Are you tired of staring at your Rubik’s Cube too long, wondering how on earth people can solve it in just a few seconds? If you’re curious about how to learn cubing, there are several secrets you can use that will help you pick up the skill in no time.
1. Start with the basics.
Like any skill or hobby, cubing requires a solid foundation to build on. Start with the basics—learning how the cube works, familiarizing yourself with the colors and patterns, and practicing the different turns and twists. Don’t obsess over speed or algorithms just yet. Start by solving the cube slowly, and focus on developing your techniques and understanding of the puzzle.
2. Find a community.
One of the most important secrets on how to learn cubing is to find a community of other cubers to join. Whether you find a local club, join an online forum or subreddit, or attend a competition, being around other cubers can be incredibly beneficial to your learning. You’ll be able to share tips and tricks, receive feedback on your solves, and learn from some of the best.
3. Watch videos.
Thanks to the internet, there’s no shortage of cubing tutorials and videos available online. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced solver, there are resources out there that can help you improve your skills. You can find step-by-step guides and algorithms, watch other cubers’ solves to learn their techniques, and even dive deep into the science behind cubing.
4. Practice, practice, practice.
As with any skill, practice is key. Make it a goal to practice every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, to help you improve your muscle memory and sharpen your problem-solving skills. Set yourself challenges—you might try reducing your solve time or solving the cube with one hand—to help keep yourself motivated and engaged.
5. Don’t get discouraged.
Remember that learning cubing takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Everyone learns at their own pace, and it’s important to stay positive and keep practicing even when things get tough. Cubing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and with enough dedication and effort, you’ll be able to solve the cube in no time at all.
6. Learn algorithms.
Algorithms are sets of moves that you can memorize to solve specific parts of the cube. There are numerous algorithms that you can master to enhance your cubing skills. Learning algorithms can help you to solve the cube more efficiently, and with fewer moves, than using intuition or guesswork. As you improve, you can also create your algorithms to solve specific cube patterns.
7. Participate in a cubing community.
Joining a cubing community is an excellent way to gain knowledge about cubing, learn new techniques, meet other cubers, and participate in cubing competitions. You can find cubing communities online, on social media platforms, or in person events.
8. Customize your Rubik’s cube.
Customizing your cube by loosening or tightening the tension, applying lubrication, or swapping out the stickers, can create a smoother and faster cube. It helps to make the cube feel more comfortable for your individual preferences.
9. Watch videos and tutorials.
Watching tutorials or videos of professional cubers can also help you pick up new skills and techniques. You can learn about algorithms and various solving methods in a more visual manner.
10. Practice the cube blindfolded.
Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, you can challenge yourself by trying to solve the cube blindfolded. The blindfolded technique is a bit more advanced, and it trains your mind to think and plan ahead of time.
11. Improve your speed.
Improving your speed is a great way to display your progress in cubing. There are many online platforms where you can enter cubing competitions and record your speed. You can also practice and compete against other cubers. Speed cubing is a skill that can take years of dedication and practice, but with the right mindset, anyone can master it.
12. Teach others how to solve.
Once you’ve mastered the cube’s basic solving techniques, you can pass on your knowledge and help others learn to solve the cube. Teaching others is an excellent way to solidify what you’ve learned and helps to grow the cubing community. It’s satisfying to help someone else who is interested in cubing and see their reaction when they finally solve the cube.
13. Learn new algorithms.
Learning new algorithms can help you solve the cube faster and more efficiently. There are many websites and resources available online that provide algorithms for specific situations. Start with learning a few basic algorithms and gradually build your knowledge as you progress.
14. Solve the cube in different ways.
Once you’ve mastered the basic solving techniques, try solving the cube using different methods. This will help you gain a better understanding of the cube and its movement, which can improve your overall cubing skills.
15. Participate in cubing events.
Joining cubing events is a great way to meet other cubers and challenge yourself with different types of cubes and competitions. There are many events held throughout the year, ranging from local to national and international competitions.
16. Customize your cube.
If you want to add a personal touch to your cube, there are many customization options available. You can change the color scheme, add stickers or decals, or even modify the internal mechanisms to suit your preferences. Customizing your cube can be a fun and creative way to make your cubing experience more enjoyable.
In conclusion, solving the Rubik’s cube can be a challenging but fulfilling activity that requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. With the right mindset and resources, anyone can become proficient at cubing and enjoy the benefits of improved problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and mental agility. So grab a cube, follow these tips and tricks, and see how far you can go in the world of cubing!
