Have you tried numerous times to solve a Rubik's Cube without success? All the instructions presented on the Internet were written by professionals, but for “dummies” the solution seems very confusing? Do you think it is impossible to solve this puzzle? By following our step-by-step instructions, you will not only be able to completely assemble the most popular puzzle in the world without formulas, but also understand how you did it.

You will need:

Where to begin

So, your goal is to solve the Rubik's Cube. It will not be possible to do this without knowing how it works, what it consists of and how it functions.

A standard 3x3 Rubik's cube is a mechanical 3D cube, each face of which is painted a different color.

The traditional option is blue, green, white, yellow, red and orange. Edges:

In total, the Rubik's cube has 20 moving elements (12 edges and 8 corners) and the solution depends directly on knowing how they can change their position.

When we rotate one side, we see that the center elements remain in place, the edge moves to where the edges should be, and the corner takes up space in the corner.

It follows from this that each element has a specific type, which does not change after rotation (the edge remains an edge, the center remains the center).

Frequently asked questions and answers

What should a Rubik's cube be like?

If you are not going to participate in competitions, you can take any cube. It is better for young people and children to buy a puzzle from Chinese manufacturers. When choosing, consider the following:
- It is better to take the cube of the latest models, it contains the shortcomings of previous versions, and it is more improved.
- The correct cube should spin easily and cut corners well.
- Cubes for professionals can be disassembled and customized.

How many edges does a Rubik have?

The classic Cube consists of 12 two-color side or edge elements (12 “ribs”).

How many schemes for solving a Rubik's cube?

There are many ways to solve the Cube. There are those that allow you to assemble a couple of formulas, but in a couple of hours. Others, by memorizing a couple of hundred formulas, allow you to solve a cube in 1 minute or even 20 seconds.

Basics

Our goal is to put all the elements in the right place. To determine the direction in which to turn and the “right place” of this or that square, you need to pay all your attention to the central elements, because, as we have already said, they have a fixed position.

For example, the edge that is located between the red and green centers is, respectively, red-green, so you need to focus on placing an edge of the same color near the green center, and a red edge near the red central element.

The corner is always three-colored, so care must be taken to place it between the centerpieces of the corresponding colors.

Step 1. Gather the edges of one side

The first thing you need to do is choose a color to start with. In this example, the main color is yellow, it will be represented in all diagrams. Everyone is free to choose the option that he likes best and start from there.

So, if our top central element is yellow, then the bottom, accordingly, is white (in almost all models of the Rubik's cube it is on the opposite side).

In order to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube, you must first make a cross on its upper edge - place all the edges of the selected color (in our case, yellow) in the corresponding positions around the central element.

This must be done in a certain order so that the second color of the edge matches the nearby central element.

This step is the hardest to explain to those who don't know how to solve a Rubik's Cube. It is easier to solve this problem on your own and you will undoubtedly be able to do it after a short training.

It is at this step that most beginners stop - they collect the cross, then one side - then, unfortunately, few advance.

For those who cannot do this, below is a diagram of how to assemble the cross. Keep in mind you will have to repeat this step 4 times - once for each side.

1. Take the Rubik's Cube in your hands and turn it over so that the center is yellow (or another color of your choice) on top and white on the bottom.
2. Look for yellow edges on the bottom plane. Pay attention to both rib colors.
3. If you find a yellow edge at the bottom, rotate the layer until the edge with the yellow square takes a position under its “place” on the top edge.
4. Perform one of the following actions:

a) Yellow “looks” down

b) Yellow looks forward

c) Rib in the intermediate layer

Note: If the yellow square is on the top layer, but it is not positioned correctly or oriented correctly relative to the nearby center, change its position by placing another element in its place.

After this, the edge will be in one of the three positions described above. Using the diagram, place it in the “correct” place. Repeat all steps for each yellow edge and make a cross on the top layer of the Rubik's cube.

Step 2. Assembling the top face

If you were able to fold the cross, then it is worth collecting the entire top layer, that is, putting the corners in place one after another. We cannot place them as we want, because each corner has a specially designated place for it, which is determined by the colors of which it consists.

Just like the previous step, there are several solutions that we will follow.

Remember that you will have to repeat all steps 4 times - one for each corner.

1. Turn the Rubik's Cube over so that the yellow layer is at the top and the white layer is at the bottom.
2. Look for a corner with a yellow square in the bottom layer. Notice the 2 other colors on it.
3. Rotate the bottom layer so that the corner is under “its” place.
4. Use one of the solutions below:

a) yellow looks to the left

b) yellow looks to the right

c) yellow is at the bottom

note : If the yellow corner is not in the bottom layer of the Rubik's cube, then it means that it is in the top layer, but not in its place.

You need to put any corner from the bottom layer up (executing the first solution, for example). This way you will get a yellow corner in the bottom layer.

Repeat for each corner until the top layer is completely assembled.

Step 3. Algorithm for assembling the second face

We want to solve the second layer of the cube. Remember that the central elements are fixed, so there is no need to change their places and think about how to place them. Keep in mind that you will have to repeat the steps below 4 times - once for each edge.

1. Take the cube so that there is a white layer on top and a yellow layer on the bottom - the one we have already collected
2. Look in the top layer for an edge with no white on both sides.
3. Rotate the top layer until the color of this edge and the center piece on the side match, forming an inverted T.
4. Follow one of the solutions below, choosing an example depending on whether the edge is placed on the left or right.

There are several possible options:

1) The edge should move to the right from where it is.

2) The edge should move to the left from where it is now.

Note: If the top layer does not have an outermost element without white on either side, it means they are in the middle layer but not in their proper places.

Place any other edge from the top layer in its place. In this way you will get an edge in the top layer without a white square and you can move it according to the instructions above.

Repeat this step 4 times, once for each edge.

Step 4. Second cross

So, we have solved the first 2 layers of the Rubik's cube. Now we must ensure that the 4 outermost elements of the top layer are white, forming a cross. At this stage we will focus only on the outer elements, not paying attention to the corners.

The top edge of the cube may have four white edges, or two, or none. If all four white edges are on the top side, then you can skip this step and move on to the next one. If there are two edges, then you need to use one of the following options depending on how they are located relative to each other: next to or opposite.

1) Adjacent edges

2) Opposite edges are white

3) Not a single white square is placed correctly

If there are not a single white square in the top layer, do one of the two options described above and you will get 2 white squares in the top layer. After this, perform the necessary sequence of actions, depending on the situation.

Thus, we folded the second cross.

Step 5. How to place the second cross

At the previous stage, we folded the second cross. At this stage, we will make sure that the side parts of the cross match the color of the central elements of the corresponding faces. We will focus our attention only on the white edges of the cube, not paying attention to the corners.

1. Rotate the top layer of the Rubik's Cube until two edges match the color of the center of their respective faces. If only one edge matches, continue rotating.
2. Use one of the examples given, depending on what position the side edges will take - sequentially or oppositely relative to each other.

a) adjacent edges

b) opposite edges

Thus, we have placed the second cross of the Rubik's cube correctly.

Step 6: Place Corners

We have already put all the elements of the Rubik's Cube in place, except for the corner parts of the last layer.

The goal of the penultimate step is to place the corners correctly, without paying attention to their orientation. This way you need to know exactly when the corner is in the correct position.

So, the corner is placed correctly if the nearby central elements match the color of the 3 parts of the corner.

Let's look at a few examples of when the corners are placed incorrectly and when they are in the right position to solve a Rubik's Cube.

It is possible that all 4 corners will be in place from the very beginning (feel free to move on to the next step), or only 1 corner will be placed correctly, or none. If only one corner occupies its place, follow one of the examples below, choosing the one that will allow you to place all the elements in their place.

1) 3 corners are not in their position (a)

2) 3 corners are out of position (b)

3-4) None of the corners are placed correctly

If none of the 4 corners is in its “right” place, do one of the examples described above - this way you will be able to put one of them in place. Next, follow the steps depending on what you got.

Thus, we solved a 3x3 Rubik's cube, putting the corners in their positions. The last step is to rotate the corners of the last layer to solve the puzzle completely.

Step 7. How to assemble

At the previous stage, we put all the elements in their places. All that remains is to rotate the corners to solve the Rubik's cube and solve it completely. At this point there may be two, three or four misdirected corners left in the final layer.

If there are 2 incorrectly oriented corners, follow one of the examples below depending on the situation that arises.

Be sure to read this before rotating the faces of the cube.

Very important! This step is not as easy as the others, but it is also much more difficult. There are a few things to know before you get started. Option 1 has several sub-options, so first of all you need to understand which one is right for you. To solve this step, follow the first sequence of actions. After that, take the necessary steps depending on the red table option you have received.

Option 1. Two corners are not oriented correctly. Please note that the “neighboring” corner needs to be rotated clockwise.

Option 2-3. Three corners are oriented incorrectly.

If 2 corners are not oriented correctly, solve the Rubik's cube following the first example - this way you will get only 2 incorrectly oriented corners. Finally, perform a sequence of actions, depending on the situation you have.

Option 4. All corners are not oriented correctly.

If none of the 4 corners are oriented correctly, follow the first example given. Then choose a solution that suits your situation.

If you did everything correctly and followed our instructions so far, then congratulations! You solved the Rubik's cube yourself!

And other logic games.

And here, by the way, there is something to prove yourself in:

• You can become the fastest. The current record is 5.5 seconds. People who do high-speed assembly are called speedcubers.
• Maybe you want to become the most original? Rubik's cube is solved with eyes, legs, etc. closed. There are also records here and you can beat them.
• And the most creative and inventive ones draw with the help of a Rubik's cube and, by the way, create real masterpieces of incredible beauty.

We hope we inspired you and helped you understand how to solve a Rubik's cube. If you are interested in thinking games and puzzles, you will probably be interested in learning the secrets of playing dominoes. A mixture of options 1 and 2 is suitable for us, option 2 as a last resort.
If you lubricate it very thinly, its sides will begin to fit together too tightly. The thick one takes away the rotation speed. If you mix two types of lubricant, this is the optimal consistency.

I can't solve a Rubik's cube...

Many people ask the question: “How to solve a Rubik’s cube, if I took it apart, I can’t put it back together?” Most often this happens on the last layer. You may not be following the algorithms exactly. But if you follow the diagrams exactly, you should get it together. If not, the problem may be the following - Chinese manufacturers make cubes of varying quality - from professional ones to those that fall apart in your hands at the very first rotations. If the cube falls apart, it must be assembled correctly.
On a cube with two layers assembled, use a flat screwdriver or a knife to pry up the lid of the central cube of the third layer, remove it, and use a small Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the screw (do not lose the spring attached to the screw). Carefully pull out the corner and side cubes of the third layer and insert them correctly color to color. At the end, insert and screw the previously unscrewed central cube (do not tighten too much). Twist the third layer. If it turns tightly, loosen the screw; if it turns too easily, tighten it. It is necessary that all faces rotate with the same force. After this, close the lid on the central cube.

Instructions “how to solve a 3x3 Rubik’s cube” with pictures and formulas for beginners. The easiest and simplest scheme, but it will require you to be careful and careful. This is the second (improved, more complete and convenient) edition of the instructions for assembling a Rubik's cube; it takes into account the wishes of our readers. The instructions are suitable for solving a Rubik's cube yourself and teaching your child.

Step 1. Solve the first side of the Rubik's cube

This step details how to solve one (first) side of the Rubik's Cube with the first belt. There are many possible options at this step, so it is difficult to describe them all. It is recommended not to memorize formulas, but to understand their essence, then you will be able to cope with any situation.

You can skip this step

If you can solve one side of the Rubik's Cube and the top belt (Figure 1-1c) without formulas or outside help, move on to .

1.1. Volumetric cross of the first side

On one side of the cube we will assemble a cross, the colors of which correspond to the central squares of the other sides (Fig. 1–1b).

Action 1. Find the appropriate rib cube (Figure 1-2) and rotate the front side to move the cube upward (Figure 1-3). Then proceed to step 2. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as many times as necessary.

If rotation “breaks” an already assembled cube, move the found cube to another plane (Fig. 1–4a, b). If the cube is not yet on top, go to step 1 again.

If moving to another plane will also “break” an already assembled cube, use the appropriate formula (Fig. 1–4c).

The figure (Fig. 1–4c) shows only one of the possible options - proceed by analogy.

Action 2. When the found cube is moved up, use one of the formulas.

1.2. Side and belt

To arrange the corner cubes and complete this step (Figure 1-1c), you will need the following formulas.

To remove an irregular corner cube, use formulas.

If the cube is “hidden” at the bottom, then we move it to the lower belt, so that we can then move it to its place using the formulas above.

Step 2. Assemble the second belt

The second belt is easily assembled using two formulas. Find a suitable cube in the third belt so that both colors match (twist the third belt if necessary), and move it diagonally to the second belt using the formulas.

Formula: (N’P’NP)(NFN’F’)

Formula: (NLN’L’)(N’F’NF)

If there is no suitable cube

If there is not a single suitable cube, using the same formulas, move any cube from the third belt to the second - the desired cube will appear.

Step 3. Cross on the opposite side

Now you need to assemble a cross on the opposite side of the Rubik's cube. The cross is assembled without taking into account the colors of the third belt (Fig. 3-1). In other words, at this step only the cross is assembled, and the cross is coordinated with the colors of the third belt at the next step.

Your Rubik's Cube now has one of four combinations: a, b, c, d - see Fig. 3–2. The transition from one combination to another occurs using a single formula: F P V P" V" F". You need to repeat this formula 1-3 times, depending on what combination you have.

If the cross is already assembled (Fig. 3-2d), skip this step. If you only have one center square (Figure 3-2a), then you need to repeat the formula 3 times. If the angle (Fig. 3–2b) - 2 times. If the line (Fig. 3–2c) - 1 time.

Formula: F P V P" V" F"

note

Before each execution of the formula, the Rubik's cube must be positioned exactly as shown in the pictures.

Step 4: Coordinated Cross

As a result of this step, we will get a cross that matches the colors of the belt (Fig. 4-2c).

Rotate the top belt until the 2 colors of the cross match the middle squares of the top belt (Figure 4-1). Only two combinations are possible: the colors match the line Fig. 4–2a) or the colors coincide at an angle (Fig. 4–2b).

Formula when the line matches: P V P" V P VV P"

We move the incorrectly placed cross cubes located opposite each other (two opposite ends of the cross).

After completing this formula, rotate the top belt again until the 2 colors match the middle squares of the top belt (Figure 4-1). Please note that even now the two ends of the cross will not fall into place, but the combination will change to “colors coincide at an angle” (Fig. 4-2b).

Formula when the angle coincides: P V P" V P VV P" V

We swap the incorrectly placed cross cubes, located diagonally relative to each other (two adjacent cross cubes).

After completing this formula, the cross will be assembled and its side colors will match the colors of the upper belt (Fig. 4-2c). If the result is not achieved, then repeat this step again, first orienting the cube correctly.

Step 5. Arrangement of corner cubes

Corner cubes are arranged using two formulas. After applying these formulas, the corner cubes will remain in place (in their corners), but may not be rotated correctly. In Fig. 5–1, a black dot marks a cube that is placed in its place (in its corner), but turned incorrectly. The cubes are unfolded in the next step.

Right turn formula: (P’F’L’F)(PF’LF)

Left turn formula: (F’L’FP’)(F’LFP)

Step 6. Rotate the corner cubes

The reversal of all corner cubes is performed by the simple formula P'N'PN, performed many times. Before you begin, please read the entire section thoroughly and make sure you have no questions.

note

After starting to execute the formula, the Rubik's cube will “collapse” and will finally be solved only after all the corner cubes have been correctly deployed. In other words, all the corner cubes are unfolded in one operation, which will require your attention and endurance.

Let's find the corner cube that needs to be turned (counterclockwise or clockwise - it doesn't matter), see Fig. 6–1.

Take a Rubik's cube as shown in the picture below and complete the formula.

note

1) The formula (of 8 moves) must be performed 1 or 2 times until the corner cube turns over to the correct position (Fig. 6-2b).

2) When the corner cube is rotated to the correct position, the Rubik's cube will "collapse" - don't worry, the Rubik's cube will be solved only when you are done with all the corners.

3) Do not change the position (do not turn over) the Rubik's cube in your hands until the end of this step.

When the first corner cube is already correctly positioned (Figure 6-2b), rotate the top layer (Figure 6-3a) so that the next corner cube moves to the upper right corner (Figure 6-3b). If the next corner cube is already turned correctly (does not require turning), rotate the top layer again (Figure 6-3a).

Again perform the 8-move formula (1 or 2 times) and follow all the above recommendations. These steps must be repeated until all the corners are turned correctly - until the Rubik's cube is completed.

I wish you patience and success!

Support the site

If the article helped you, please help us develop the site. Thank you!

Designations of sides and language of rotations in Russian letters

First of all, let's agree on a notation system. The faces of the cube are indicated by letters F, T, P, L, V, N- the initial letters of the words façade, rear, right, left, top, bottom. Which face of the cube is considered the front face - blue, green, etc. - depends on you and the resulting situation. During the assembly process, you will have to several times take one or another face, convenient for a given case, as a façade. The central cubes determine the color of the face, that is, we can say that even in a completely mixed up cube, the central cubes have already been selected and 8 cubes of the same color remain to be attached to each of them. The central cubes are designated by one letter: f, t, p, l, v, n.

Edge cubes (there are 12 of them) belong to two faces and are designated by two letters, for example fp, pv, fn etc.

Corner cubes - in three letters according to the name of the faces, for example, fpv, fln etc.

In capital letters F, T, P, L, V, N the elementary operations of rotating the corresponding face (layer, slice) of a cube by 90° clockwise are indicated. Designations F", T", P", L", V", N" correspond to the rotation of the faces by 90° counterclockwise. Designations F 2, P 2 etc. talk about double rotation of the corresponding face ( F 2 = FF).

Letter WITH indicate the rotation of the middle layer. The subscript indicates which face should be viewed from in order to make this turn. For example S P- from the right side, S N- from the bottom side, S" L- from the left side, counterclockwise, etc. It is clear that C N = C "B, S P = S "L etc. Letter ABOUT- rotation (revolution) of the entire cube around its axis. O F- from the side of the front edge clockwise, etc.

Process recording (F" P") N 2 (PF) means: rotate the front edge counterclockwise by 90°, the same - the right edge, rotate the bottom edge twice (that is, 180°), rotate the right edge 90° clockwise, rotate the front edge 90° clockwise.

Along with the alphabetic recording of processes, a matrix form of recording is also used, where elementary operations are depicted by a drawing of a front face with corresponding arrows indicating the directions of rotation of the corresponding face.

The layer-by-layer algorithm for solving the Rubik's cube is far from the only one. There are other methods, which are discussed on other pages in this section.

To be continued...

One of the most famous childhood puzzles is the Rubik's Cube. Every child has always wondered how Can you solve a Rubik's cube completely? . Very often, most people failed to assemble it, and such fun was put aside in a drawer. Only a few were able to complete the puzzle quickly and easily.

The most common version of the cube is the cube, which consists of fifty-four small cubes. Each side consists of nine cubes, which are colored in colors such as yellow, white, blue, green, red, orange. The main essence of the puzzle is the ability to assemble a toy so that each side corresponds to a specific color.

One of the modern cartoons called “The Fixies” details that a hero named Nolik recklessly said that he could easily assemble it. But he didn’t succeed, and Nolik and his friend Fire disassembled and reassembled the cube, securing it in such a way that it was impossible to disassemble it again. This method deprived them of the most important thing - interest in the assembly process.

The history of the creation of the Rubik's cube

The inventor of this puzzle is University of Architecture teacher Erno Rubik. He came up with his masterpiece at the age of 30 with the aim of preparing a textbook for students. With the help of the invention, the author wanted to introduce students to the theory of groups in mathematics. The puzzle received awards and prizes in 1980 for the originality of the invention.

The project itself was created over several years. Even the author himself understood that assembling his invention was not so easy. In 1975, the inventor managed to obtain a patent. And the first batch arrived in the USSR in 1981. This toy was very popular and in short supply among the inhabitants of the USSR.

Nowadays, puzzle solving enthusiasts participate in various puzzle assembly competitions. Only a man named Mats Valk managed to solve a Rubik's cube in 5.55 seconds, which is an absolute record at this time.

How to quickly solve a Rubik's cube

In this part of the article, readers will learn how to learn how to assemble a puzzle. The steps to solve a Rubik's Cube include:

1. Assembling a cross on one of the faces of the cube. Usually the top edge is chosen. To build a cross, you need to select any color whose fragment is in the center of the face. Then try to build a cross around it. In order for the cross to be assembled faster, it is necessary that its “branches” continue on the next faces, which consist of two similar fragments of the figure.

2. Direct layer-by-layer assembly of the cube. It is necessary to assemble a side of the same color. The puzzle pieces must form a special “belt”, which is located near the assembled edge. Then you need to assemble the second “belt”.

3. You need to assemble the cross on the side that is opposite the side containing the cross. And then completely assemble the side containing the second cross.

4. Arrange the corner parts of the cube so that all three sides match the edges in color.

5. Arrange the sides of the cube according to color.

It is believed that the smallest number of steps by which this puzzle can be completed is twenty.

Having mastered the simple method, you can move on to Jessica Friedrich’s method, which is more complex. According to this method, solving a Rubik's cube goes like this:

• The cross is assembled on the starting side.
• The first and second layers are assembled.
• Assembling the remaining layers.

Thus, the process of solving a Rubik's cube is quite exciting and educational. Having learned to assemble such a puzzle, you can amaze both friends and ill-wishers with your intelligence.

The implementation of these methods in practice is presented in the video below.

Dear readers! We are very pleased that you have chosen our resource, which is dedicated exclusively to solving a 3x3 Rubik's cube.

We tried to present the algorithms and methods for solving a 3x3 Rubik's cube as simply and in detail as possible.

The picture above shows the three steps to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube.

At all steps of the assembly instructions, you will find the easiest and most easy-to-remember diagrams outlined:

• international language of rotations;
• pictures with arrows;
• and reinforced 3D illustrations.

Now it's time to move on to assembly!

Solve a Rubik's cube 3x3 scheme for beginners

We invite you to learn the simplest method of solving a 3x3 Rubik's cube, called the “beginner method” among speedcubers.

The photo shows the crosspiece of a 3x3 Rubik's cube.

The method consists of seven steps and eight formulas. But if you don’t have a goal to solve a 3x3 Rubik’s puzzle quickly, then you can solve it with just six formulas.

How to solve a Rubik's cube 3x3 step by step instructions

The picture above shows the first three steps of solving a 3x3 Rubik's cube.

1. Assembling the correct cross on the top layer;
2. Assembling all four corners of the top layer;
3. Assembling the middle layer (belt);
4. Intercepting the cube with the unassembled side up and assembling a cross;
5. Orientation of puzzle edges;
6. Arrangement of three corners in their places;
7. Rotate the corners of the three-ruble note clockwise or counterclockwise.

Solving a 3x3 Rubik's cube for dummies

A small educational program on the names of the sides of a 3 by 3 cube.

The illustration below schematically shows and labels all sides of the Rubik's puzzle.

The picture above shows a diagram with the names of all sides of a 3x3 Rubik's cube.

• Facade - the front part of the cube (face);
• Rear - the back, invisible side of the puzzle;
• Right - it is clear that she is on the right;
• The left is where the heart is;
• The top one is the hat or roof of the cube;
• Bottom - floor or basement.

Names of all elements of a 3 by 3 cube

In our step-by-step instructions for assembling a cube, we use the names of the elements. You need to remember these names.

In the picture below, we depicted the locations of the elements and parts of a 3x3 Rubik's puzzle, and also indicated their locations.