Beginner's Method:
Six Step Guide to Solving the Rubik's Cube
There are so many tutorials out there it's really easy to get confused. I spent a lot of time working out which videos were most helpful. As a beginner, I really recommend the beginner's video by CubeHead.
I've taken his long form 3x3 Rubik's Cube solve and created links to the individual steps to save you time. I'm not a paid endorsee of CubeHead, I just found this particular video to be the best.
Even as a total beginner, these steps are the core foundations to becoming a proficient cuber. Even if initially each step seems hard, just remember this method is where very cuber begins. Practice each step, and you'll find it gets easier and more intuitive pretty quickly.
Don't give up; remember that once these six steps become comfortable for you, you'll have the solid foundation needed to advance to the next level. Be patient with yourself, going slowly at first is the key to going quickly later.
The Daisy
The objective to form a daisy pattern around a yellow centre. This part is relatively straight forward. Simple locate the middle white pieces and see if you can align them around a yellow centre.
Tip One
You may need to turn the daisy face itself so the other white 'daisy petals' can be turned into position.
Tip Two
Look at the longer form video to see a couple of typical things that happen during this stage.
The White Cross
Now the task is to create a white cross. The trick is to make sure that the side colours of the white edge pieces match their respective centre piece colour on each side. Do the same for each side.
Tip One
So, if a white middle cross piece has a green edge, that must be aligned to a green centre. You match the green pieces first, before turning them into the cross.
Tip Two
The video will show a few tricks to line up the coloured edge pieces with your white cross pieces.
The White Layer
You use what's called an 'algorithm' to solve this step. This will be first of many algorithms that you learn over time. Go to our page on cube notations to learn more. Each algorithm has its own name, which is kind of fun. The most common algorithms at this stage are called "Sexy":
The Sexy (Right)
R
U
R' (R-Prime)
U' (U-Prime)
The Sexy (Left)
L' (L-Prime)
U' (U-Prime)
L
U
The Middle Layer
Now you orientate the middle layer on all sides. You can use the two algorithms above to solve this stage.
The Yellow Cross
Now you are going to learn one more algorithm to help line up a yellow cross. This algorithm has a special name, it's called "The Sune". You're nearly there.
The Sune
R
U
R' (R-Prime)
U
R
U2
R'
Pro Tip
This algorithm is only really used in the final stages, but get to know it well as its crucial to being able to solve a cube.
The Yellow Corners
In this nearly final step, we'll learn one more algorithm. It's called the "Niklas". This looks complicated but is actually quite to memorise when you physically practice the steps.
The "Niklas"
R
U' (U-Prime)
L' (L-Prime)
U
R'
U' (U-Prime)
L
Pro Tip
Watch the video to get a feel for how the movements of this algorithm can be easily memorised.
The Final Solve
The final stage is to solve the yellow corners. You need to turn the corners around so yellow is always facing up. Then, you need to turn the cube upside down, so white is on the top. Find any yellow corner that is not solved. Use the Sexy (Right) algorithm until a yellow is facing up/ top. Now turn the bottom layer to the next unsolved yellow corner. Repeat until the cube is solved. Boom.💥
The Sexy (Right)
R
U
R' (R-Prime)
U' (U-Prime)
Pro Tip
You'll find as you work through these stages that your brain naturally starts to remember the physical turns of the cube, making life much easier.
Solving Cubes is Physical Learning
You'll find as you work through these stages that your brain naturally starts to remember the physical turns of the cube, making life much easier. Solving a Rubik's Cube is as much a physical process as it is a mental one. Your brain can memorise the patterns and sequences of turns more effectively through hands-on practice than by merely reading or watching tutorials. As you repeat the movements, muscle memory kicks in, allowing you to execute algorithms more fluidly and efficiently. Embrace the tactile nature of cubing and let your hands guide you.