Solving a Rubik's Cube involves a sequence of moves to return all its sides to a single, uniform color. Follow these steps:
1. Start with a single face, often white or any other color. Solve the first layer by completing this face.
2. Move to the second layer. Align edge pieces with the correct adjacent centers.
3. Solve the third layer's cross, ensuring edges match adjacent centers.
4. Position the third layer's corner pieces correctly.
5. Fix any misaligned centers in the first two layers.
6. Finish the cube by aligning all sides of the third layer.
Remember specific algorithms and practice to improve your speed. Solving a Rubik's Cube requires patience, pattern recognition, and practice.
STEP 1 - COMPLETE THE FIRST LAYER CROSS
Certainly, let's break down step 1 - completing the first layer cross on a Rubik's Cube:
1. Choose a Color:Pick a color for the first layer. For this example, we'll use white.
2. Find the Center:Locate the white center square on the cube. This center square doesn't move and is the reference point for the white face.
3. Edges with White:Look for edge pieces that have white stickers. These will be part of the white cross.
4. Position the Edge Pieces:Rotate the cube so that the white edge pieces match the color of the center square they're adjacent to. For instance, if the white edge piece has a green sticker, it should be positioned above the green center.
5. Move the Edge Pieces:Use simple moves like R (right), U (up), R' (right inverted), U' (up inverted), etc., to bring the white edge pieces to their correct positions. For instance, if an edge piece is in the top layer but not in the right place, you can move it to the correct spot.
6. the Cross: Keep adjusting and moving the white edge pieces until you have a white cross on the first layer, with each edge piece matching the adjacent center color.
By completing this step, you should have the white cross on the first layer, and the cube's other layers will still be unsolved. This is just the beginning of solving the Rubik's Cube; there are additional steps to solve the entire puzzle.
STEP 2 - COMPLETE THE FIRST LAYER CORNERS
Identify the Corner Pieces: Look for corner pieces in the first layer that have both the white sticker (part of the first layer) and two other stickers that match the adjacent center colors.
Locate the Correct Position: Examine each corner piece closely and determine where it should go based on the colors of the adjacent centers. For example, if a corner has white, green, and red stickers, it should go in the corner between the white, green, and red centers.
Position the Corner Pieces: You may need to move the corner pieces to their correct positions using the following move sequences
(notations are in capital letters): If the corner piece is in the right place but oriented incorrectly, use R U R' U'. If the corner piece is in the wrong place, but another corner piece is in the right place, move the correct one to the top layer and then use R U' R'. If none of the corner pieces are in the correct position, you may need to repeat the above moves strategically to get them into their respective positions.
Orient the Corners: Once all the corner pieces are in their correct positions, you may need to orient them correctly. This might involve using the same sequence (R U R' U') or other algorithms depending on the cube's state.
STEP 3 - COMPLETE SECOND LAYER
Step 3 involves completing the second layer of the Rubik's Cube once you have solved the first layer. Here's how to do it:
1. Identify the Second Layer Edge Pieces: In the solved first layer, locate the four edge pieces that belong to the second layer. These pieces willave two stickers, and neither of them will be white.
2.Find Their Correct Positions: Examine the edge pieces in the first layer and determine where they should go in the second layer. Each edge piece should match the colors of the centers it's adjacent to. For example, if you have an edge piece with blue and red stickers, it should go between the blue and red centers.
3. Position the Edge Pieces: To move the second layer edge pieces into their correct positions, you'll use the following algorithm:
- If the edge piece is in the same layer but in the wrong spot: U R U' R' U' F' U F
- If the edge piece is in the first layer and needs to be moved to the second layer: Find the edge piece in the first layer, bring it to the top layer with U or U', then use the above algorithm.
4. for All Second Layer Edge Pieces:** Continue this process until all four second layer edge pieces are correctly positioned. It's important to make sure they are oriented correctly as well.
By following these steps, you should have successfully completed the second layer of the Rubik's Cube. The first and second layers will be solved, and you can move on to solving the final layer in subsequent steps. As with any Rubik's Cube solving process, practice and familiarity with the algorithms will improve your speed and efficiency.
STEP 4 - COMPLETE THE THIRD LAYER CROSS
Step 4 involves completing the third layer cross on the Rubik's Cube after you have solved the first and second layers. Here's how to do it:
1. **Inspect the Third Layer:** Examine the state of the third layer. Your goal is to create a cross on this layer with the correct colors matching the adjacent centers.
2. **Position the Edge Pieces:** If you have edge pieces that are already in the third layer but not in the correct position, use the following algorithm to move them into place:
- F R U R' U' F'
This algorithm will move the edge piece from the top layer to the third layer while preserving the first and second layers.
3. **Complete the Third Layer Cross:** You may need to repeat the algorithm from step 2 to position multiple edge pieces correctly. Once you have the cross shape in the third layer, ensure the colors of the edges match the adjacent centers.
4. **Orient the Edges:** In many cases, the edges in the third layer may not be oriented correctly. To orient them correctly, use the following algorithm:
- R U R' U R U2 R'
This algorithm will flip the orientation of the edge piece.
5. **Verify the Cross:** Double-check that the cross on the third layer is complete, and all edge pieces have the correct orientation.
By following these steps, you should have successfully completed the third layer cross on your Rubik's Cube. The cube will be almost solved, with only the corner pieces of the third layer remaining to be solved in the final step. Practice and patience are key to mastering these algorithms and solving the Rubik's Cube efficiently.
STEP 5 - COMPLETE THE THIRD LAYER CORNERS
Step 5 involves completing the third layer corners of the Rubik's Cube after you've already completed the third layer cross in Step 4. Here's how to do it:
1. **Identify the Third Layer Corner Pieces:** Examine the third layer to locate the corner pieces that belong there. These pieces will have three stickers, and none of them will be white.
2. **Determine Their Correct Positions:** Examine each corner piece closely and determine where it should go based on the colors of the stickers. To solve the third layer, you need to ensure each corner piece is in its proper spot with the colors matching the adjacent centers.
3. **Position the Corner Pieces:** To move the corner pieces into their correct positions in the third layer, you'll use the following algorithm:
- R U' R' U' R U R' U2
This algorithm will move the corner piece from the top layer to the third layer while preserving the first and second layers.
4. **Orient the Corners:** Once you have all the corner pieces in their correct positions, you may need to orient them correctly. Use the following algorithm to orient the corners:
- R U' R' U' R U R'
This algorithm will change the orientation of the corner piece.
5. **Repeat for All Third Layer Corner Pieces:** Continue this process until all the third layer corner pieces are correctly positioned and oriented.
By following these steps, you should have successfully completed the third layer corners, and your Rubik's Cube will be fully solved. Congratulations! Solving the Rubik's Cube requires practice, patience, and familiarity with the algorithms for different scenarios.
NOTE: THIS ROUTINE MAY APPEAR TO UPSET THE REST OF THE CUBE. DO NOT DESPAIR AND KEEP THE SAME SIDE FACING YOU IT WILL ONLY BE SOLVED ONCE THE LAST CORNER IS ORIENTATED.
