good Memory (if you want to impress people)
Rubik's cube! 1 Sack Load of Patience

I will also teach you algorithms that will enable you to Subnote: This method took me 3 days to master, and
make your cube "pretty", which will impress people! a week to perfect, working on it about 4 hours a day. I
can now solve a cube in under X3X X2.4X 1.37
Note: This is only ONE algorithm, although it is minutes. (Look Below)
applicable to ANY "situation" that can be presented to
//www.youtube.com/v/asnONcQ7trE
you on the cube.

Materials:
1 Rubik's Cube

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 1

Step 1: Getting It All Messed Up! (use When Necessary)

Pretty much just scramble up the cube. then you're being inefficient.
-Don't turn two edge sides the same way, you could
-Don't turn any one side more than twice in a row, have just turned the middle section

-Don't turn only one or two faces, rotate the cube take longer.
while scrambling to get a better scramble
-If you want the best scramble, scramble the middle
rows and columns, that tends to make the solution

Step 2: Solving the Top Corners

So, what you want to do now is solve the top corners. hand corner, then follow the steps in the pictures until
-Pick your favorite color (I always use blue, some use you have all four top corners solved!
white, it really doesn't matter)
-Locate one of the corners
-Make it so that your favorite color (we'll use blue As for notation, a capital letter by itself represents a
from now on) is facing upwards and that the other two 90 degrees clockwise turn if you were looking at the
colors on the corner piece are on the side of the cube. face itself.
(You can just rotate the cube so that the blue part is For Example: U means turn the top layer 90
facing up) clockwise as if you were looking at it, or to the left.
L means turn " Left " " " " " " " " " " " , or down
-Rotate the cube so that the first blue piece you found R means turn " Right " " " " " " " , or up.
is in the top-left hand corner
-Find another Blue corner piece, this time with one of I've included some pictures that help explain all the
the same "side colors" as the first one you picked (In moves.
my case red or white)
- Get your target (new) corner piece right under where (I need permission for the pictures first, so they'll be
you want it to go by rotating the bottom or side rows up by tomorrow, probably)
or columns, keeping the original piece in the top left

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 2

 3
1
1

4
1. Front Face 1. 1st corner - Blue, Red, Yellow
2. I'd want my target corner to be here
3. Or here
4. I'd look at it from this side

4
1

2 4 3
1
2

1. 1st Corner 1. 3rd Corner - Blue, Orange, White

2. 2nd Corner - Blue, Yellow, Orange 2. 1st
3. My target corner WAS here, now it's in the right spot. 3. 2nd
4. My next target corner would be here or below here 4. 4th Corner - Blue, Red, White

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 3

Step 3: Solving the Top Edges

Okay, so you have all the corners, now you need to Simply move the middle and bottom layers to set up
fill in the edges! your target pieces
The target pieces for this are Blue and nColor, where
Since the top corners are finished, it's not suggested nColor is the color of the surrounding two edges.
that you move the top layer during the set-up process
if this is new to you, but you CAN move it in the If your target cube is in the top row, but not in
algorithms that I have presented to you. between the correct two corners, skip that color and

go onto the next, it should free itself. the entire top edges. If you have the middle, too, then
skip the next step. If you don't, continue reading.
If the cube does not get free, you may turn the middle
column that the target cube is on, in order to move it
to the bottom row.

Finally, follow the algorithms until you have solved

2 1

1. 1st target cube

2. Makes a red row!

1. 2nd target cube 1. 3rd target cube

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 4

 2

1. 4th target cube

2. Top Row Done!

Step 4: Solving the Top Middle Piece

Okay, so your Top (Blue) middle piece can be in one of two places:
-The bottom center
-The center on one side of the middle layer.

If it's in the bottom center, just follow algorithm 1 from any face
If it's in the center on one side of the middle layer, make the target center piece face you, then preform algorithm
two.

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 5

Step 5: Solve the Middle Layer

So now that you have the top layer done, you should first. If you're solving for the yellow side, make sure it
be able to make a "small 'T'" on each side by simply isn't white. If you're solving for the orange side, make
turning the middle layer until the middle centerpiece sure it isn't red, and visa versa for all 3 cases)
of nColor matches up with its respective colored
"side" of the top face. 3. Decide which way it has to go (to the left or to the
right (according to the picture)) by seeing which color
Now, follow these steps: is on the bottom. (In the example, if the bottom red
pieces' bottom was yellow, it would go right)
1. Once you have that, rotate the bottom layer until it
makes a "larger 'T'" with the "small 'T'" 4. Follow the provided algorithm in order to move the
piece, making sure that you're looking at the cube so
2. Look under that piece to make sure that it isn't that the "larger 'T'" faces you.
green (only in the case of solving for the blue side

2
1

1. Piece I'm moving "to the right", makes the "larger

'T'", at first
2. That bottom red piece will go here

1
2

1
3

1. I moved the piece that made the larger T here, where it's supposed to 1. Orange, Yellow
be 2. Needs to go here (to the left)
3. I'm looking at it from this side when I do the algorithm, looking at the
"larger 'T'"

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 6

 1
1

1. Red, white needs to move left 1. Orange, Yellow in place

1
1

1. Orange, white over here, needs to go right. 1. Orange, White in place!

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 7

 1

1. In place!

Step 6: Placing the Bottom Corners

The first thing you need to do once you finished the have to do the algorithm twice, so just do it once and
middle layer is flip your entire cube over. then start this step over.

Now, examine the corners the way that they are I can better explain this through graphics, so look at
(colors) and see if the colors of the corner pieces the first five pictures now.
correlate with the edge that they are on.
Make the two corners that need to be switched face
You might need to turn the top (used to be bottom) you, then do the provided algorithm.
layer in order to line up two adjacent corners to their
respective edges. If you don't need to switch any corners, skip this step.

If you cannot line up two adjacent ones, then you'll

1. The top (originally bottom) layer started off like this. I

rotated it twice to get two of the corners to line up with
their respective edges.

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 8

 1
1

1. This cube matches with this side because it is the Green, Red, White 1. The Green, Red, Yellow corner matches up with the Red, Yellow edge
cube, and the edge that it matches up with is the Red,White edge

1
1 2

1. This is the Green, Yellow, Orange cube, and it's on the Orange, White 1. I switched the Green, Orange, Yellow and Green, Orange, White
edge. It doesn't match and needs to be switched with the Green, Orange, corners in order to get them into the right spots. Their orientation (colors)
White cube, which is on the Orange, Yellow edge doesn't matter, it just so happened that they lined up nicely like that =)
2. The Green, Orange, White Corner on the Orange, Yellow edge

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 9

Step 7: Orienting the Bottom Corners

Okay, now that you have all the Top (Bottom) corners making sure the cube is facing you the right way, and
in place, you have to rotate them in place so that the preform the algorithm.
colors match up with their respecive sides.
If all of the corners are solved, then continue onto the
For example, in the first picture you see that two of next step, otherwise see if you have the same or
the corners are not green. That's because the green another case, and follow the instructions for that
is on the side of the cube. We need the green to case.
come to the top of the cube.
- There is more than one corner piece with green on
There are three cases for this step: top. In this case, follow the 2nd cube example in the
first picture, where there is a corner that is not green
- There is only one corner piece with green on top. In in the closer right hand corner, and any of the other
this case, make sure that that corner piece is on your corners are green. You MUST make sure that the
right, and closest to you, then preform the algorithm right corner closest to you is NOT green.
once ( first cube example in the first picture).
If all of the corners are solved, then continue onto the
If all of the corners are solved, then continue onto the next step, otherwise see if you have the same or
next step, otherwise see if you have the same or another case, and follow the instructions for that
another case, and follow the instructions for that case.
case.
Once you have solved all the corners, move onto the
- The are no corner pieces with green on top. In this next step.
case, follow the 3rd cube example in the first picture,

1. Two corners are green, so I follow the 2nd Cube Example

2. I used this one as the closest right hand corner
3. I looked at the cube from this side.

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 10

 1

1. After preforming the algorithm once, this is what I got. Now there's only 1. All 4 corners are solved!
ONE green corner piece, so I follow the first cube example
2. My only green corner; so this is my closest right hand corner
3. I looked at the cube from this side

Step 8: Positioning the 4 Remaining Middle Pieces

Okay, so now all of the corners are in the right place You'll either need to shift the middle pieces one way
and orientation. or the other. Based on which way you need to go,
right or left, do the appropriate algorithm on the 2nd
You should have one side that has the right middle picture.
piece, but it doesn't have to be in the right orientation.
-If you have more than one or none in the proper
-If you do, then look at the cube from that side (the orientation, use the "scramble" algorithm on the 3rd
one with the correct middle piece between the two picture, looking at any side when you do (so long as
corners) and preform one of the two algorithms (don't you don't rotate the cube up or down), then start this
look at the first picture, that's just for fun, look at the step over again
second picture)

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 11

 3 4 6 8 1
10 5 9 7
1 2
1. Front 1. Scramble
2. Front
3. Needs to be white
4. Needs to be red
5. Needs to be yellow
6. Needs to be
orange
7. Needs to be red
8. Needs to be white
9. already solved,
you look at it from this
side (orientation
doesn't matter)
10. Already solved,
you look at it from this
side (orientation
doesn't matter)

1
3
3

5 4
2
1

1. Front 1. Yay, this is red!

2. I'd use the 1st algorithm on the 2nd picture (reading from left to right) 2. Yay, this is Yellow!
3. Needs to be white 3. Yay, this is White!
4. Needs to be red
5. Needs to be yellow

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 12

Step 9: Finishing Move!

Okay, so now you have either one of two situations: Now gloat to all your friends, show off how smart you
are, but most importantly, PRACTICE!
- The Fish Pattern (The correctly colored top pieces
make the top of the cube look like a fish The faster you get, the better it looks!

-The "H"* Pattern (The correctly colored top pieces This is also not the only way to solve a Rubik's cube,
make the top of the cube look like an "H" so you can experiment, create your own algorithms,
*Note: You hold the cube so that it looks like an "I", be creative!
so it should really be called the "I" Pattern.
A couple of fancy things I figured out are in the next
For either pattern, follow the corresponding algorithm. two steps.
If you'll notice, they're quite similar. This makes it a bit
easier to remember both of them.

YOU'RE DONE!

1. It's the "H" For me!

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 13

Step 10: Fancy #1: the Cross

In this, just follow the algorithm looking from any side.

The rotate 90�ú means that you rotate it as if you were looking from the top, so if you are looking at the red
face, rotate the cube so that you're looking at the green face.

NOTE: only do this if you thing you can figure out how to un-do it. I'm going to leave you to figure that out =)

Step 11: Fancy #2: the Centerpiece

Again, just follow the algorithm from any face.

Once again, only do this if you can figure out how to un-do it =)

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 14

Step 12: Combine!

Do both algorithms, in any particular order!

This will come out pretty fancy looking, I think, at least!

Again, if you can un-do it, feel free to do it!

Step 13: Other Thoughts

Like I said, there are a ton of ways to solve a Rubik's but those are the best kind!
Cube.
Here's a video of me solving it in my personal record
This is by no means the best way to do it, just the time as of two nights ago. I broke that record by 15
way that I learned to do it a while back. seconds the next night ;)

//www.youtube.com/v/asnONcQ7trE
The Rubik's Cube is one of my favorite toys,
especially because it always attracts a crowd when
people see that you can actually solve one.
Oh, and I lied about the song: It's "The Spirit Caries
By the way, for all of you nerd guys that can do this
On" By Dream Theater
too, IT WILL GET YOU CHICKS!... well, nerd chicks,

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 15

 Can anyone tell me what the quickest way is to flip the final red/blue cube of the middle layer, per
the picture?..

if i can help I will need more pics from different angles on the cube

I need help what should I do when I'm stuck in a Rubik cube

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 16

 I was going to leave a comment telling you to take it a part and put it back together solved but you
asked a year ago so you probably solved it already¯\_( )_/¯

we got one of these for my 8 yr old because I grew up with it. Needed a refresher! BTW is that
Dream Theater in the background? ??

If you are still stuck after this instructable, try this video tutorial https://youtu.be/nInGsSmjeds

I have a better instructable HERE (https://www.instructables.com/id/Rubiks-Cube-Solving-Faster-

Simpler/)

I am having trouble acquiring a 'sackload of patience'.

Did you peel the stickers off at some point between making these pictures? The green and orange
sides switch in step two. I'm baffled as to how this happened other than peeling the stickers

I can solve it in 42 seconds and I use a diffrent method and in 10

so hard ;-;

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 17

i need a personal trainer to help me

that didn't help

I still can't solve it...

thanks!!!!

This cube also enhances the efficiency of the brain and aids in solving mathematics.

Play Rubik's Puzzle iOS Game

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rubiks-puzzle/id1022692354?mt=8

interesting but hard for me

interesting but hard for me

I don't know what to do still

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 18

I wrote a guide (http://www.learnhowtosolvearubikscube.com/how-to-solve-a-rubiks-cube-solution-
overview/) too. Check it out.

Thanks for instructions!

I want my Rubik's Cube back from my brother! ;-)

It's harder than imagined

lol , confusing but it helps..

Very good tutorial, just need to memorize the algorithms :)

Very interesting Instructible! Thanks for sharing.

This is response to @laofmoonster. (It won't let me reply to you so I need to make a new post.) The
solution guide that I have been using is different as well: http://www.rubikssolver.com/
(http://rubikssolver.com) -- check step 5 specifically.

If you are still having trouble go to this website and put in your cubes coordinates then follow along
as the computer solves it.
http://ruwix.com/online-rubiks-cube-solver-program/?
scramble=0221222522366666666231333333512111111356555555444444444&x=1

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 19

WHICH PATTERN SHOULD I USE IN THE FINISHING TOUCH H OR FISH?PLEASE HELP ME.

This don't make sense you need to rethink your life.

It's confusing... a video might make it easier to understand...

The instructions for right should be D' R' D R D F D' F'

1yay i did it 23 seconds i solved it yaay almost in top

seriously how teach me i need to get it in under 1 min 30 seconds for school

2 look Fridrich... Google it

I'm stuck. Anybody know if there's a way to solve this without breaking it apart?

Took me a while but I got it. thanks!

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 20

This guy here has got to be the world's fastest in this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZF6ZB-jAGQ

take a look

Really nice guide, had some trouble with step 8,

But managed to fully solve the Rubik's cube with this:

How to solve a Rubik's Cube (http://www.rubiksplace.com) Guide

majorson.

this is actually not the perfect way solving cube .....the writer has just tried to modify the original
and described in his own method ... once you leanr to solve it you will have your own million ways
of solving it ...

nope. dont get it....this thing makes me feel stupid. i have no idea what they're talking about -_-
:P

I learned how to solve a rubix cube here: http://howtosolvearubixcube.blogspot.com/

(http://howtosolvearubixcube.blogspot.com/) Loved the video tutorial :D

Struggled after step 8 - but managed to finally get there with some additional help from a video on
the official Rubik's website though!:

http://www.rubiks.com/solving-center/ (http://www.rubiks.com/solving-center/)

How some people do this in minutes is beyond me !

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 21

Try to shuffle it after you do step 6.. I did it for 2weeks 2hours a day and finally could solve the
cube...

It's a bit confusing..

in the first picture, the arrows show you which algorithm you have to use. however, they are paired
incorrectly.

I have a problem. all of my corners but two are in the correct spots facing the correct directions.
these two are on non-consecutive corners. they are switched so that it looks like this:

what do i do?

why is the white square in the center of the blue? or did i mess up somewhere?

I'm not sure if you guys noticed, but step 5 is wrong

I've been following the steps, and on step 5, when turning to the right, one of the steps is wrong, its
actually
D'R'DRDFD'F' instead of D'R'DRDFDF'

ive been working a while on the rubik's cube also and i have gotten my time down to 50sec.im
working on the 20 step process and going to go for the world record.

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 22

 I solved it in 1Minute and 40 seconds
And scrambling go the fastet as u do Ri U 10 times
then twist the cube that way the cubes left is front

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube!: Page 23