How to Solve the Rubiks Cube
By: Matthew Mendoza
Step 1: Buy a Rubiks Cube
Buy a Rubiks Cube from any store such
as Target, Amazon, or Walmart.
Step 2: Know the Different Faces and Their
Colors
There are 6 faces to the Cube. The colors of these faces are white, blue,
yellow, green, red, and orange. The opposite of white is yellow, the opposite
of blue is green, and the opposite of red is orange.
Step 3: Know the Different Layers
There are three layers to the Rubiks Cube. There is the top layer, the middle
layer, and the bottom layer.
Top Layer
Middle Layer
Bottom Layer
Step 4: Know the Different Types of Pieces
There are three different types of pieces. There are four side pieces, four
corner pieces, and one center piece on each side. Notice that the center piece
does not move.
Corner Piece The Center Piece is the piece
Side Piece with the logo in the middle.
Step 5: Know the Meanings of Letters in the
Algorithms
The algorithms consist of letters that mark the rotations of the six faces. The
letter alone means a clockwise rotation of the face, while a letter with an
apostrophe means a counterclockwise rotation of the face.
F-Front R-Right U-Up B-Back L-Left D-Down
F-Front R-Right U-Up B-Back L-Left D-Down
Step 6: Mix Up the Cube
Mix up the cube as much as possible. Take your time and get familiar with
your Rubiks Cube. Try rotating the faces in different ways. You can also have
somebody else to mix up the cube for you.
Step 7: Choose a Face to Solve First
You can choose whichever face to solve first. Find the center piece with the
color you want to start with. I will start with green as a reference for this
tutorial.
Step 8: Solve the Green Edges
We will be making a green cross by solving the green edges. If the piece is
oriented correctly, you can simply rotate the front face to its correct spot. Use
the first algorithm below if it is in the right spot, but oriented incorrectly. Use
the second algorithm when the piece is oriented wrong in the bottom. Use the
third algorithm below if the piece is oriented wrong in the middle layer
F R D R F F F R D R F F R D R F F
Step 9: Solve the Green Corners
We will complete the first layer by solving the green corners. First, you must
make sure the corner piece is below the spot where is belongs. After that, use
the algorithm below for each corner piece.
R D R D
.
Step 10: Solve the Middle Layer
First, you must turn the cube upside down to the blue face. Find edge pieces
that do not have the color blue on either side. Match the color of the side
facing you to its correct center piece. Depending on which side the other
colors center is on, follow the correct algorithm below.
Left: Right:
U L U L U F U F U R U R U F U F
Step 11: Solve The Top Cross
To make the top cross you must follow the algorithm below.
F R U R U F
Step 12: Swap Last Layer Edges
After completing step 11, two blue edge pieces match, while the other two
edges don't match with their correct color. Have the two sides that match on
the back and left side, while the ones that don't match facing you and on the
right side. To put the edge pieces in their correct places, use the algorithm
below.
R U U R U R U R U
Step 13: Position Last Layer Corners
First have a correctly positioned corner piece in the front right corner of the
cube. Once you have that repeat the algorithm below until you have all the
corners positioned correctly.
U R U L U R U L
Step 14: Orient Last Layer Corners
After positioning the corners in the correct place, we must completely solve
the cube by orienting the corner pieces. First, we must have the corners that
are not oriented correctly on the right side of the cube. Follow the algorithm
below until the right side is oriented. After that, you would have finished
solving the Rubiks Cube.
R U U R U R U R L U U L U L U L
Step 15: Practice
Remember that practice always makes perfect. Make sure you practice before
you impress your friends with this new skill. Try to memorize the algorithms I
have taught you in this tutorial. Thank you!
