Want to impress your friends with your Rubik’s Cube skills?
Are you eager to wow your friends with your mind-bending Rubik’s Cube skills but feel overwhelmed by its complexity? Fret not! Solving the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube is not as hard as it seems, and with just three simple algorithms, you’ll be solving it like a pro in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a faster solution, this guide will help you conquer the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube with ease.
Step-by-Step Guide to Solving the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube
Understanding the Basics: Rubik’s Cube Lingo
Before diving into the algorithms, let’s familiarise ourselves with the basic Rubik’s Cube moves:
- R: Right face clockwise
- R’: Right face counterclockwise
- L: Left face clockwise
- L’: Left face counterclockwise
- U: Upper face clockwise
- U’: Upper face counterclockwise
- F: Front face clockwise
- F’: Front face counterclockwise
- D: Down face clockwise
- D’: Down face counterclockwise
- B: Back face clockwise
- B’: Back face counterclockwise
Understanding these movements is key to mastering the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube. Don’t worry – it’s all very logical!
The Three Essential Algorithms for Solving the 2×2 Cube
- The Right Fingertrick
The first algorithm is a simple 4-move sequence that will help solve most of the cube. Here’s the breakdown:
- Turn the right face clockwise 90 degrees.
- Turn the upper face clockwise 90 degrees.
- Turn the right face counterclockwise 90 degrees.
- Turn the upper face counterclockwise 90 degrees.
This simple sequence will bring you closer to your goal. It works in a loop, so repeating it a few times will help you get the hang of it quickly!
- The Left Fingertrick
This is the mirror image of the right fingertrick and equally easy to master. Here’s how it goes:
- Turn the left face counterclockwise 90 degrees.
- Turn the upper face counterclockwise 90 degrees.
- Turn the left face counterclockwise 90 degrees.
- Turn the upper face counterclockwise 90 degrees.
Keep repeating these moves and watch the magic happen as the cube falls into place.
- Corner Rotation Algorithm
This is another 4-move algorithm to rotate the corners into their correct positions:
- Turn the right face clockwise.
- Turn the front face counterclockwise.
- Turn the right face counterclockwise.
- Turn the front face clockwise.
With practice, this algorithm will become second nature, and you’ll be able to rotate the cube quickly.
Step-by-Step Process to Solve the Cube
1. Solving the Bottom Layer
Start by locating the correct white corner. Once you’ve identified it, use the first fingertrick to move it into place with the white face facing down. Repeat this process for the other corners, and soon enough, your bottom layer will be completely solved.
2. Solving the Top Layer
Now that the bottom layer is done, it’s time to tackle the top layer. Find the corners that match with the bottom layer’s colours, and place them in their correct spots. If two corners are next to each other, perform the right fingertrick three times. If the corners are diagonally opposite, you’ll need to perform the right fingertrick followed by the left fingertrick three times.
3. Swapping the Corners Finally, once all corners are in the correct position, you just need to swap them around. Keep turning the upper face and using the corner-swapping algorithm until all the corners align correctly, with the yellow side facing up. Don’t worry if it feels like you’re messing up; it’s just part of the process!
