How to Solve a Rubik's Cube

In 1970, Larry Nichols invented a cube puzzle. This puzzle was held together by magnets. Larry is considered as the pioneer of three-dimensional cube puzzles. Erno Rubik, a Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture, in 1972, invented a more improved version of Larry's cube puzzle. Rubik had a fascination for three dimensional geometry. This fascination helped him develop the Magic Cube. It consists of a cube, which has colored faces made of 26 smaller colored blocks. These blocks are attached centrally to a spindle. The standard size of each side of cube is 5.7 centimeters. The cube is twisted around its three axis to scramble the colors of the cube faces. The scrambled Rubik's cube is a challenge to the players to restore it to its original configuration. The Magic Cube after 1981 came to be known as the Rubik's cube.

The Rubik's cube is classified as sequential movement puzzle. This mechanical puzzle requires the players to maneuver its parts. Rubik's cube is solved, when all the small blocks of the same color face on one side of all the six sides of the cube.

If you have racked your brains enough trying to solve the puzzle and are on a verge of a nervous breakdown, relax. Just take the Rubik's cube and turn it from the center and take it apart. Now, arrange the colors systemically and put the cube together. Or you can just remove the color stickers and rearrange the similar colors together. Well, these methods will surely help you solve the Rubik's cube quickly. I would rather suggest you choose the path of virtue and follow the method explained below.

A Rubik's cube can be solved by a number of techniques. Some more complicated than the others. Let us try a simpler way to get started. This method applies various algorithms for solving the cube, layer by layer. Algorithm is a process, which is repeated a number of times such that it will return to its original position. When describing the process, R is rotating the right side of the cube in clockwise direction. Ri means rotating the right side counterclockwise.

The key to the algorithms:
U - Upper (top) Side
D - Down (bottom) Side
R - Right Side
L - Left Side
F - Front Side

First, assemble the cross on one side. You can start from any side. The edges should match with their respective centers. It is easier to begin with the white side. The white/ green edge is on the side with green center, and it is the same for white red center. This set should be followed on all four sides.

Next, for solving the first layer, place the corners in their right places. The correct corner piece should be put in the right place anti-clockwise or in the corner underneath its correct corner. Now facing the cube with the corner which is placed to the right side, apply the algorithm. Ri Di R D. This algorithm should be repeated till all corners are in the correct positions and orientation. Kudos, on successfully completing the first layer of the cube.

Now, before beginning with the second layer, flip the side of the cube that has just been solved, so that it faces the bottom. There are two algorithms needed to solve the second layer. First, locate the four edge pieces on the top layer. For example the green/ blue is one of them. Blue should be kept on the top. Align it with the green center, facing the green side carry out the following algorithm - Ui Li U L U F Ui Fi. If it has to be moved to the right instead of left, the algorithm used is U R Ui Ri Ui Fi U F. Continue using either of the algorithms to get the correct position and orientation to solve the second layer.

In the third layer, a similar cross like in the first layer needs to be built. This time, get the cross without bothering the correct position. The algorithm required to carry out this step is F R U Ri Ui Fi. This will lead to four possibilities. First, only the center of the third layer remains. The above algorithm can be used with the top in any variation. This will bring one step closer to get the cross. The next configuration will be L. This variation must have L on the top left corner. The L side should be treated as the up-face to perform the above stated algorithm. This will bring you closer to the next cross and give four more configurations. The next step is line configuration to achieve the cross, use the same algorithm to move from line configuration to final configuration, that is, the cross.

Once you attain the cross, get it in the correct orientation. The edges should match their corresponding centers. Either the two opposite sides match or the adjacent sides match. The algorithm used is R U Ri U R U U Ri. When two opposite sides match, the algorithm should be used with one side facing you and the other in the back. This leads to adjacent configuration. With the adjacent configuration, the matching sides should be on the right and the farthest side. After the algorithm is performed, the cross will be complete. The only thing to do now is rotate it in the right orientation.

To place the corners, get them in the correct positions regardless of the right way. Use U R Ui Li U Ri Ui L as the algorithm. This will take a few minutes to get the corners in the right position. To complete the cube, use the first algorithm once again - Ri Di R D. Start from any corner and as you get the corner in the right way, keep flipping the up-face and solve the other corner till you reach the last corner. When you complete the third layer by placing the last corner in the right way in the right position, simply rotate the top layer to align it correctly. "Omedetou!" You have got your brain in gear today. You have finally figured out the secret to solving the Rubik's cube.

Keep on practicing and you will soon become a master in solving the Rubik's cube. It's a great idea to show your friends in the maths club, how smart you are!