Optimizing 2x2 Rubik's Cube Solving

I've been speed solving Rubik's Cubes for the past four years. A question I get asked a lot is, "How long does it take you to solve a Rubik's Cube?" I usually reply with the honest answer of "Oh, typically it takes me X seconds to solve this or that." My reply always felt lacking. So this got me wondering if I could somehow explain not just how fast it takes me to solve a cube, but rather the techniques that go into my speed. So my question to you is simple: have you ever wondered how people can solve a Rubik's Cube super fast? (Sidenote: If you haven't seen any videos online, I suggest you watch one; it's pretty neat!)

Take a quick look at the video above and tell me what you noticed was different between the two. Most likely, it was that the second solve was much faster compared to the first solve. And you'd be correct! Well, the short answer simply put, is the optimization for maximum speed. In the following Instructable, I'll briefly introduce you to the wonderful world of both this aforementioned optimization and a bit of speed solving, the art of solving various Rubik's related puzzles as fast as possible.

The supplies you'll need for this are the following:

1. A 2x2 Rubik's Cube (you can mostly find these off Amazon or other online retailers)
2. A digital device with access to the internet (to view/use the various linked websites)

There are numerous ways to optimize solving for maximum speed. I think one of the many reasons why I've stuck with this hobby for so long is due to the numerous ways to accomplish the goal of "optimization." I find it super intriguing and fun to learn.

I'll be focusing on a specific model of Rubik's Cube, the 2x2. The following format that I'll be using to explain each of these optimizations is a short explanation followed by a video to demonstrate and/or an example. Below I've listed the following topics, ranked from easiest to the most advanced optimization:

1. Hardware
2. Fingertricks
3. Learning new methods/learning new algorithm sets
4. Face-building
5. Color neutrality
6. Solution/move count
7. One-looking

The hardware is essentially the cube you use to solve with. It is also a crucial step in getting faster as you progress along your 2x2 journey. I should mention that starting out you should just stick with a beginner 2x2 and not splurge on a fancy, newer one. The reason I say this is because of two reasons.

1) Hardware is less important when first starting out. At that stage, it isn't entirely necessary to have the most expensive 2x2. Improving your ability should be the priority before anything else.

2) Buying some of the more advanced 2x2s can add up quickly, and you should have experience with the hobby in general before committing yourself to those more advanced ones.

Fingertricks are basically an optimization for your turning style. Learning new fingertricks is an easy way to boost your improvement and turning efficiency. An example of this is turning the entire top layer using your whole hand. This choice works; however, it is unnecessary and can be enhanced. Instead, you would turn the top layer by just using your index finger. Using this new trick, along with others, can help with fluidity and prevent lockups (when the previous turn impedes the current turn, therefore, "locking up" the cube).

Despite being a relatively easy fix, it can completely change the speed at which you can solve. Keep in mind that these are just some of the many fingertricks that you can implement, therefore increasing your overall TPS (turns per second).

Methods are individual, unique, and structured ways to solve a 2x2. These methods are made up of algorithm sets. An algorithm is a specific, often memorized, sequence of turns to orient the cube.

Think of methods as the process of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. An algorithm would be one of the individual steps in making the sandwich, such as spreading the jelly on the bread. These algorithms can be grouped into what we call "algorithm sets," which is just a fancy way of categorizing them.

Generally, as you progress, methods get more and more advanced and complicated. Many of the top solvers use many different methods to optimize their speed and efficiency.

You may ask, why learn so many of these methods when you already know one that can solve the cube? Well, going back to the sandwich example, it's fine to know how to make a PB&J sandwich one way, but let's say you didn't have a knife to spread the jelly. Despite knowing how to make the sandwich, you are merely limited based on the one aspect of not having a knife. In that scenario, you wouldn't be able to complete the sandwich.

This is the same with 2x2 solving. You may know one way to solve the cube, but what if you are faced with a situation you are unfamiliar with? That is the real benefit of learning more methods and algorithm sets. They are used as supplements to your previous knowledge and allow you to go further with your solving.

Some well known beginner methods would be, of course, the beginner's method (aka layer by layer) and Ortega (aka Varasano but a lesser known name). Granted, these methods are just scratching the surface. To explain briefly how these methods work, they generally start with solving a full layer (a full color face on one side) and then executing an algorithm to solve the rest of the cube. The video below will explain a bit more using a visual cue.

Face-building, as mentioned above, is a crucial optimization in order to get faster. You have to cut down on the moves it takes to solve the 2x2. Unfortunately, this process is really just left up to practice and making sure you can find the most efficient way to create faces. I mainly watched videos from other people or tried practicing on my own while figuring out different face-building solutions.

This is another key change that you should implement as you get faster. When you first start learning about face-building, most people just use the yellow and white faces. This can hinder your growth later on, so it is recommended to switch to color neutrality. That essentially means you can start or build faces from any color, not just be limited to only yellow and white. By using every color to start as your face, you are given so many more options to work with.

Solutions are basically the entirety of the moves you used for that given scramble (the transformation of the Rubik's Cube to a random state). Another important aspect to consider is your move count, the number of moves for your solution. One way to lower your moves is a technique known as "move cancelling". It's exactly what it sounds like. It may sound complicated at first, but when making the face, you can cancel it into the algorithm to solve the rest of the cube.

To elaborate further, when you're making a face, let's say it takes 3 moves; the final move is actually the first move of the algorithm that will be used to solve the rest of the cube. So you simply skip the final move together to essentially "cancel" into it.

I'd consider this the most crucial and advanced optimization one can implement to fully improve their 2x2 solving. This is the technique that allows people (including me) to solve certain 2x2 scrambles in under a second. That may sound impossible, but it is in fact totally doable. The only restraint is the amount of effort and time it takes to truly master this skill.

The idea of one-looking can be boiled down to tracking where the pieces will go before you even start solving the 2x2. This entails knowing the entire face solution and the algorithm it will take to finish the cube. Piece tracing, as it's known, is only an easier version of one-looking. I've talked to some of the fastest solvers in the world, and they spend hours trying to perfect the technique. I only just started to use one-looking and it really is difficult to learn. Crazy stuff, I know.

In official Rubik's Cube competitions hosted by the WCA (World Cube Association), you have only 15 seconds to inspect (look at the scramble) before starting the timer. In that time, advanced solvers can find a multitude of solutions, each including the most optimal face-building and move cancelling approaches.

I hope that this brief introduction shows the sheer depth and mastery required to optimize 2x2 solving to get the fastest times. I also hope that all of this was interesting, and I implore you to explore the vast world of Rubik's speed solving. Below I have attached some helpful websites to get you started on your journey!

Resources:

1. Jperm.net - A great starting place with written tutorials on various puzzles and linked videos.
2. Cstimer.net - Online timer most cubers use.
3. speedcubedb.com - This is a more advanced website but has a lot of great algorithms for you to learn from.

Of course just searching for tutorials on your own is a great way to get started too. I've linked the current world record average (5 solves calculated by removing the fastest and slowest solves and averaging the rest) for you to check out.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, and happy speed cubing!

-Brandon