I’ve taught many people, including my 8yo and a whole bunch of co-workers, how to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Since then, he has claimed @rubikscubegod on Instagram and Youtube, and him and I recorded a tutorial video. In the video we use this 1-pager. Print yourself a copy.
Teaching to Cube
Most can figure out how to solve one side and even the first row by themselves. Then it gets harder.
Solve One Side
Teach how to solve one side, starting with a cross (the +) and then doing edges.
I typically show how to move a cube into the right position by doing a simple turn, then by “saving” (or rotating) correctly placed cubes to the opposite side. When a cube is on the opposite side, i.e. at the bottom, I show how to move it to the side first, then how to place it in the right position.
I let my students practice on their own, until they can easily solve one side.
Solve the First Row
Teach how to complete columns above the centers, then how to complete the entire first row (aka the T’s).
I typically bring a piece down from the top row, rotate it towards its destination, overshoot by one, then bring the piece occupying the target position down and rotate everything backwards.
I let my students practice on their own, until they can have one full side and all the T’s.
Solve the Second Row
Place the cube “opposite” to its destination and follow the following algorithm. There’re two versions, from left-to-right and from right-to-left.
Solve the Third Row
Flip the cube and look at the unsolved bottom patterns and apply one of the following algorithms.
If you get stuck, try the “tower” algorithm.
Solve the Last Position
When the cube is almost solved, place the full sides on the bottom and on the right and apply the following algorithm to rotate the last 3 cubes.
Sometimes you must do this twice. Sometimes you don’t have a full side and must do it three times.
Complete Instructions
Print out my 1-pager with the above instructions starting from the second row! Hand them out.