Speedcubing

With this method I have set world records multiple times in both single solve and average of 5 for 3x3x3 speedcubing. Fridrich Method is only for cubers who can already average near 30 seconds and aim to average under 20 seconds. If you are a complete beginner to Rubik's Cube or if you use corners first and just want to learn a layer-by-layer method, read Leyan's Beginner's Guide.

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An Overview of the Fridrich Method

Invented by Jessica Fridrich in early 1980s, Fridrich method gained popularity among the second generation of speedcubers when it was published online in 1997. Currently it is by far the most popular speedcubing method, with most of the world-class speedcubers using it with minor modifications. In the following overview, note that I solve with the blue cross (made in the first step) on bottom throughout the solve and that I use the Japanese color scheme (blue opposite white).

How should I learn the Fridrich Method?

Since the full Fririch method requires memorizing a large number of algorithms, each consisting of 5 to 15 moves, this is best accomplished in several steps. Assuming no prior knowledge of a layer-by-layer approach, I recommend advancing in the following order. You can of course start somewhere in the middle and proceed from there.

Step 1: Simple Layer-by-Layer

Step 2: 4-step last layer (2-step OLL and 2-step PLL)

Step 3: Fridrich for the Lazy Cuber

Step 4: Full Fridrich (Full OLL)

Of course, it's not necessary to strictly follow this outline. Many people start learning OLL so that they are not left until the end; it is perfectly possible to use full OLL for cases that are already memorized while using two-step OLL for the other cases. This entire process has been accomplished by several cubers in less than three months. Despite the high level of speedcubing in the last year years, because of the increased availability of optimized algorithms and videos it is still possible to become a world-class speedcuber in less than one year.

Memorizing Algorithms

Yes, the Fridrich Method does require you to memorize a large number of algorithms. Yes, it's difficult to memorize and keep memorized the algorithms for many OLL cases that happen only rarely. There are, however, things that can make the process less painful.

Relate patterns to one other, by shape, mirroring, inverses, finger tricks, etc. Breaking an algorithm down into smaller substeps or two other patterns is also useful. For example, #12 on my list is #45 twice with a y in the middle. While learning the algorithms, always keep a print-out page handy for reference. Feel free to edit mine by putting in your own algorithms.

One good technique for memorization is to find key shapes or blocks of colors while excuting an algorithm. For example, in doing RUR'URU2R', look at the block formed by the FRD corner and the FR edge. As you excute the algorithm, this block moves up to the top layer and is rotated clockwise 90 degree at a time before being placed back by a 180 degree turn and into the starting position. It becomes much harder to find these things for a longer algorithm, but knowing something peculiar about an algorithm help you reconstruct it as you go.

Another basic method is to "chunk" each algorithm into smaller pieces that can be excuted in one move. Each chunk should be easy enough to memorize, and then all you need to do is to piece them together to reconstruct the entire algorithm. Chunks can be any finger trick like RUR', R'UR, or B'R'U.

Mnemonics can be useful for getting an algorithm to at least stick in your mind before getting it internalized with muscle memory. Here's an example sent to me by Michael Seel:

I've seen several other phonetic systems. I think it's certainly helpful for memorizing the algorithm, but they're like training wheels. In the end, speedcubers need to be able to react instantaneously to any OLL pattern (let's say), so the memory needs to be in the muscle more than as letters or sounds. Also, splitting up the moves by sound usually gives a different result than the grouping based on finger tricks.

As an initial memorization technique, though, I think it's very effective. It's kind of like mnemonics for a foreign language. I often use creative connections to help me learn new words, and that works fine if I'm just taking a vocab test in class. But it's not as useful in conversation, where I have to come up with words very quickly and put them together in a natural manner--kind of like finger tricks in speedcubing.

Of course, there's always repetition. This could be simplified with the help of a training program like the last layer trainer.

Other Speedcubing Methods

Although most top speedcubers use a Fridrich-based method, there are a handful of cubers who use very different methods. Sub-15 average has been shown to be possible with each of the methods in this section.

Besides Jessica Fridrich, there are two other cubers who competed in the 1982 World Championship in Hungary and has come back to compete after 2004. Each of them invented their own method.

Razoux Shultz Method (CLL/ELL)

After completing the first two layers, this method finishes off the last layer in two steps, as in Fridrich, but using CLL, which permutes and orients the corners, followed by ELL, which permutes and orients the edges while preserving the corners. Since the Fridrich F2L is usually used for the first two layers, this approach is used not as an entirely separate method but as an alternative to Fridrich last layer. In this context, it is usually simply called CLL/ELL.

Petrus Method

Invented by Lars Petrus, this method relies less on algorithms and more on building blocks; the first step, for example, is to build a 2x2x2 block. At the same time that this is more intuitive than Fridrich F2L, it usually takes longer to master all the various block building techniques.

Waterman Method

Marc Waterman invented this advanced corners-first method during the first cube crazy. For many years, his 17 second average remained one of the fastest in the world using any method. Watermaan has not competed since the 80's. A description of this method can be found at Rubikscube.info.

Roux Method

Gilles Roux invented this method in 2003 partly in reaction to the growing popularity of the Fridrich Method, which relies on a large number of algorithms. Extending the block approach of the Petrus Method even further, this method starts off with a pair of 1x2x3 blocks.

Fridrich and Beyond

(hmm note the recurring idea of combining steps by adding more algorithms)

When I entered the world of speedcubing in 2002, sub-20 average was the holy grail achieved only by a handful of speedcubers around the world. Over the next few years, this barrier dropped to 17, 15, 14, and 13--times that many believed neared the limit of the Fridrich method. While Fridrich has remained mainstream, cubers have developped a number of new system in search for faster methods. Among these, what seemed the most logical extension of Fridrich was Zborowski-Bruchem method, or ZB, which combined another step in the last layer by dramatically increasing the number of algorithms.

Although several cubers attempted to learn ZB, or at least ZBF2L (the ZB version of F2L), as far as I know there is no one as of yet who has memorized the full method. What's more, I, like many, now doubt that ZB would improve the solving time significantly. Although the number of moves used in ZB is very appealing, with such a large number of algorithms, it would take a tremendous amount of time to optimize and master every single pattern to the extent that top cubers have done for the Fridrich method. Now with the fastest cubers recording sub-12 averages with Fridrich, there is no longer any motivation to learn ZB.

So where will speedcubing go? What's the true limit of Fridrich, and is there another method that can surpass Fridrich? These are the questions we're still trying to answer.