How to Solve Rubik’s Cube: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

The Rubik’s Cube, one of the most iconic and challenging puzzles in the world, has intrigued and frustrated millions since its invention in 1974. While solving the cube may seem like a daunting task at first, it’s actually much more manageable with the right approach. With patience, practice, and a basic understanding of the cube’s mechanics, anyone can learn how to solve it.

In this step-by-step guide, we will break down the process of solving the Rubik’s Cube into simple, easy-to-follow instructions, so even beginners can successfully tackle it. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Rubik’s Cube

Before we begin solving the Rubik’s Cube, it’s essential to understand the structure and notation:

• The Rubik’s Cube consists of 6 faces, each with 9 smaller squares (3×3).
• Each face is typically colored white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow.
• The goal is to arrange the cube so that each face is a single, uniform color.

Step 1: Solve the White Cross

The first step in solving the Rubik’s Cube is to create a “white cross” on the white face. This cross consists of the white center square surrounded by four edge pieces with matching colors.

How to make the white cross:

1. Locate the white edges (pieces with two colors) and move them to the top layer.
2. Align the edges with the center pieces of their respective colors (for example, the white-blue edge should be between the white and blue center pieces).
3. Move the edges into position so that the white cross is formed with matching colors on all adjacent sides.
4. Ensure that each edge piece is correctly aligned with both the white center and its adjacent color center (e.g., white-blue edge aligns with the blue center).

Step 2: Solve the White Corners

Once the white cross is complete, the next step is to solve the white corners. The goal is to place the white corner pieces in the correct position, with the white stickers facing up.

How to solve the white corners:

1. Locate the white corner pieces on the bottom layer (these pieces have three colors).
2. Use a series of moves known as the Right-Hand Algorithm to move the corner pieces from the bottom layer to the top:
   • Hold the cube with the white center at the bottom.
   • If the white corner is in the bottom layer but not in the correct position, use the algorithm:
     • Right-Hand Algorithm: R U R’ U’
     • Repeat the algorithm until the white corner is correctly placed in the top layer.
3. After placing all white corners, the white face should be completely solved.

Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Now that the white face is complete, the next step is to solve the middle layer. This involves positioning the four edge pieces in the middle layer, which will complete the first two layers of the cube.

How to solve the middle layer edges:

1. Locate the edge pieces that belong in the middle layer (these pieces will not have any white stickers).
2. Use algorithms to move these edge pieces into the correct position:
   • If the edge needs to be moved to the left, use the Left Algorithm:
     • Left Algorithm: U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’
   • If the edge needs to be moved to the right, use the Right Algorithm:
     • Right Algorithm: U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F
3. Repeat these algorithms for each middle layer edge until all four are in place.

Step 4: Solve the Yellow Cross

Now that the first two layers are complete, it’s time to work on the yellow face. The goal here is to create a yellow cross on the top face, just like we did with the white cross.

How to solve the yellow cross:

1. Position the yellow edges: There are several possible orientations for the yellow edges (dot, L-shape, line, and cross). We’ll need to perform an algorithm to orient the edges correctly.
2. Use the following algorithm to orient the yellow edges:
   • F R U R’ U’ R U R’ U’ R’ F’
   • Repeat this algorithm until the yellow cross is formed.

Step 5: Position the Yellow Corners

Once you have the yellow cross, the next step is to place the yellow corner pieces in their correct locations. At this stage, they might not be oriented correctly, but they will be in the right spots.

How to position the yellow corners:

1. Locate the yellow corners: If all yellow corners are in the correct position, skip to Step 6. If not, use the following algorithm:
   • Positioning Algorithm: U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L
   • This algorithm swaps the yellow corners, moving them to their correct positions. You may need to repeat it until all corners are in the correct locations.

Step 6: Orient the Yellow Corners

Finally, the last step is to orient the yellow corners so that the yellow stickers are facing up, completing the yellow face.

How to orient the yellow corners:

1. Position the cube so that a yellow corner that needs to be oriented is in the top-right-front corner.
2. Perform the following algorithm until the yellow corner is oriented correctly:
   • Corner Orientation Algorithm: R’ D’ R D
   • Repeat this algorithm until the corner is correctly oriented. Then, rotate the top layer to move the next unsolved corner into the top-right-front position and repeat the algorithm.
3. Continue this process until all yellow corners are oriented with the yellow stickers facing up.

Step 7: Finish Solving the Cube

Once the yellow face is completed, you’ll just need to perform a final series of moves to position the remaining edge pieces correctly. You can use the Final Permutation Algorithm to swap the edges into place:

• Final Algorithm: R’ F R’ B2 R F’ R’ B2 R2

This will finalize the solution, and your Rubik’s Cube will be solved!

Conclusion

Solving the Rubik’s Cube may initially seem overwhelming, but by breaking it down into manageable steps and practicing regularly, you can master the puzzle. With persistence and patience, you’ll soon be solving the cube in no time. Remember, the key is to follow each step methodically, and before you know it, you’ll have solved one of the world’s most famous puzzles!

Happy cubing!