Simple Tricks to Solve a Rubik’s Cube Faster

The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most iconic and challenging puzzles in the world. Whether you’re a beginner struggling to make the first move or someone aiming to improve your speed, knowing the right trick to solve a cube can make all the difference.

In this guide, we will break down simple tricks and strategies that will help you solve a Rubik’s Cube faster and more efficiently.

Understanding the Basics of a Rubik’s Cube

Before diving into advanced tricks, it’s important to understand the structure of the cube. A standard 3×3 Rubik’s Cube consists of:

• Centers (6 fixed pieces)
• Edges (12 pieces with two colors)
• Corners (8 pieces with three colors)

A solved cube aligns all the colors on each face perfectly. To achieve this, we use specific algorithms and tricks.

Step-by-Step Tricks to Solve a Rubik’s Cube Faster

1. Master the Layer-by-Layer (LBL) Method

The Layer-by-Layer (LBL) method is the easiest and most common approach for beginners.

✔ Step 1: Solve the White Cross – Align the white edges with the center pieces.
✔ Step 2: Solve the White Corners – Use the R U R’ U’ algorithm to place corners correctly.
✔ Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer – Position edge pieces with U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F.
✔ Step 4: Create the Yellow Cross – Apply F R U R’ U’ F’ until the yellow cross appears.
✔ Step 5: Position Yellow Corners – Use R U R’ U R U2 R’ to move corners into place.
✔ Step 6: Solve the Final Layer – Apply the final positioning algorithm to complete the cube.

This method is easy to remember and great for beginners, but for faster solving times, we need to implement additional tricks.

2. Learn Key Algorithms for Speed

Memorizing specific algorithms can help you solve the cube in fewer moves.

✔ Cross Solving – Instead of solving piece by piece, anticipate the next moves while solving the white cross.
✔ F2L (First Two Layers) – Instead of solving the white corners and second layer separately, do them together using intuitive pairings.
✔ OLL (Orient Last Layer) – Instead of solving the yellow layer in multiple steps, use pre-learned OLL algorithms.
✔ PLL (Permute Last Layer) – Instead of positioning pieces individually, use PLL to solve the last layer in one go.

By applying these techniques, advanced solvers can complete a cube in under 30 seconds.

3. Finger Tricks for Faster Solving

✔ Use Your Fingers Efficiently – Instead of rotating the whole cube, use wrist and finger movements for quick turns.
✔ Master the Double Flick – Using index and middle fingers together can speed up rotations.
✔ Minimize Cube Rotations – Keeping the cube’s orientation steady reduces unnecessary movements.

Practicing these tricks will increase your solving speed significantly.

4. Choose the Right Cube for Speedcubing

Not all cubes are designed for speed. Magnetic cubes or speed cubes allow faster, smoother movements with minimal resistance.

✔ Choose a Cube with Adjustable Tension – Helps control the cube’s feel and speed.
✔ Use Lubrication – Keeps movements smooth and reduces friction.
✔ Opt for Stickerless Cubes – They are more durable and don’t fade over time.

A good cube can make a huge difference in your solving time!

5. Practice with Online Solvers & Timer Apps

✔ Use Online Cube Solvers – Websites like Cubedesk, CubeSolver, and AlgDb provide interactive solutions.
✔ Track Your Time – Apps like CubeTimer and Twisty Timer help monitor speed improvements.
✔ Join Speedcubing Communities – Learning from experienced cubers can enhance your skills.

Practicing consistently and tracking progress will help reduce your solving time significantly.

Conclusion

Solving a Rubik’s Cube faster is all about learning the right tricks, using efficient algorithms, and practicing consistently.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Start with the Layer-by-Layer Method for easy solving.
✔ Learn essential algorithms (F2L, OLL, PLL) for speed improvement.
✔ Use finger tricks to enhance your cube-handling efficiency.
✔ Get a high-quality speed cube for smoother movements.
✔ Practice daily and track your progress with timers.

With these tricks, you’ll be able to solve a cube faster and impress everyone around you!