Speedcubing
Encyclopedia
Speedcubing is the activity of solving a Rubik's Cube
or related puzzle as quickly as possible. Here, solving is defined as performing a series of moves that transforms a scrambled cube into a state where each of the cube's six faces is one single, solid color.
Most cubes are sold commercially in variations of 2×2×2
, 3×3×3
, 4×4×4
, 5×5×5
, 6×6×6
, and 7×7×7
. Variations of the puzzle have been designed with as many as 17 layers , but the largest denomination cube that has been patented is a 7x7x7. The current world record for a single solve of the 3×3×3 in competition is 5.66 seconds set by Feliks Zemdegs
during the Melbourne Winter Open 2011. However, unofficial "faster" times have been recorded on video.
Speedcubing is a popular activity among the international Rubik's Cube community. Members come together to hold competitions, work to develop new solving methods, and seek to perfect their technique. As a part of the community, puzzle builders try to invent new forms of permutation puzzles.
was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor of architecture Ernő Rubik
. A widespread international interest in the cube began in 1980, which soon developed into a global craze. On June 5, 1982, the first world championship was held in Budapest. The height of the craze began to fade away after 1983, but with the advent of the Internet, sites relating to speedcubing began to surface. Simultaneously spreading effective speedsolving methods and teaching people new to the cube to solve it for the first time, these sites brought in a new generation of cubers, created a growing international on-line community, and raised the profile of the art. Twenty years after the first World Championship, the 2002 Dutch Open competition was the first in a new wave of organized speedcubing events, which include regular national and international competitions. There have been four more World Championships since Budapest's 1982 competition, which are traditionally held every other year, the first held in Toronto
in 2003, the second in Lake Buena Vista, Florida in 2005, and after 25 years the tournament returned to Budapest, Hungary in 2007. In 2009, the tournament was held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
, was named after one of its inventors, Jessica Fridrich
, who finished 2nd in the 2003 Rubik's Cube World Championships. It first works to solve a cross-shaped arrangement of pieces on the first layer. The remainder of the first layer and all of the second layer are then solved together in what are referred to as "corner-edge pairs" or slots. Finally, the last layer is solved in two steps — first, all of the cubies in the layer are oriented to form a solid color (but without the individual pieces being in their correct places on the cube). This step is referred to as orientation and is usually performed with a single set of algorithms known as OLL (Orientation of Last Layer). Then, all of those cubies are permuted to their correct spots. This is also usually performed as a single set of algorithms known as PLL (Permutation of Last Layer).
The CFOP system is a widely-used speedcubing method. Its popularity stems from the speed at which it can be easily performed. Besides the first step, which can be planned during the customary 15-second inspection time, the entire solve of the cube consists of executing predefined algorithms based on the state of the cube.
, is considered by some people to be more intuitive than the structured Fridrich method. The Petrus method works by first solving a 2×2×2 block of the cube. This block is then extended to a solved 2×2×3 block. All edges are then oriented and then the first and second layers are completed. Next, the top corners are put in the right place and then the layer is oriented correctly (all stickers facing up) and finally the last edges are permuted (moved around). Lars Petrus developed this method to address what he felt were inherent inefficiencies in layer-by-layer approaches, which he explains in his method's tutorial: "When you have completed the first layer, you can do nothing without breaking it up. So you break it, do something useful, then restore it. Break it, do something, restore it. Again and again. In a good solution you do something useful all the time. The first layer is in the way of the solution, not a part of it!". This method is often used as the basis for fewest moves competition solutions.
This method makes more efficient use of the standard 15 second inspection time, since one can plan the solution of 5 pieces rather than 4 for the Fridrich and Petrus method. It also isn't as dependent on algorithm memorization as the Fridrich method, since all but the third step is done with intuition as opposed to predefined sets of algorithms. The Roux method doesn't require as many cube rotations as the Fridrich method, so it is easier to look ahead while solving i.e. solving a collection of pieces and at the same time looking for the solution to the next step.
. Currently corners-first solutions are less common among speedsolvers. The best corners first method was created in the cube craze by Dutch cuber Marc Waterman. He averaged 16 seconds in the mid-late 80s. First, build a face on the left. Then, solve the remaining corners. Next, solve two right edges and place one remaining right edge in the right layer OR solve three right edges. Then, solve the last right edge(s) and orient middle edges simultaneously. Finally, permute middle edges. This method only requires the memorization of around 7 algorithms.
(WCA), competitors (in the same round) must solve cubes that are scrambled using a consistent algorithm (as in, every competitor solves the same scramble). Currently, the official timer used in competition is the StackMat timer
. This device has touch-sensitive pads that are triggered by the speedcuber lifting their hands to start the time and placing their hands back on the pads after releasing the puzzle to stop the time. In addition to the electronic timer, there are human judges with stopwatches, who act as a back-up in case the timer doesn't work properly. These judges also ensure that the competitors are following competition regulations.
Official competitions are currently being held in several categories.
Competitions will often include events for speedsolving these other puzzles, as well:
, Thailand
, 14–16 October 2011.
.
Some of the more popular lubricants among speedcubers are:
ABS
, the main plastic in Rubik's cubes, should not be lubricated with lubricants containing any of the following:
Checking a lubricant's MSDS is often helpful in identifying cube-damaging ingredients.
Algorithm : A predefined sequence of moves used to effect a specific change on the cube. Often referred to as alg or (less commonly) an algo.
BLD : Blindfold solving, i.e. memorize, blindfold, then solve.
Center piece : One of the six centers of the faces of the cube. The centers never move relative to each other on an NxNxN cube, where N is odd.
CLL : Corners of Last Layer. This is the first of two steps to solve the last layer of the cube. In the process, edges may not be unoriented. This is used in Corners First methods for the last layer, in which the first all corners are solved, followed by the edges (see: ELL).
Corner piece : One of the 8 pieces with exactly three stickers, called a "corner" piece because a corner is exposed.
Cubie : One of the mechanically independent pieces that make up a puzzle. The cubies do not include fixed center pieces, nor the central axis to which they are attached.
Cycle : To rotate pieces' positions on the cube. E.g. a 3-cycle would make cubie set A-B-C become C-A-B.
DNF : Did Not Finish, used in competition e.g. when a piece pop occurs and the competitor decides not to continue the solving of the puzzle.
DNS : Did Not Start, used in competition when the competitor does not begin a solve, either by opting to skip it (common in Blindfold Cubing) or by not showing up when he or she is called, or not qualifying for the remaining (usually 3) solves of a certain round.
Edge piece : One of the 12 pieces with exactly two stickers, called an "edge" piece because only one edge is exposed.
ELL : Edges of Last Layer. The second of two steps to solve the last layer of the cube, solving the edge pieces without disturbing the orientation of the corner pieces (see: CLL).
F2B : First two blocks.
F2L : First two layers.
F2L method : A method which solves the first and second layers simultaneously.
Layer : One section of a cube consisting of a number of cubies that turn as a unit. (e.g. a standard Rubik's cube has 3 layers)
LL : Last Layer.
Method : A combination of steps that can be used to solve a cube.
Move : A turn or double turn of one of the six faces or three slices of the cube.
N-look, also known as X-Look : Refers to the number of algorithms needed to complete a step in a particular solving method, often the last layer, e.g. '4-look LL'.
OLL : Orient Last Layer, usually used in reference to the respective step of the Fridrich method.
Orient : To flip or twist pieces so they turn 'in-place'.
PB : Personal Best - personal record time to solve a puzzle. This can either be a single attempt or a trimmed average, depending on context.
Permute : Swap or cycle two or more pieces.
PLL : Permute Last Layer. Usually used in reference to the respective step of the Fridrich method, in which case it would follow the OLL step.
Pop : When, during a speedsolve, one or more cubies come out of the puzzle. Also known as piece pop.
Prime : A counter-clockwise move popularly denoted with a ', e.g. 'R Prime', denoted as R', R-,
, Ri. Also known as "inverse" or "inverted".
Slice : The four center pieces and four edge pieces between two opposite faces of the cube.
Two-Second Penalty : A penalty of 2 seconds which is added to a solving time in competition when the cube is placed back on the timing pad with one or more misaligned faces. It can also be given by starting the timer too slow after pre-inspection or "karate-chopping" the timer after finishing the solve.
UWR : Unofficial World Record.
WCA : World Cube Association
, the international governing body for official cube competitions.
WR : World Record. Also "World Rank" when referring to the rank of a person's record in a database.
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
or related puzzle as quickly as possible. Here, solving is defined as performing a series of moves that transforms a scrambled cube into a state where each of the cube's six faces is one single, solid color.
Most cubes are sold commercially in variations of 2×2×2
Pocket Cube
The Pocket Cube is the 2×2×2 equivalent of a Rubik's Cube. The cube consists of 8 pieces, all corners.-Permutations:...
, 3×3×3
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
, 4×4×4
Rubik's Revenge
The Rubik's Revenge is the 4×4×4 version of Rubik's Cube. Invented by Péter Sebestény, the Rubik's Revenge was nearly called the Sebestény Cube until a somewhat last-minute decision changed the puzzle's name to attract fans of the original Rubik's Cube...
, 5×5×5
Professor's Cube
The Professor's Cube is a mechanical puzzle, a 5×5×5 version of the Rubik's Cube. It has qualities in common with both the original 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube and the 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge, and knowing the solution to either can help when working on the 5×5×5 cube....
, 6×6×6
V-Cube 6
The V-Cube 6 is the 6×6×6 version of Rubik's Cube. Unlike the original puzzle , it has no fixed facets: the center facets are free to move to different positions...
, and 7×7×7
V-Cube 7
The V-Cube 7 is the 7×7×7 version of Rubik's Cube. It was invented by Panagiotis Verdes and is produced by his company, Verdes Innovations SA. Like the 5×5×5, the V-Cube 7 has both fixed and movable center facets.- Mechanics :...
. Variations of the puzzle have been designed with as many as 17 layers , but the largest denomination cube that has been patented is a 7x7x7. The current world record for a single solve of the 3×3×3 in competition is 5.66 seconds set by Feliks Zemdegs
Feliks Zemdegs
Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008...
during the Melbourne Winter Open 2011. However, unofficial "faster" times have been recorded on video.
Speedcubing is a popular activity among the international Rubik's Cube community. Members come together to hold competitions, work to develop new solving methods, and seek to perfect their technique. As a part of the community, puzzle builders try to invent new forms of permutation puzzles.
History
The Rubik's CubeRubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor of architecture Ernő Rubik
Erno Rubik
Ernő Rubik is a Hungarian inventor, architect and professor of architecture. He is best known for the invention of mechanical puzzles including Rubik's Cube , Rubik's Magic, Rubik's Magic: Master Edition, Rubik's Snake and Rubik's 360....
. A widespread international interest in the cube began in 1980, which soon developed into a global craze. On June 5, 1982, the first world championship was held in Budapest. The height of the craze began to fade away after 1983, but with the advent of the Internet, sites relating to speedcubing began to surface. Simultaneously spreading effective speedsolving methods and teaching people new to the cube to solve it for the first time, these sites brought in a new generation of cubers, created a growing international on-line community, and raised the profile of the art. Twenty years after the first World Championship, the 2002 Dutch Open competition was the first in a new wave of organized speedcubing events, which include regular national and international competitions. There have been four more World Championships since Budapest's 1982 competition, which are traditionally held every other year, the first held in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
in 2003, the second in Lake Buena Vista, Florida in 2005, and after 25 years the tournament returned to Budapest, Hungary in 2007. In 2009, the tournament was held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Solving methods
The standard Rubik's Cube can be solved using a number of methods, not all of which are intended for speedcubing. Although some methods employ a layer-by-layer algorithm, other significant (though less widely-used) methods include corners-first methods, and the Roux method.CFOP system
CFOP (Cross - F2L - OLL - PLL) system, also known as the Fridrich methodFridrich Method
The CFOP system, simply known as the Fridrich Method is one of the most commonly used methods in speedsolving a Rubik's Cube...
, was named after one of its inventors, Jessica Fridrich
Jessica Fridrich
Jessica Fridrich is the inventor of the most commonly used method for speed-solving the Rubik's Cube, better known as speedcubing.This method describes solving the cube in a layer-by-layer fashion. First a so-called "cross" is made on the first layer, consisting of the center piece and four edges...
, who finished 2nd in the 2003 Rubik's Cube World Championships. It first works to solve a cross-shaped arrangement of pieces on the first layer. The remainder of the first layer and all of the second layer are then solved together in what are referred to as "corner-edge pairs" or slots. Finally, the last layer is solved in two steps — first, all of the cubies in the layer are oriented to form a solid color (but without the individual pieces being in their correct places on the cube). This step is referred to as orientation and is usually performed with a single set of algorithms known as OLL (Orientation of Last Layer). Then, all of those cubies are permuted to their correct spots. This is also usually performed as a single set of algorithms known as PLL (Permutation of Last Layer).
The CFOP system is a widely-used speedcubing method. Its popularity stems from the speed at which it can be easily performed. Besides the first step, which can be planned during the customary 15-second inspection time, the entire solve of the cube consists of executing predefined algorithms based on the state of the cube.
Petrus method
The Petrus method, named after its inventor Lars PetrusLars Petrus
Lars Petrus made his name as an internationally accomplished speedcuber in 1982 when he became the national champion of Sweden, and went on to finish fourth overall at the first official Rubik's Cube World Championships held in Budapest, Hungary. He later published his unique method, known as the...
, is considered by some people to be more intuitive than the structured Fridrich method. The Petrus method works by first solving a 2×2×2 block of the cube. This block is then extended to a solved 2×2×3 block. All edges are then oriented and then the first and second layers are completed. Next, the top corners are put in the right place and then the layer is oriented correctly (all stickers facing up) and finally the last edges are permuted (moved around). Lars Petrus developed this method to address what he felt were inherent inefficiencies in layer-by-layer approaches, which he explains in his method's tutorial: "When you have completed the first layer, you can do nothing without breaking it up. So you break it, do something useful, then restore it. Break it, do something, restore it. Again and again. In a good solution you do something useful all the time. The first layer is in the way of the solution, not a part of it!". This method is often used as the basis for fewest moves competition solutions.
Roux method
The first step of the Roux method is the formation of a 3×2×1 block. The 3×2×1 block is usually placed in the lower portion of the left layer. The second step is to create another 3×2×1 on the opposite layer. The remaining four corners are then solved, which leaves six edges and four centers that are solved in the last step.This method makes more efficient use of the standard 15 second inspection time, since one can plan the solution of 5 pieces rather than 4 for the Fridrich and Petrus method. It also isn't as dependent on algorithm memorization as the Fridrich method, since all but the third step is done with intuition as opposed to predefined sets of algorithms. The Roux method doesn't require as many cube rotations as the Fridrich method, so it is easier to look ahead while solving i.e. solving a collection of pieces and at the same time looking for the solution to the next step.
Corners-first method
This method involves solving the corners then finishing the edges with slice turns. Corners-first solutions were common in the 1980s, with one of the most popular methods that of 1982 world champion Minh ThaiMinh Thai
Minh Thai was a sixteen-year-old Vietnamese high school student from Los Angeles when he won the first world championship on June 5, 1982 in Budapest by solving a Rubik's Cube in 22.95 seconds....
. Currently corners-first solutions are less common among speedsolvers. The best corners first method was created in the cube craze by Dutch cuber Marc Waterman. He averaged 16 seconds in the mid-late 80s. First, build a face on the left. Then, solve the remaining corners. Next, solve two right edges and place one remaining right edge in the right layer OR solve three right edges. Then, solve the last right edge(s) and orient middle edges simultaneously. Finally, permute middle edges. This method only requires the memorization of around 7 algorithms.
ZZ method
ZZ is a modern speedcubing method, originally proposed by Zbigniew Zborowski in 2006. The method was designed specifically to achieve high turning speed by focusing on move ergonomics. The initial pre-planned step is called EOLine, and is the most distinctive hallmark of the ZZ method. It involves orienting all edges while placing two opposite down-face edges. The next step solves the remaining first two layers using only left, right and top face turns. On completion of the first two layers, the last layer's edges are all correctly orientated because of edge pre-orientation during EOLine. The last layer may be completed using a number of techniques including those used in the Fridrich method. An expert variant of this method (ZZ-a) allows the last layer to be completed in a single step with an average of just over 12 moves and knowledge of 177 algorithms.Competitions
According to the World Cube AssociationWorld Cube Association
The World Cube Association is an organization that regulates and holds Rubik's Cube competitions. It was founded by Ron van Bruchem of the Netherlands and Tyson Mao of the United States...
(WCA), competitors (in the same round) must solve cubes that are scrambled using a consistent algorithm (as in, every competitor solves the same scramble). Currently, the official timer used in competition is the StackMat timer
Stackmat timer
StackMat timers are timing devices designed for use in sport stacking and speedcubing. StackMat timers have two touchpads, one on each side of the display. The hands are placed on the two touch pads. After about a second, a green light will light up, and when one or both of the hands are released...
. This device has touch-sensitive pads that are triggered by the speedcuber lifting their hands to start the time and placing their hands back on the pads after releasing the puzzle to stop the time. In addition to the electronic timer, there are human judges with stopwatches, who act as a back-up in case the timer doesn't work properly. These judges also ensure that the competitors are following competition regulations.
Official competitions are currently being held in several categories.
| Category | Cube Type |
|---|---|
| speedsolving | 2×2×2 Pocket Cube The Pocket Cube is the 2×2×2 equivalent of a Rubik's Cube. The cube consists of 8 pieces, all corners.-Permutations:... , 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that... , 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge The Rubik's Revenge is the 4×4×4 version of Rubik's Cube. Invented by Péter Sebestény, the Rubik's Revenge was nearly called the Sebestény Cube until a somewhat last-minute decision changed the puzzle's name to attract fans of the original Rubik's Cube... , 5×5×5 Professor's Cube The Professor's Cube is a mechanical puzzle, a 5×5×5 version of the Rubik's Cube. It has qualities in common with both the original 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube and the 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge, and knowing the solution to either can help when working on the 5×5×5 cube.... , 6×6×6 V-Cube 6 The V-Cube 6 is the 6×6×6 version of Rubik's Cube. Unlike the original puzzle , it has no fixed facets: the center facets are free to move to different positions... , 7×7×7 V-Cube 7 The V-Cube 7 is the 7×7×7 version of Rubik's Cube. It was invented by Panagiotis Verdes and is produced by his company, Verdes Innovations SA. Like the 5×5×5, the V-Cube 7 has both fixed and movable center facets.- Mechanics :... |
| one-handed solving | 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that... |
| blindfolded solving | 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that... , 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge The Rubik's Revenge is the 4×4×4 version of Rubik's Cube. Invented by Péter Sebestény, the Rubik's Revenge was nearly called the Sebestény Cube until a somewhat last-minute decision changed the puzzle's name to attract fans of the original Rubik's Cube... , 5×5×5 Professor's Cube The Professor's Cube is a mechanical puzzle, a 5×5×5 version of the Rubik's Cube. It has qualities in common with both the original 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube and the 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge, and knowing the solution to either can help when working on the 5×5×5 cube.... |
| solving with feet | 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that... |
| solving in fewest moves | 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that... |
Competitions will often include events for speedsolving these other puzzles, as well:
- MegaminxMegaminxThe Megaminx is a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle similar to the Rubik's Cube. It has a total of 50 movable pieces to rearrange, compared to the 20 movable pieces of the Rubik's cube.- History :...
- PyraminxPyraminxThe Pyraminx is a tetrahedral puzzle similar to the Rubik's Cube. It was invented and patented by Uwe Meffert, and introduced by Tomy Toys of Japan in 1981. Meffert continues to sell it in his toy shop, ....
- Rubik's ClockRubik's ClockRubik's Clock is a mechanical puzzle invented and patented by Christopher C. Wiggs and Christopher J. Taylor. The Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik bought the patent from them to market the product under his name. It was first marketed in 1988.Rubik's Clock is a two-sided...
- Rubik's MagicRubik's MagicRubik's Magic, like Rubik's Cube, is a mechanical puzzle invented by the Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik and first manufactured by Matchbox in the mid-1980s....
- Master MagicRubik's Magic: Master EditionRubik's Magic: Master Edition is a mechanical puzzle invented by the Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik and first manufactured by Matchbox in 1987. It is a modification from the Rubik's Magic first published in 1980...
- Square-1Square one (puzzle)The Square One, also known as Back to Square One and Cube 21, is a puzzle similar to the Rubik's Cube. Its distinguishing feature among the numerous Rubik's Cube variants is that it can change shape as it is twisted, due to the way it is cut, thus adding an extra level of challenge and difficulty...
World Rubik's Cube Championships
WCA organises World Rubik's Cube Championship as the main international competition once every several years. The latest championship was held in BangkokBangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, 14–16 October 2011.
World records
These are the official speedsolving world records approved by World Cube AssociationWorld Cube Association
The World Cube Association is an organization that regulates and holds Rubik's Cube competitions. It was founded by Ron van Bruchem of the Netherlands and Tyson Mao of the United States...
.
| Event | Type | Result (Min:Sec) | Person | Competition | Result Details (Min:Sec) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2×2×2 Pocket Cube The Pocket Cube is the 2×2×2 equivalent of a Rubik's Cube. The cube consists of 8 pieces, all corners.-Permutations:... |
Single | 00:00.69 |  Christian Kaserer |
Trentin Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:02.12 |  Feliks ZemdegsFeliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
Melbourne Cube Day 2010 | 00:02.38 / 00:01.77 / 00:01.75 / 00:02.21 / 00:02.46 | |
| 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that... |
Single | 00:05.66 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
Melbourne Winter Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:07.64 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
Melbourne Winter Open 2011 | 00:07.03 / 00:08.11 / 00:08.36 / 00:05.66 / 00:07.78 | |
| 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge The Rubik's Revenge is the 4×4×4 version of Rubik's Cube. Invented by Péter Sebestény, the Rubik's Revenge was nearly called the Sebestény Cube until a somewhat last-minute decision changed the puzzle's name to attract fans of the original Rubik's Cube... |
Single | 00:30.28 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
Australian Nationals 2011 | |
| Average | 00:35.22 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
World Championship 2011 | 00:33.33 / 00:38.71 / 00:33.28 / 00:33.63 / 00:39.33 | |
| 5×5×5 Professor's Cube The Professor's Cube is a mechanical puzzle, a 5×5×5 version of the Rubik's Cube. It has qualities in common with both the original 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube and the 4×4×4 Rubik's Revenge, and knowing the solution to either can help when working on the 5×5×5 cube.... |
Single | 00:56.22 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
World Championship 2011 | |
| Average | 00:59.94 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
World Championship 2011 | 00:59.59 / 00:58.41 / 01:01.81 / 01:05.40 / 00:56.22 | |
| 6×6×6 V-Cube 6 The V-Cube 6 is the 6×6×6 version of Rubik's Cube. Unlike the original puzzle , it has no fixed facets: the center facets are free to move to different positions... |
Single | 01:56.96 | Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs Feliks Zemdegs is an Australian Rubik's Cube speedsolver. The surname is Latvian.He bought his first cube in April 2008 inspired by speedcubing videos and tutorials on Youtube. The first unofficial time he recorded was an average of 19.73 seconds on 14 June 2008... |
Australian Nationals 2011 | |
| Average | 02:09.03 |  Kevin Hays |
US Nationals 2011 | 02:13.68 / 02:11.09 / 02:02.31 | |
| 7×7×7 V-Cube 7 The V-Cube 7 is the 7×7×7 version of Rubik's Cube. It was invented by Panagiotis Verdes and is produced by his company, Verdes Innovations SA. Like the 5×5×5, the V-Cube 7 has both fixed and movable center facets.- Mechanics :... |
Single | 03:13.19 |  Michal Halczuk |
Polish Nationals 2011 | |
| Average | 03:25.10 | Michal Halczuk |
Swierklany Open 2011 | 03:17.97 / 03:31.68 / 03:25.66 | |
| Megaminx Megaminx The Megaminx is a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle similar to the Rubik's Cube. It has a total of 50 movable pieces to rearrange, compared to the 20 movable pieces of the Rubik's cube.- History :... |
Single | 00:42.28 |  Simon Westlund |
Danish Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:49.90 | Simon Westlund |
Danish Open 2011 | 00:49.46 / 00:49.30 / 00:48.61 / 00:52.44 / 00:50.94 | |
| Pyraminx Pyraminx The Pyraminx is a tetrahedral puzzle similar to the Rubik's Cube. It was invented and patented by Uwe Meffert, and introduced by Tomy Toys of Japan in 1981. Meffert continues to sell it in his toy shop, .... |
Single | 00:01.93 |  Yohei Oka |
Japan Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:03.43 |  Oscar Roth Andersen |
Danish Open 2011 | 00:03.88 / 00:04.71 / 00:02.46 / 00:03.38 / 00:03.03 | |
| Square-1 | Single | 00:08.65 |  Bingliang Li |
Guangdong Open 2010 | |
| Average | 00:11.78 | Bingliang Li |
Shenzhen University 2011 | 00:10.30 / 00:15.65 / 00:11.75 / 00:12.15 / 00:11.43 | |
| Rubik's Clock Rubik's Clock Rubik's Clock is a mechanical puzzle invented and patented by Christopher C. Wiggs and Christopher J. Taylor. The Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik bought the patent from them to market the product under his name. It was first marketed in 1988.Rubik's Clock is a two-sided... |
Single | 00:05.83 |  Javier Tirado Ortiz |
World Championship 2011 | |
| Average | 00:07.33 | Sam Zhixiao Wang |
Guildford Summer Open 2011 | 00:11.30 / 00:06.78 / 00:08.15 / 00:05.88 / 00:07.05 | |
| Rubik's Magic Rubik's Magic Rubik's Magic, like Rubik's Cube, is a mechanical puzzle invented by the Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik and first manufactured by Matchbox in the mid-1980s.... |
Single | 00:00.69 | Yuxuan Wang |
Beijing Spring 2011 | |
| Average | 00:00.76 | Yuxuan Wang |
Beijing Summer Open 2011 | 00:00.72 / 00:00.77 / 00:00.77 / 00:00.75 / DNF | |
| Master Magic Rubik's Magic: Master Edition Rubik's Magic: Master Edition is a mechanical puzzle invented by the Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik and first manufactured by Matchbox in 1987. It is a modification from the Rubik's Magic first published in 1980... |
Single | 00:01.68 | Ernie Pulchny |
Park Ridge Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:01.75 | Ernie Pulchny |
US Nationals 2011 | 00:01.78 / 00:01.71 / 00:01.77 / 00:01.71 / 00:03.08 | |
| 3×3×3: Blindfolded | Single | 00:30.58 | Yuhui Xu |
Suzhou Open 2011 | |
| 4×4×4: Blindfolded | Single | 03:26.11 | Daniel Sheppard | Guildford Summer Open 2011 | |
| 5×5×5: Blindfolded | Single | 09:48.58 |  Ville Seppänen |
Kirkkonummi Open 2011 | |
| 3×3×3: Multiple Blindfolded | Single | 19/19 in 53:48 |  Marcell Endrey |
World Championship 2011 | |
| 3×3×3: One-handed | Single | 00:10.68 | Piotr Tomczyk |
Swierklany Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:13.57 | Michał Pleskowicz |
World Championship 2011 | 00:12.34 / 00:15.83 / 00:12.97 / 00:15.11 / 00:12.63 | |
| 3×3×3: With feet | Single | 00:31.56 | Anssi Vanhala |
Helsinki Open 2011 | |
| Average | 00:39.98 | Anssi Vanhala |
Kotka Open 2011 | 00:37.81 / 00:39.30 / 00:42.84 | |
| 3×3×3: Fewest moves | Single | 22 moves |  Jimmy Coll |
Barcelona Open 2009 | |
| István Kocza |
Czech Open 2010 |
Lubrication
Some speedcubers will lubricate their cubes to prevent wrist and finger injury. Lubricating the cube also allows it to be manipulated more quickly than a non-lubed cube. The WCA allows lubrication for WCA-sanctioned competitions. Usually, the lubricant's main ingredient is polysiloxane.Some of the more popular lubricants among speedcubers are:
- Lubix Cube
- CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Spray
- D-39 Silicone Spray
- Jig-A-LooJig-A-LooJig-A-Loo is a silicone-based lubricant and water-repellent spray. The manufacturer states that it contains no oil, grease, wax, petroleum distillates or detergent and that it doesn't stain or smell after application. It is indicated for use on wood, metal, glass, rubber, leather, fabrics and most...
- Cyclo Silicone Spray
- Maru Lubricant
- traxxas 50K differential oil
- cubesmith
ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a common thermoplastic. Its melting point is approximately 105 °C ....
, the main plastic in Rubik's cubes, should not be lubricated with lubricants containing any of the following:
- Methylene chloride, often used for welding ABS plastic
- AcetoneAcetoneAcetone is the organic compound with the formula 2CO, a colorless, mobile, flammable liquid, the simplest example of the ketones.Acetone is miscible with water and serves as an important solvent in its own right, typically as the solvent of choice for cleaning purposes in the laboratory...
, a good solvent for ABS plastic - WD-40WD-40WD-40 is the trademark name of a United States-made water-displacing spray. It was developed in 1953 by Norm Larsen, founder of the Rocket Chemical Company, San Diego, California. It was originally designed to repel water and prevent corrosion, and later was found to have numerous household...
, incompatible with ABS plastic due to white spiritWhite spiritWhite spirit [CAS 64475-85-0], also known as Stoddard solvent [CAS 8052-41-3] or mineral spirits, is a paraffin-derived clear, transparent liquid which is a common organic solvent used in painting and decorating. In 1924, an Atlanta dry cleaner named W. J. Stoddard worked with Lloyd E...
(also known as Stoddard solvent) content
Checking a lubricant's MSDS is often helpful in identifying cube-damaging ingredients.
Terminology
Here are some definitions generally used by the speedcubing community. For a more complete list of speedcubing terminology, see the cubefreak.net glossary and Speedsolving Wiki's "Cubing Terminology" Page..Algorithm : A predefined sequence of moves used to effect a specific change on the cube. Often referred to as alg or (less commonly) an algo.
BLD : Blindfold solving, i.e. memorize, blindfold, then solve.
Center piece : One of the six centers of the faces of the cube. The centers never move relative to each other on an NxNxN cube, where N is odd.
CLL : Corners of Last Layer. This is the first of two steps to solve the last layer of the cube. In the process, edges may not be unoriented. This is used in Corners First methods for the last layer, in which the first all corners are solved, followed by the edges (see: ELL).
Corner piece : One of the 8 pieces with exactly three stickers, called a "corner" piece because a corner is exposed.
Cubie : One of the mechanically independent pieces that make up a puzzle. The cubies do not include fixed center pieces, nor the central axis to which they are attached.
Cycle : To rotate pieces' positions on the cube. E.g. a 3-cycle would make cubie set A-B-C become C-A-B.
DNF : Did Not Finish, used in competition e.g. when a piece pop occurs and the competitor decides not to continue the solving of the puzzle.
DNS : Did Not Start, used in competition when the competitor does not begin a solve, either by opting to skip it (common in Blindfold Cubing) or by not showing up when he or she is called, or not qualifying for the remaining (usually 3) solves of a certain round.
Edge piece : One of the 12 pieces with exactly two stickers, called an "edge" piece because only one edge is exposed.
ELL : Edges of Last Layer. The second of two steps to solve the last layer of the cube, solving the edge pieces without disturbing the orientation of the corner pieces (see: CLL).
F2B : First two blocks.
F2L : First two layers.
F2L method : A method which solves the first and second layers simultaneously.
Layer : One section of a cube consisting of a number of cubies that turn as a unit. (e.g. a standard Rubik's cube has 3 layers)
LL : Last Layer.
Method : A combination of steps that can be used to solve a cube.
Move : A turn or double turn of one of the six faces or three slices of the cube.
N-look, also known as X-Look : Refers to the number of algorithms needed to complete a step in a particular solving method, often the last layer, e.g. '4-look LL'.
OLL : Orient Last Layer, usually used in reference to the respective step of the Fridrich method.
Orient : To flip or twist pieces so they turn 'in-place'.
PB : Personal Best - personal record time to solve a puzzle. This can either be a single attempt or a trimmed average, depending on context.
Permute : Swap or cycle two or more pieces.
PLL : Permute Last Layer. Usually used in reference to the respective step of the Fridrich method, in which case it would follow the OLL step.
Pop : When, during a speedsolve, one or more cubies come out of the puzzle. Also known as piece pop.
Prime : A counter-clockwise move popularly denoted with a ', e.g. 'R Prime', denoted as R', R-,
, Ri. Also known as "inverse" or "inverted".Slice : The four center pieces and four edge pieces between two opposite faces of the cube.
Two-Second Penalty : A penalty of 2 seconds which is added to a solving time in competition when the cube is placed back on the timing pad with one or more misaligned faces. It can also be given by starting the timer too slow after pre-inspection or "karate-chopping" the timer after finishing the solve.
UWR : Unofficial World Record.
WCA : World Cube Association
World Cube Association
The World Cube Association is an organization that regulates and holds Rubik's Cube competitions. It was founded by Ron van Bruchem of the Netherlands and Tyson Mao of the United States...
, the international governing body for official cube competitions.
WR : World Record. Also "World Rank" when referring to the rank of a person's record in a database.