Skewb Cube Tutorial (Beginner's Method)
1. Introduction
The Skewb Cube is a unique twisty puzzle that rotates around its corners rather than the traditional edges like in a 3x3x3 cube. Solving the Skewb involves a different set of moves and understanding the cube’s orientation. The beginner’s method focuses on solving the Skewb step-by-step using simple algorithms.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Step 1: Notation Overview
Before solving the Skewb, it is essential to understand the notation:
- R: Clockwise rotation of the right face.
- R’: Counterclockwise rotation of the right face.
- L: Clockwise rotation of the left face.
- L’: Counterclockwise rotation of the left face.
- U: Clockwise rotation of the upper face.
- U’: Counterclockwise rotation of the upper face.
- B: Clockwise rotation of the back face.
- B’: Counterclockwise rotation of the back face.
For Detailed Skewb Cube Learn More
Step 2: Solve the First Layer
- Choose a Colour: Start by selecting a colour to solve. We will use white as the first colour.
- Align the Corners: Rotate the cube so that the four white corner pieces are in place on the bottom layer.
Tip: Find a white corner piece and move it to the correct position using simple turns:- Algorithm: R U R’ U’ to place a corner piece correctly.
- Adjust White Faces: Adjust the remaining white faces by performing rotations to align all four corners, forming a white layer with a correct colour combination on the sides.
Step 3: Solve the Opposite Center
- Identify the Opposite Center: Turn the Skewb around and locate the center piece opposite the solved colour (Yellow for our example).
- Place the Opposite Center: Perform the following algorithm to align the opposite center:
- Algorithm: R’ U’ R U R’ U’ R
Step 4: Solve the Yellow Corners
- Look for Misaligned Yellow Corners: Find the corners that are misaligned on the top layer.
- Align All Corners: Use the following algorithm to position the yellow corners correctly:
- Algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 R’
Repeat this algorithm until all four corners are in place with yellow facing up.
- Algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 R’
Step 5: Permute the Corners
- Identify Incorrect Corner Permutations: Check if the four corners are in the right place. If not, perform the following permutation algorithms:
- Cycle 3 Corners Clockwise: R’ F R’ B2 R F’ R’ B2 R2
- Cycle 3 Corners Counterclockwise: L F’ L B2 L’ F L B2 L2
- Adjust to Solve All Corners: Use these algorithms to cycle through corners until they are all correctly positioned.
Step 6: Solve the Centres
- Identify Misaligned Centres: The centres might be rotated incorrectly. Use the following algorithm to rotate two adjacent centres:
- Algorithm: R L R’ L’
- Perform this as needed to align the centers correctly.
Conclusion:
By following these steps and practicing the algorithms, you will be able to solve the Skewb Cube using the beginner’s method. Remember, practice is key, and with time, your solving speed and efficiency will improve!