Intro + Supplies: How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube

This instruct-able will teach you how to solve a Rubik’s Cube. I made this because there are many people who think solving one is very complicated, but it is actually very simple and easy if you put in some time. I used to do a lot of speed-solving and it is not uncommon where I am approached and get asked “How do you solve that?”. The thing is, solving it isn’t hard at all and you don’t need to be a genius. A Rubik’s Cube is something anyone can solve.

1. Rubik’s Cube

You will need to understand the Rubik’s Cube before starting this instruct-able. First, all the middle pieces never change. Green will be opposite of blue, red will be opposite of orange, and yellow is opposite of white. There are edge pieces and corner pieces. Edge pieces have 2 colors and corner pieces have 3 colors. A misconception is that you solve each side, but you actually solve the cube by layers. Next, you need to know notation. On the next steps, I will be saying the moves in an algorithmic matter like F, R, U’, F’ instead of front side down or something similar.

Here is the link to the Rubik’s Cube notation moves: https://ruwix.com/the-rubiks-cube/notation/

This is very important that you understand the notation or you will not be able to understand the next steps.

You first start off by making a cross with the white side. There are 4 pieces you need to move. White-red, white-orange, white-green, and white-blue. You need to connect each edge piece to there designated spots. For example, white-red would be slotted between the white middle piece and the red middle piece. To make it easier, just try making a white cross and the other color on each edge piece should be the opposite of its other one. Sounds complicated but I’ll explain. The white-red piece should be opposite of the white-orange and the white-green should be opposite of white-blue. Sometimes, event though you have them at the opposites, 2 of them don’t fit. So, pull the 2 edge pieces that are correct down and move the white layer right or left 2 times and then put the correct pieces back up and your white cross should be done.

Once the white cross is done, flip over the cube so the yellow face is on top and the whiteface is on bottom. You can start with any corner piece. Get the corner piece you want to slot in to the top layer. Then, move it so it is right above where you are to slot it in. For example, you want to slot the corner in between white, green, and orange. You find the corner piece, and move it to the top layer (if it isn’t already there). Next, hold the cube to where the corner piece is on the right and closest to you and use your knowledge of notation and do R, U, R’, U’. Basically, you move the right layer up, move the top layer left, move the right layer back down, and move the top layer back to the right. Repeat the same moves until it is slotted in correctly. Do the same thing for all corners.

I would say this is one of the more trickier parts, but if you visualize it correctly, it looks easy. First, find the edge pieces that do not have a yellow face or are already solved (they should either be in the top layer or in between the middle pieces where they are supposed to be slotted). They need to be in the top layer, but you don’t have to move them all into the top layer first. Just find one already there or move only one to the top layer. Move the top layer around until the edge piece you are trying to solve is right above it middle piece. Let’s say you are trying to slot the blue-red edge piece. The blue face of the edge piece is not on the yellow side so move it to where the blue face is. Look at the pictures for an idea. Move that edge piece away from where it needs to be slotted in and move the corner up. Then move the edge piece back and then pull the corner down so the edge piece and corner piece are paired. Insert them back into the slot. Follow this algorithm if it is easier for you, Right side: U, R, U’, R’, F, R’, F’, R. Left side: U’, L’, U, L, F’, L, F, L’. Do the same for all edges.