How to assemble corner and edge elements in the third layer of a Rubik's cube. How to solve a Rubik's cube and preserve the nervous system Rubik's cube third layer corners
Designations of sides and language of rotations in Russian letters
First of all, let's agree on a notation system. The faces of the cube are indicated by letters F, T, P, L, V, N- the initial letters of the words façade, rear, right, left, top, bottom. Which face of the cube is considered the front face - blue, green, etc. - depends on you and the resulting situation. During the assembly process, you will have to several times take one or another face, convenient for a given case, as a façade. The central cubes determine the color of the face, that is, we can say that even in a completely mixed up cube, the central cubes have already been selected and 8 cubes of the same color remain to be attached to each of them. The central cubes are designated by one letter: f, t, p, l, v, n.
Edge cubes (there are 12 of them) belong to two faces and are designated by two letters, for example fp, pv, fn etc.
Corner cubes - in three letters according to the name of the faces, for example, fpv, fln etc.
In capital letters F, T, P, L, V, N the elementary operations of rotating the corresponding face (layer, slice) of a cube by 90° clockwise are indicated. Designations F", T", P", L", V", N" correspond to the rotation of the faces by 90° counterclockwise. Designations F 2, P 2 etc. they talk about double rotation of the corresponding face ( F 2 = FF).
Letter WITH indicate the rotation of the middle layer. The subscript indicates which face should be viewed from in order to make this turn. For example S P- from the right side, C N- from the bottom side, S" L- from the left side, counterclockwise, etc. It is clear that C N = C "B, S P = S "L etc. Letter ABOUT- rotation (revolution) of the entire cube around its axis. O F- from the side of the front edge clockwise, etc.
Process recording (F" P") N 2 (PF) means: rotate the front edge counterclockwise by 90°, the same - the right edge, rotate the bottom edge twice (that is, 180°), rotate the right edge 90° clockwise, rotate the front edge 90° clockwise.
Along with the alphabetic recording of processes, a matrix form of recording is also used, where elementary operations are depicted by a drawing of a front face with corresponding arrows indicating the directions of rotation of the corresponding face.
The layer-by-layer algorithm for solving the Rubik's cube is far from the only one. There are other methods, which are discussed on other pages of this section.
To be continued...
To rotate the central cubes in a 3x3x3 cube with oriented centers, you must first assemble the entire cube without taking into account their orientation, and only then turn it over. There are only 3 universal formulas for this:
- (M E M" E") (F|F"|F2) (E M E" M") (F"|F|F2)
- (M2 E M2 E") (F|F"|F2) (M2 E M2 E") (F"|F|F2)
- [(R L U2) (R" L" U)]*2
Let's look at each formula in more detail, but first, let's agree that the edge with yellow arrows is the facade (F), the edge with red arrows is the top (U), and the edge with blue arrows is the right one (R).
First formula:(M E M" E") (F|F"|F2) (E M E" M") (F"|F|F2) is used to rotate adjacent centers (top and front) by 90 degrees (one - clockwise, the other is counterclockwise) and 180. In fact, these are direct (M2 E M2 E") and reverse (M2 E M2 E"), also called "windows", with an intermediate rotation of the facade edge (F, or F" , or F2). Reverse rotation of the façade face (F", or F, or F2) returns it to its original position. The direction and angle of rotation of the central cubes depends on which pair of rotations of the façade edge you use.
If you have a situation like in this figure, when you need to turn the top central cube clockwise by 90 degrees, and the front center counterclockwise by 90 degrees, then the formula will be as follows:
(M E M" E") F (E M E" M") F"
If you have a case like in this picture, when top cube you need to turn counterclockwise by 90 degrees, and the front one - clockwise by 90, then an intermediate turn F" is used and at the end the reverse turn F is used:
(M E M" E") F" (E M E" M") F
To rotate the top and front centers by 180 degrees, we will use the intermediate rotation F2, then it will turn out like this:
(M E M" E") F2 (E M E" M") F2
Second formula:(M2 E M2 E") (F|F"|F2) (M2 E M2 E") (F"|F|F2) - rotation of opposite centers (facade and rear) by 90 (F, F") or 180 ( F2). It is based on a simple rearrangement of centers using solitaire (M2 E M2 E")/(M2 E M2 E"), popularly called "4 points" with intermediate substitution using layer F.
In a situation like in the figure, when you need to turn 2 opposite centers (front and back) counterclockwise by 90 degrees (note that in this case both cubes rotate in the same direction when viewed from the side), we use the intermediate rotation F and at the end the opposite of it is F":
(M2 E M2 E") F (M2 E M2 E") F"
If a case arises, as in this picture, when both opposite centers (facade and rear) need to be rotated clockwise by 90 degrees, we use the same “4 points” solitaire and an intermediate turn F with a reverse turn F at the end. Here's the formula:
(M2 E M2 E") F" (M2 E M2 E") F.
In a situation like this picture, where the front and back centers need to be rotated 180 degrees, the intermediate rotation would be F2 (reverse at the end too):
(M2 E M2 E") F2 (M2 E M2 E") F2.
Third formula:[(R L U2) (R" L" U)]*2. It is needed when only one central cube needs to be turned 180 degrees. We place the cube so that the unfolding center is at the top, and execute the algorithm:
[(R L U2) (R" L" U)]*2.
A situation where only one central cube is rotated 90 degrees (either clockwise or counterclockwise) cannot arise in the cube.
Using the above formulas, you can rotate all the central cubes with any possible combination of rotations. For example, to rotate two central cubes on adjacent faces (top and front) in the same direction (either both clockwise, or both centers counterclockwise), a combination of formulas is used. First, rotate the top center 180 degrees with the last formula [(R L U2) (R" L" U)]*2, and then, depending on the resulting situation, apply one of the formulas of the first set: (M E M" E") (F|F"|F2) (E M E" M") (F"|F|F2)
The problem with rotating opposite centers in opposite directions. First, rotate one of the centers 180 degrees, and then, depending on the situation, one of the formulas of the second set.
How to solve a Rubik's Cube
In a nutshell: if you remember 7 simple formulas of no more than 8 rotations each, then you can easily learn how to solve a regular 3x3x3 cube in a couple of minutes. This algorithm will not be able to solve the cube in less than a minute or a minute and a half, but two to three minutes is easy!
Introduction
Like any cube, the puzzle has 8 corners, 12 edges and 6 faces: top, bottom, right, left, front and back. Typically, each of the nine squares on each face of the Cube is colored one of six colors, usually arranged in pairs opposite each other: white-yellow, blue-green, red-orange, forming 54 colored squares. Sometimes instead of solid colors they put on the edge of the Cube, then it becomes even more difficult to assemble.
In the assembled (“initial”) state, each face consists of squares of the same color, or all the pictures on the faces are correctly folded. After several turns the cube is “stirred”.
Solving a Cube means returning it from being stirred to its original state. This, in fact, is the main point of the puzzle. Many enthusiasts find pleasure in assembling "solitaire" - patterns .
ABC of the Cube
The classic Cube consists of 27 parts (3x3x3=27):
6 single color centerpieces (6 “centers”)
12 two-color side or rib elements (12 “ribs”)
8 three-color corner elements (8 “corners”)
1 internal element - cross
The cross (or ball, depending on the design) is located in the center of the Cube. The centers are attached to it and thereby fasten the remaining 20 elements, preventing the puzzle from falling apart.
Elements can be rotated in “layers” - groups of 9 pieces. A clockwise rotation of the outer layer by 90° (if you look at this layer) is considered “straight” and will be denoted by a capital letter, and a counterclockwise rotation is “reverse” to the direct one - and will be denoted by a capital letter with an apostrophe “"”.
6 outer layers: Top, Bottom, Right, Left, Front (front layer), Rear (back layer). There are three more inner layers. In this assembly algorithm, we will not rotate them separately; we will only use rotations of the outer layers. In the world of speedcubers, it is customary to use Latin letters for the words Up, Down, Right, Left, Front, Back. 
Turn designations:
clockwise (↷ )- V N P L F T ⇔U D R L F B
counterclockwise (↶ ) - V" N" P" L" F" T" ⇔U" D" R" L" F" B"
When assembling the Cube, we will sequentially rotate the layers. The sequence of turns is recorded from left to right one after another. If some rotation of a layer needs to be repeated twice, then a degree icon “2” is placed after it. For example, F 2 means that you need to turn the front twice, i.e. F 2 = FF or F "F" (whichever is more convenient). In Latin notation, instead of F 2, F2 is written. I will write formulas in two notations - Cyrillic And Latin, separating them with this sign ⇔.
To make it easier to read long sequences, they are divided into groups, which are separated from neighboring groups by dots. If a certain sequence of turns needs to be repeated, then it is enclosed in parentheses and the number of repetitions is written at the top right of the closing bracket. In Latin notation, a multiplier is used instead of an exponent. In square brackets I will indicate the number of such a sequence or, as they are usually called, “formulas”.
Now, knowing the conventional language of notation for rotation of the layers of the Cube, you can proceed directly to the assembly process.
Assembly
There are many ways to assemble the Cube. There are those that allow you to assemble a cube with a couple of formulas, but in a few hours. Others, on the contrary, by memorizing a couple of hundred formulas allow you to solve a cube in ten seconds.
Below I will describe the simplest (from my point of view) method, which is visual, easy to understand, requires memorizing only seven simple “formulas” and at the same time allows you to assemble the Cube in a couple of minutes. When I was 7 years old, I mastered this algorithm in a week and solved the cube in an average of 1.5-2 minutes, which amazed my friends and classmates. That’s why I call this assembly method “the simplest.” I will try to explain everything “on the fingers”, almost without pictures.
We will assemble the Cube in horizontal layers, first the first layer, then the second, then the third. We will divide the assembly process into several stages. There will be five of them in total and one additional one.
6/26 At the very beginning, the cube is disassembled (but the centers are always in place).
Assembly steps:
10/26 - cross of the first layer (“upper cross”)
14/26 - corners of the first layer
16/26 - second layer
22/26 - cross of the third layer (“lower cross”)
26/26 - corners of the third layer
26/26 - (additional stage) rotation of centers
To assemble the classic Cube you will need the following: "formulas":
FV"PV ⇔FU"RU- rotation of the edge of the upper cross
(P"N" · PN) 1-5 ⇔(R"D RD)1-5- "Z-switch"
VP · V"P" · V"F" · VF ⇔UR · U"R" · U"F" · UF- edge 2 layers down and to the right
V"L" · VL · VF · V"F" ⇔U"L" · UL · UF · U"F"- edge 2 layers down and to the left
FPV · P"V"F" ⇔FRU R"U"F"- rotation of the ribs of the lower cross
PV · P"V · PV" 2 · P"V ⇔RU · R"U · RU"2 · R"U- rearrangement of the ribs of the lower cross (“fish”)
V"P" · VL · V"P · VL" ⇔U"R" UL U"R UL"- rearrangement of corners 3 layers
The first two stages could not be described, because Assembling the first layer is quite easy "intuitively". But, nevertheless, I will try to describe everything thoroughly and on my fingers.
Stage 1 - cross of the first layer (“upper cross”)
The goal of this stage: the correct location of the 4 upper ribs, which together with the upper center make up a “cross”.
So, the Cube is completely disassembled. Actually not completely. Distinctive feature The classic Cube is its design. Inside there is a cross (or ball) that rigidly connects the centers. The center determines the color of the entire face of the Cube. Therefore, 6 centers are always already in place! First, choose the top. Typically, assembly begins with a white top and green front. For non-standard coloring, choose what is more convenient. We hold the Cube so that the upper center (“top”) is white and the front center (“front”) is green. The main thing when assembling is to remember what color is the top and what is the front, and when rotating the layers, do not accidentally turn the entire Cube and get lost.
Our goal is to find an edge with top and front colors and place it between them. At the very beginning, we look for a white-green edge and place it between the white top and the green front. Let's call the required element a “working cube” or RK.
So, let's start assembling. The top is white, the front is green. We look at the Cube from all sides, without letting go of it, without moving it in our hands and without rotating the layers. We are looking for RK. It can be located anywhere. Found. After this, the assembly process itself begins.
If the RK is in the first (upper) layer, then by double turning the outer vertical layer on which it is located, we “drive” it down to the third layer. We do the same if the RK is in the second layer, only in this case we drive it down not with a double, but with a single rotation.
It is advisable to drive it out so that the color of the paint turns out to be the color of the top down, then it will be easier to install it in place. When driving the RK down, you need to remember about the ribs that are already in place, and if some edge was affected, then you need to remember to return it later to its place by reverse rotation.
After the RC is on the third layer, we rotate the bottom and “adjust” the RC to the center of the front. If the RK is already on the third layer, then simply place it in front of us from below, rotating the bottom layer. After this, turn F 2 ⇔F2 We put RK in place.
Once the RK is in place, there can be two options: either it is rotated correctly or not. If it is turned correctly, then everything is OK. If it is turned incorrectly, then we turn it over using the formula FV"PV
⇔FU"RU. If the RK is “kicked out” correctly, i.e. color from top to bottom, then you practically won’t have to use this formula.
Let's move on to installing the next rib. Without changing the top, we change the front, i.e. turn the Cube towards you with the new side. And we repeat our algorithm again until all the remaining edges of the first layer are in place, forming a white cross on the top edge.
During the assembly process, it may turn out that the RC is already in place, or it can be put in place (without destroying what has already been assembled) without first driving it down, but “immediately”. Well, good! In this case, the cross will come together faster!
So, already 10 elements out of 26 are in place: 6 centers are always in place and we have just placed 4 edges.
Stage 2 - corners of the first layer
The goal of the second stage is to assemble the entire top layer, installing four corners in addition to the already assembled cross. In the case of the cross, we looked for the right edge and placed it in front at the top. Now our RK is not an edge, but a corner, and we will place it in the front at the top right. To do this, we will do the same as at the first stage: first we will find it, then we will “drive” it to the bottom layer, then we will place it in the front lower right, i.e. under the place we need, and after that we’ll drive it up.
There is one wonderful and simple formula. (P"N" · PN) ⇔(R"D" RD). It even has a “smart” name - . She must be remembered.
We are looking for an element with which we will work (RK). The top right corner should contain a corner that has the same colors as the centers of the top, front and right. We find him. If the RK is already in place and turned correctly, then by turning the entire Cube we change the front and look for a new RK.
If the RC is in the third layer, then rotate the bottom and adjust the RC to the place we need, i.e. front lower right.
Let's turn the Z-switch! If the corner is not in place, or is in place, but is rotated incorrectly, then turn the Z switch again, and so on until the RK is at the top in place and correctly rotated. Sometimes you need to turn the Z-switch up to 5 times.
If the RK is in the upper layer and is not in place, then we drive it out of there with any other one using the same Z-commutator. That is, first we turn the Cube so that the top remains white, and the RK, which needs to be kicked out, is located at the top right in front of us and turn the Z-commutator. After the RK has been “kicked out,” we again turn the Cube towards us with the desired front, rotate the bottom, place the already kicked out RK under the place we need and use the Z-commutator to drive it to the top. We turn the Z-switch until the cube is oriented correctly.
We apply this algorithm for the remaining corners. As a result, we get a fully assembled first layer of the Cube! 14 out of 26 cubes are still in place!
Let's admire this beauty for a while and turn the Cube over so that the collected layer is at the bottom. Why is this necessary? We will soon need to start assembling the second and third layers, and the first layer has already been assembled and is in the way on top, covering all the layers that interest us. Therefore, let’s turn them upside down to better see all the remaining and uncollected disgrace. Top and bottom changed places, right and left too, but the front and rear remained the same. The top is now yellow. Let's start assembling the second layer.
I want to warn you that with each step the Cube becomes more assembled, but when you twist the formulas, the already assembled sides are stirred. The main thing is not to panic! At the end of the formula (or sequence of formulas), the cube will be assembled again. If, of course, you follow the main rule - during the rotation process you cannot spin the entire Cube, so as not to accidentally get lost. Only separate layers, as written in the formula.
Stage 3 - second layer
So, the first layer is assembled, and it's at the bottom. We need to put 4 ribs of the 2nd layer. They can now be located both on the second and on the third (now upper) layer.
Select any edge on the top layer without the color of the top face (without yellow). Now it will be our RK. By rotating the top, we adjust the RC so that it matches the color of some side center. We rotate the Cube so that this center becomes the front.
Now there are two options: our working cube needs to be moved down to the second layer, either to the left or to the right.
There are two formulas for this: 
down and right VP · V"P" · V"F" · VF ⇔UR · U"R" · U"F" · UF
down and left V"L" · VL · VF · V"F" ⇔U"L" · UL · UF · U"F"
If suddenly the RK is already in the second layer out of place, or in its place, but incorrectly rotated, then we “kick it out” with any other one, using one of these formulas, and then apply this algorithm again.
Be careful. The formulas are long, you can’t make mistakes, otherwise the Cube will “figure it out” and you’ll have to start assembling again. It's okay, even champions sometimes get confused during assembly.
As a result, after this stage we have two assembled layers - 19 out of 26 cubes are in place!
(If you want to slightly optimize the assembly of the first two layers, you can use this.)
Stage 4 - cross of the third layer (“lower cross”)
The goal of this stage is to assemble the cross of the last unassembled layer. Although the unassembled layer is now on top, the cross is called "bottom" because in its original state this layer was at the bottom.
First, we will unfold the edges so that they all face up in a color that matches the color of the top. If they are already all turned up so that at the top you get a single-color flat cross, we proceed to moving the edges. If the cubes are turned incorrectly, we will turn them over. There can be several cases of edge orientation: 
A) all are turned incorrectly
B) two adjacent ones are incorrectly rotated
C) two opposite ones are turned incorrectly
(There cannot be other options! That is, it cannot be that there is only one edge left to turn over. If two layers of the cube are completed, and on the third there is an odd number of edges left to turn over, then you don’t have to worry about it any further, but.)
Let's remember the new formula: FPV · P"V"F" ⇔FRU R"U"F"
In case A) we twist the formula and get case B).
In case B) we turn the Cube so that two correctly rotated edges are on the left and behind, twist the formula and get case C).
In case B), we turn the Cube so that the correctly rotated edges are on the right and left, and, again, we twist the formula.
As a result, we get a “flat” cross of correctly oriented, but out of place edges. Now you need to make a correct volumetric cross from a flat cross, i.e. move the ribs.
Let's remember the new formula: PV · P"V · PV" 2 · P"V ⇔RU · R"U · RU"2 · R"U(“fish”)
We twist the top layer so that at least two edges fall into place (the colors of their sides coincide with the centers of the side faces). If everything falls into place, then the cross is assembled, we move on to the next stage. If not everything is in place, then there can be two cases: either two adjacent ones are in place, or two opposite ones are in place. If the opposite ones are in place, then we twist the formula and get the adjacent ones in place. If the neighboring ones are in place, then we turn the Cube so that they are on the right and behind. Let's twist the formula. After this, the ribs that were out of place will change places. The cross is assembled!
NB: a small note about the “fish”. This formula uses rotation AT 2 ⇔U"2, that is, we rotate the top counterclockwise twice. Basically, for the Rubik's Cube AT 2 ⇔U"2 = AT 2 ⇔U2, but it’s better to remember exactly AT 2 ⇔U"2, because this formula can be useful for assembling, for example, Megaminx. But in Megaminx AT 2 ⇔U"2 ≠ AT 2 ⇔U2, since one turn there is not 90°, but 72°, and AT 2 ⇔U"2 = AT 3 ⇔U3.
Stage 5 - corners of the third layer
All that remains is to install it in place, and then turn the four corners correctly.
Let's remember the formula: V"P" · VL · V"P · VL" ⇔U"R" UL U"R UL" .
Let's look at the corners. If they are all in place and all that remains is to turn them correctly, then look at the next paragraph. If not a single corner is in place, then twist the formula, and one of the corners will definitely fall into place. We are looking for a corner that stands still. We turn the Cube so that this corner is at the back right. Let's twist the formula. If the cubes do not fall into place, then twist the formula again. After this, all the corners should be in place, all you have to do is turn them correctly, and the Cube will be almost solved! 
At this stage, it remains to either turn three cubes clockwise, or three counterclockwise, or one clockwise and one counterclockwise, or two clockwise and two counterclockwise. There can be no other options! Those. It cannot be that there is only one corner cube left to turn over. Or two, but both clockwise. Or two clockwise and one counterclockwise. Correct combinations: (- - -), (+ + +), (+ -), (+ - + -), (+ + - -) . If two layers are assembled correctly, the correct cross is assembled on the third layer and the wrong combination is obtained, then again you can no longer worry, but go get a screwdriver (read). If everything is correct, read on.
Let's remember our Z-commutator (P"N" · PN) ⇔R"D" RD. Rotate the Cube so that the incorrectly oriented corner is in the front right. Rotate the Z-switch (up to 5 times) until the angle turns correctly. Next, without changing the front, we rotate the top layer so that the front right is the next “wrong” corner, and again rotate the Z-commutator. And we do this until all the corners are turned. After this, we will rotate the top layer so that the colors of its edges match the already assembled first and second layers. All! If we had a regular six-color cube, then it is already solved! It remains to turn the Cube with its original top (which is now bottom) up to get the initial state.
All. The cube is complete!
I hope you find this guide useful!
Stage 6 - Rotation of centers
Why won't the cube assemble?!
Many people ask the question: “I do everything as written in the algorithm, but the cube still doesn’t fit. Why?" Usually an ambush awaits on the last layer. Two layers are easy to put together, but the third is not easy. Everything is stirred, you begin to reassemble, again two layers, and again when assembling the third, everything is stirred. Why might this be so?
There are two reasons - obvious and not so obvious:
Obvious. You are not following the algorithms exactly. It is enough to make one turn in the wrong direction or miss a turn for the entire Cube to get mixed up. At the initial stages (when assembling the first and second layers), an incorrect turn is not very fatal, but when assembling the third layer, the slightest mistake leads to complete mixing of all assembled layers. But if you strictly follow the assembly algorithm described above, then everything should come together. The formulas are all time-tested, there are no errors in them.
Not very obvious. And most likely this is exactly the point. Chinese manufacturers make Cubes of varying quality - from professional championship cubes for quick assembly to those that fall apart in your hands at the very first spins. What do people usually do if the Cube falls apart? Yes, they put back the fallen cubes, and don’t worry about how they were oriented and in what place they stood. But you can’t do that! Or rather, it is possible, but the likelihood of solving a Rubik's Cube after this will be extremely small.
If the Cube fell apart (or, as speedcubers say, “gotten”) and was assembled incorrectly, then When assembling the third layer, problems will most likely arise. How to solve this problem? Take it apart again and put it back together correctly!
On a cube with two layers assembled, you need to carefully pry up the lid of the central cube of the third layer with a flat screwdriver or a knife, remove it, unscrew the screw with a small Phillips screwdriver, without losing the spring attached to the screw. Carefully pull out the corner and side cubes of the third layer and insert them correctly color to color. At the end, insert and screw the previously unscrewed central cube (do not tighten too much). Twist the third layer. If it turns tightly, loosen the screw; if it turns too easily, tighten it. It is necessary that all faces rotate with the same force. After this, close the lid on the central cube. All.
Without unscrewing, you can rotate any edge by 45°, pry one of the side cubes with your finger, knife or flat screwdriver and pull it out. You just need to do this carefully, because you can break the cross. Then, one by one, pull out the required cubes and insert them back into their places, now correctly oriented. After everything is assembled color by color, you will also need to insert (snap) the side cube that you pulled out at the beginning (or some other, but side cube, since inserting a corner cube definitely won’t work).
After this, the Cube can be mixed and calmly assembled using the above algorithm. And now he’ll definitely get it together! Unfortunately, you cannot do without such “barbaric” procedures with a knife and a screwdriver, since if, after falling apart, the Cube is folded incorrectly, it will not be possible to assemble it by rotation.
PS: if you can’t assemble even two layers, then first you need to make sure that at least the centers are in the right places. Perhaps someone rearranged the center caps. The standard coloring should have 6 colors, white opposite yellow, blue opposite green, red opposite orange. Usually the top is white, the bottom is yellow, the front is orange, the back is red, the right is green, the left is blue. But the relative position of the colors is absolutely determined by the corner cubes. For example, you can find a corner white-blue-red and see that the colors in it are arranged clockwise. This means that if there is white on top, then there should be blue on the right and red on the front.
PPS: if someone made a joke and not only rearranged the elements of the cube, but re-glued the stickers, then it is generally impossible to assemble the Cube, no matter how much you destroy it. No screwdriver will help here. You need to figure out which stickers were re-glued, and then re-glue them in their places.
Could it be even simpler?
Well, how much easier is it? This is one of the simplest algorithms. The main thing is to understand him. If you want to pick up a Rubik's Cube for the first time and immediately learn how to solve it in a couple of minutes, then it is better to put it aside and do something less intellectual. Any learning, including the simplest algorithm, requires time and practice, as well as brains and perseverance. As I said above, I mastered this algorithm myself in a week, when I was 7 years old, and I was on sick leave with a sore throat.
This algorithm may seem complicated to some because it contains many formulas. You can try using some other algorithm. For example, you can assemble a Cube using one single formula, for example the same Z-commutator. But collecting this way will take a long, long time. You can take another formula, for example, F · PV"P"V"·PVP"F"·PVP"V"·P"FPF", which swaps 2 side and 2 corner cubes in pairs. And using simple preparatory rotations, gradually collect cube, putting all the side cubes in place first, and then the corner ones.
There are a huge bunch of algorithms, but each of them must be approached with due attention, and each requires enough time to master.
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Have you tried numerous times to solve a Rubik's Cube without success? All the instructions presented on the Internet were written by professionals, but for “dummies” the solution seems very confusing? Do you think it is impossible to solve this puzzle? Following our step-by-step instructions, you will not only be able to completely solve the world's most popular puzzle without formulas, but also understand how you did it.
You will need:
Where to begin
So, your goal is to solve the Rubik's Cube. It will not be possible to do this without knowing how it works, what it consists of and how it functions.
A standard 3x3 Rubik's cube is a mechanical 3D cube, each face of which is painted a different color.
The traditional option is blue, green, white, yellow, red and orange. Edges:
In total, the Rubik's cube has 20 moving elements (12 edges and 8 corners) and the solution depends directly on knowing how they can change their position.
When we rotate one side, we see that the center elements remain in place, the edge moves to where the edges should be, and the corner takes up space in the corner.
It follows from this that each element has a specific type, which does not change after rotation (the edge remains an edge, the center remains the center).
Frequently asked questions and answers
What should a Rubik's cube be like?
If you are not going to participate in competitions, you can take any cube. It is better for young people and children to buy a puzzle from Chinese manufacturers. When choosing, consider the following:
- It is better to take the cube of the latest models, it contains the shortcomings of previous versions, and it is more improved.
- The correct cube should spin easily and cut corners well.
- Cubes for professionals can be disassembled and customized.
How many edges does a Rubik have?
The classic Cube consists of 12 two-color side or edge elements (12 “ribs”).
How many schemes for solving a Rubik's cube?
There are many ways to solve the Cube. There are those that allow you to assemble a couple of formulas, but in a couple of hours. Others, by memorizing a couple of hundred formulas, allow you to solve a cube in 1 minute or even 20 seconds.
Basics
Our goal is to put all the elements in the right place. To determine the direction in which to turn and " right place» of this or that square, you need to pay all your attention to the central elements, because, as we have already said, they have a fixed position.
For example, the edge that is located between the red and green centers is, respectively, red-green, so you need to focus on placing an edge of the same color near the green center, and a red edge near the red central element.
The corner is always three-colored, so care must be taken to place it between the centerpieces of the corresponding colors.
Step 1. Gather the edges of one side
The first thing you need to do is choose a color to start with. In this example, the main color is yellow, it will be represented in all diagrams. Everyone is free to choose the option that he likes best and start from there.
So, if our top central element is yellow, then the bottom, accordingly, is white (in almost all models of the Rubik's cube it is on the opposite side).
In order to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube, you must first make a cross on its upper edge - place all the edges of the selected color (in our case, yellow) in the corresponding positions around the central element.
This must be done in a certain order so that the second color of the edge matches the nearby central element.
This step is the hardest to explain to those who don't know how to solve a Rubik's Cube. It is easier to solve this problem on your own and you will undoubtedly be able to do it after a short training.
It is at this step that most beginners stop - they collect the cross, then one side - then, unfortunately, few advance.
For those who cannot do this, below is a diagram of how to assemble the cross. Keep in mind you will have to repeat this step 4 times - once for each side.
- Take the Rubik's Cube in your hands and turn it over so that the center is yellow (or another color of your choice) on top and white on the bottom.
- Look for yellow edges on the bottom plane. Pay attention to both rib colors.
- If you find a yellow edge at the bottom, rotate the layer until the edge with the yellow square takes a position under its “place” on the top edge.
- Perform one of the following actions:
a) Yellow “looks” down
b) Yellow looks forward
c) Rib in the intermediate layer
Note: If the yellow square is on the top layer, but it is not positioned correctly or oriented correctly relative to the nearby center, change its position by placing another element in its place.
After this, the edge will be in one of the three positions described above. Using the diagram, place it in the “correct” place. Repeat all steps for each yellow edge and make a cross on the top layer of the Rubik's cube.
Step 2. Assembling the top edge
If you were able to fold the cross, then it is worth collecting the entire top layer, that is, putting the corners in place one after another. We cannot place them as we want, because each corner has a specially designated place for it, which is determined by the colors of which it consists.
Just like the previous step, there are several solutions that we will follow.
Remember that you will have to repeat all steps 4 times - one for each corner.
- Turn the Rubik's Cube over so that the yellow layer is at the top and the white layer is at the bottom.
- Search in bottom layer corner with yellow square. Notice the 2 other colors on it.
- Rotate the bottom layer so that the corner is under “its” place.
- Use one of the solutions below:
a) yellow looks to the left
b) yellow looks to the right
c) yellow is at the bottom
note
: If the yellow corner is not in the bottom layer of the Rubik's cube, then it means that it is in the top layer, but not in its place.You need to put any corner from the bottom layer up (executing the first solution, for example). This way you will get a yellow corner in the bottom layer.
Repeat for each corner until the top layer is completely assembled.
Step 3. Algorithm for assembling the second face
We want to solve the second layer of the cube. Remember that the central elements are fixed, so there is no need to change their places and think about how to place them. Keep in mind that you will have to repeat the steps below 4 times - once for each edge.
- Take the cube so that there is a white layer on top and a yellow layer on the bottom - the one we have already collected
- Look in the top layer for an edge with no white on both sides.
- Rotate the top layer until the color of this edge and the center piece on the side match, forming an inverted T.
- Follow one of the solutions below, choosing an example depending on whether the edge is placed on the left or right.
There are several possible options:
1) The edge should move to the right from where it is.
2) The edge should move to the left from where it is now.
Note: If the top layer does not have an outermost element without white on either side, it means they are in the middle layer but not in their proper places.
Place any other edge from the top layer in its place. In this way you will get an edge in the top layer without a white square and you can move it according to the instructions above.
Repeat this step 4 times, once for each edge.
Step 4. Second cross
So, we have solved the first 2 layers of the Rubik's cube. Now we must ensure that the 4 outermost elements of the top layer are white, forming a cross. At this stage we will focus only on the outer elements, not paying attention to the corners.
The top edge of the cube may have four white edges, or two, or none. If all four white edges are on the top side, then you can skip this step and move on to the next one. If there are two edges, then you need to use one of the following options depending on how they are located relative to each other: next to or opposite.
1) Adjacent edges
2) Opposite edges are white
3) Not a single white square is placed correctly
If there are not a single white square in the top layer, do one of the two options described above and you will get 2 white squares in the top layer. After this, perform the necessary sequence of actions, depending on the situation.
Thus, we folded the second cross.
Step 5. How to place the second cross
At the previous stage, we folded the second cross. At this stage, we will make the side parts of the cross match the color of the central elements of the corresponding faces. We will focus our attention only on the white edges of the cube, not paying attention to the corners.
- Rotate the top layer of the Rubik's Cube until two edges match the color of the center of their respective faces. If only one edge matches, continue rotating.
- Use one of the examples given, depending on what position the side edges will take - sequentially or oppositely relative to each other.
a) adjacent edges
b) opposite edges
This way we have placed the second cross of the Rubik's Cube correctly.
Step 6: Place Corners
We have already put all the elements of the Rubik's Cube in place, except for the corner parts of the last layer.
The goal of the penultimate step is to place the corners correctly, without paying attention to their orientation. This way you need to know exactly when the corner is in the correct position.
So, the corner is placed correctly if the nearby central elements match the color of the 3 parts of the corner.
Let's look at a few examples of when the corners are placed incorrectly and when they are in the right position to solve a Rubik's Cube.
It is quite possible that all 4 corners will be in place from the very beginning (feel free to skip to next step), or only 1 corner is placed correctly, or none. If only one corner occupies its place, follow one of the examples below, choosing the one that will allow you to place all the elements in their place.
1) 3 corners are not in their position (a)
2) 3 corners are out of position (b)
3-4) None of the corners are placed correctly
If none of the 4 corners is in its “right” place, do one of the examples described above - this way you will be able to put one of them in place. Next, follow the steps depending on what you got.
Thus, we solved a 3x3 Rubik's cube, putting the corners in their positions. Last step– by rotating the corners of the last layer, we will solve the puzzle completely.
Step 7. How to assemble
At the previous stage, we put all the elements in their places. All that remains is to rotate the corners to solve the Rubik's cube and solve it completely. At this point there may be two, three or four misdirected corners left in the final layer.
If there are 2 incorrectly oriented corners, follow one of the examples below depending on the situation that arises.
Be sure to read this before rotating the faces of the cube.
Very important! This step is not as easy as the others, but it is also much more difficult. There are a few things to know before you get started. Option 1 has several sub-options, so first of all you need to understand which one is right for you. To solve this step, follow the first sequence of actions. After that, take the necessary steps depending on the red table option you have received.
Option 1. Two corners are not oriented correctly. Please note that the “neighboring” corner needs to be rotated clockwise.
Option 2-3. Three corners are oriented incorrectly.
If 2 corners are not oriented correctly, solve the Rubik's Cube following the first example - this way you will get only 2 incorrectly oriented corners. Finally, perform a sequence of actions, depending on the situation you have.
Option 4. All corners are not oriented correctly.
If none of the 4 corners are oriented correctly, follow the first example given. Then choose a solution that suits your situation.
If you did everything correctly and followed our instructions so far, then congratulations! You solved the Rubik's cube yourself!
And other logic games.
And here, by the way, there is something to prove yourself in:
- You can become the fastest. The current record is 5.5 seconds. People who do high-speed assembly are called speedcubers.
- Maybe you want to become the most original? Rubik's cube solved with eyes closed, kicks, etc. There are also records here and you can beat them.
- And the most creative and inventive ones draw with the help of a Rubik's cube and, by the way, create real masterpieces of incredible beauty.
We hope we inspired you and helped you understand how to solve a Rubik's cube. If you are interested in thinking games and puzzles, you will probably be interested in learning the secrets of playing dominoes. A mixture of options 1 and 2 is suitable for us, option 2 as a last resort.
If you lubricate it very thinly, its sides will begin to fit together too tightly. The thick one takes away the rotation speed. If you mix two types of lubricant, this is the optimal consistency.
I can't solve a Rubik's cube...
Many people ask the question: “How to solve a Rubik’s cube, if I took it apart, I can’t put it back together?” Most often this happens on the last layer. You may not be following the algorithms exactly. But if you follow the diagrams exactly, you should get it together. If not, the problem may be the following - Chinese manufacturers make cubes of varying quality - from professional to those that fall apart in your hands at the very first rotations. If the cube falls apart, it must be assembled correctly.
On a cube with two layers assembled, use a flat screwdriver or a knife to pry up the lid of the central cube of the third layer, remove it, and use a small Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screw (do not lose the spring attached to the screw). Carefully pull out the corner and side cubes of the third layer and insert them correctly color to color. At the end, insert and screw the previously unscrewed central cube (do not tighten too much). Twist the third layer. If it turns tightly, loosen the screw; if it turns too easily, tighten it. It is necessary that all faces rotate with the same force. After this, close the lid on the central cube.
Step 7
At the beginning of this stage, all the corner cubes of the top face should be in place, but they may be rotated incorrectly. This formula will rotate the corner cubes clockwise.
See illustration below.
How to rotate a corner of a 3x3 Rubik's cube
At the end of this 3x3 puzzle assembly step, your cube will be completely assembled!See the picture of the assembled puzzle.
Depending on how your 3x3 rubik was disassembled, you may have options for the location of the side elements of the last face:
- Two corner cubes are turned incorrectly. 3x3
- Two opposite corner cubes are rotated incorrectly.
- Three parts are rotated incorrectly.
- All four elements are rotated incorrectly.
Rotating the corner of the third layer of a Rubik's cube
This formula is intended to rotate the corner piece clockwise.See the picture.
Important!
This algorithm must be repeated until the right cube of the upper face turns in the correct way!
Next, rotate the top edge and repeat the formula until the corner piece is correctly oriented.
Rotate the top edge once:
and/or
Rotate the top face twice:
When following this formula, it may seem that everything is confused. Don't be alarmed. If you repeat the sequence of actions a few more times, then everything will fall into place.
Don't be upset if you fail to complete the puzzle the first time. I myself didn’t understand everything right away, but now I can put it together in less than 2 minutes without looking at the formulas. They are already in my head.
Or rather, not in the head - the hands themselves remember the algorithms.
If you were able to solve the Rubik's puzzle, click -
