The 3×3 Magic Cube is a fascinating puzzle that was invented by Erno Rubik. Despite its complexities, it can be solved using certain algorithms.
There are 21 pieces in the cube, including six central pieces that show one coloured face, eight corner pieces that show three coloured faces, and 12 edge pieces that show two coloured faces. Each coloured face shows a unique combination.
How to Solve a 3×3 Magic Cube
The first step in solving the 3×3 Magic Cube is to orient all of the faces correctly. This is done by rotating the right, left, and front faces anticlockwise.
Afterwards, you can solve the cube by moving any remaining pieces into their correct position. This can be done using one of the following algorithms.
To start off, find a white corner piece in the top layer of your cube. Place it on the front/right side and then rotate your cube until the white corner is oriented correctly.
Repeat this process for all four corners. If only 2 corners are oriented correctly, the cube is unsolvable and needs to be taken apart.
Alternatively, you can choose an edge piece and turn it clockwise until all three colors match. This should bring the edge piece into its proper position and allow you to move the next cube edge piece.
Beginner’s Method
The intermediate method, also known as the CFOP technique, is one of the fastest ways to solve the cube. This method divides the cube into layers, and solves each layer using memorized algorithms.
This method is very efficient and can reduce the cube’s solution time by up to 10 times. However, it requires a lot of practice to memorize the algorithms.
To speed up your solving process, plan ahead. This will reduce the time you spend deciding where to move next.
Another speed-boosting technique is lubricating your cube parts with silicone spray or gel. This will make the cube more stable and make it move faster.
If you’re having trouble solving your cube, it might be due to an unsolved corner. First, check to see if any of the corners in the top layer are already facing the right way.
Intermediate Method
The intermediate method for solving a Rubik’s cube is very similar to the beginner’s method, but requires some extra steps. These extra steps can be referred to as algorithms and are often necessary for speedcubers who want to break the 1 minute barrier.
First, you will need to solve the white face of the cube. This involves rotating the cube so that the green-white edge is lined up with the center.
Once the green edge is in place, you will need to turn all of the other white edges so that they are also lined up with the center. This will form a yellow cross.
Next, you will need to rotate the corners of the cube to their correct positions. For this, you will need to perform 3 right hand algorithms and spin the cube clockwise, then 3 left hand algorithms and finally rotate the top layer until all of the corners are in the correct position.
Advanced Method
The 3×3 Magic Cube has a total of 43 quintillion possible permutations (unlike other puzzles such as Rubik’s Snake). Algorithms are available to help solve the cube.
Before solving the cube it is important to practice putting the pieces in place without affecting other squares on the cube. This will give you a good understanding of how the cube moves and allows you to work intuitively, which is essential for solving the cube.
You will make mistakes and stuff up the cube many times whilst you are learning how to solve it but don’t worry. Just keep trying and it will come together eventually!
Once you have mastered the basic technique it is time to move on to solving more complex moves. There are a few algorithms that are easy to memorise and can be used to solve the cube.
