Step 1
The goal in this step is to build a 2x2x2 block. Or more
precisely, to place one corner and its three adjoining edges in
their correct positions, as is done in the cube to the right..
Beginner
For the beginner it is easiest to pick a corner that you will always start with.
This makes it easy to find
the pieces you need. We will use the blue-yellow-orange corner.
This means that the three edges are the blue-orange,
the orange-yellow, and the blue-yellow.
First find the 4 pieces you need, and then try to build the 2x2x2. It's
not really hard, even when you are a rookie. If it still doesn't work out,
maybe this generic description can help (though these things are harder to
describe than to do).
There are many special cases, but the basic way, and a way that always works is the one shown to the right
- Connect one of the three edges (blue-orange in the example) with the corner, so that
the colors match, somewhere on the cube. Don't try to put them in their correct position yet. [Turn 1]
- Put an other edge (blue-yellow) in its correct position. [Turn 2-4]
- Now join the first two pieces with the third, by putting them in their correct positions. [Turn 5-7]
- Finally, put the third edge (orange-yellow) in position. You have to remove
the three other pieces for this.[Turn 8-11]
This is rarely the most efficient way, but it always works.
Intermediate
After you can easily
do one corner, you should start looking at all 8 corners and choosing to
start with the one that is fastest to solve. Normally, one or two are real
easy (and some are hard). Picking the easy one makes quite a difference.
It can be a difficult transition to use different colors all the time, but it
is worth it. After a while you'll be completely used to it.
At competitions, there is normally a 15 second period where you get
to look at the cube before timing starts. This is what you do during that time (though 2-5
seconds are usually enough).
Advanced:
Try to be aware of where the four pieces are at all times. You should be able
to visualise the full step solution in your mind before starting.
Spend a lot of time looking at this step, and you will start seeing 5
moves ahead or more surprisingly often.
Here are my solutions for 4 random cube positions. When you can
choose between 8 corners you should get 1-2 less moves on average.
|
|
|
You can rotate a cube
yourself by grabbing it
with the mouse.
And you can turn sides
by shift- and/or control-
clicking them.
Try it! Now!
|
|
|
|
Next Step - Go for 2x2x3
