Step-by-Step Rubik’s Cube Tricks to Solve Like a Pro

Introduction

The Rubik’s Cube can be an intimidating puzzle for beginners, but with the right tricks, anyone can solve it like a pro. Whether you're a novice or looking to improve your skills, this step-by-step guide will teach you some simple Rubik’s Cube tricks that will make solving the puzzle feel like a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics of the Rubik’s Cube

Before we start learning the tricks, it's essential to understand the basic structure of the Rubik’s Cube. The cube consists of 6 faces, each made up of 9 smaller squares (3x3). The goal is to rearrange the cube so that each face is a single, solid color.

Step 1: Solve the White Cross

The first step in solving the Rubik’s Cube is to create a white cross on the top face. This trick involves positioning the white edge pieces around the white centerpiece. Here’s how:

Find the white edge pieces (not corners) and move them to the top layer.

Match the white edge pieces with the center pieces on the adjacent faces.

Position the pieces correctly, ensuring the white cross is complete with matching colors on each face.

Step 2: Solve the White Corners

Once you have the white cross, it’s time to solve the white corners. This step requires placing the white corner pieces in their correct positions. Here’s the trick:

Find a white corner piece in the bottom layer.

Position it below the correct corner on the top layer.

Use the “right-hand algorithm”: (R U R’ U’) until the white corner is in place.

Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Now that the top face is solved, it’s time to work on the middle layer. This part involves placing the edge pieces in the correct spots on the middle layer. Here’s the trick:

Locate an edge piece in the top layer that belongs in the middle layer.

Use the left or right algorithm to insert the edge into its correct position:

For right: (U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F)

For left: (U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’)

Repeat this process until all four middle layer edges are in place.

Step 4: Solve the Yellow Cross

With the middle layer done, we move on to the yellow cross. To do this, you need to orient the yellow edge pieces on the top layer to form a cross. Here’s the trick:

Check the yellow pieces on the top layer. You might see no yellow edges, a line, or an L shape.

Use the algorithm (F R U R’ U’ R U R’ U’ R U R’ U’) to rotate the edges into the correct position.

Repeat the algorithm until you have a yellow cross on top.

Step 5: Position the Yellow Corners

The next step is to position the yellow corner pieces in their correct places, even if they are not oriented correctly. Here’s how:

Look for any yellow corner pieces that are already in the correct spot.

Use the algorithm (U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L) to move the pieces into place.

Repeat until all yellow corners are in the correct position.

Step 6: Orient the Yellow Corners

Finally, the last step is to orient the yellow corners so that all yellow stickers are facing upward. Here’s the trick:

Hold the cube with the yellow corners that need to be flipped facing you.

Use the algorithm (R’ D’ R D) to rotate the corners into place.

Repeat this step until the cube is solved.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By following these simple Rubik’s Cube tricks, you’ve solved your first cube like a pro! With practice, you can improve your speed and even start solving the cube in under a minute. Remember, solving the Rubik’s Cube is all about patience, practice, and applying the right tricks at the right time. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be a speedcubing expert!