Rubik Cubes For Geekshttp://bit.ly/rubikcube

Barcamp Singapore 421th Nov 2009

Benson & Hong

Overview

OriginStructureNotationsTechniquesSpeed CubingCompetition

Once Upon A Time...

Erno RubikProfessor of ArchitectureInvented in 1974Original color scheme (White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, Green)

Structure

6 faces8 corners (3 colors)12 edges (2 colors)6 + 8 + 12 = 26 cublets6 springs pulling the 6 centre cublets

Speak The Language

R - Right face clockwiseL - Left face clockwiseU - Upper face clockwiseD - Down face clockwiseF - Front face clockwiseB - Back face clockwiseR' - Right face anti-clockwiseF' - Front face anti-clockwiseB2 - Back face 180 degreeU2 - Upper face 180 degree

Techniques

Layer-By-LayerMost popularE.g.Toy R' Us booklet, Fridrich

Block BuildingE.g. Lars Petrus, Roux

Corner FirstE.g. Waterman

MathematicalRubik's Cubic Compendium (Recreations in Mathematics)

Need For Speed

Look aheadFinger tricksLubing

Lube Your Cube

BadMethylene ChlorideAcetoneWD-40 (good sticker remover )

GoodSilicon spray

Competition

World Cube Association (http://www.worldcubeassociation.org)Rules and RegulationsJudges, scramblers, score takersSpeed cubing, single hand, blindfold, feet cubing, ..."Competitors must bring and use their own puzzles. Competitors may borrow puzzles from other competitors..."Max. 15s inspection

DEMO

Fridrich Method

1. Bottom Cross2. F2L (First 2 Layers) = 4 x (corner + edge)3. OLL (Orientation of Last Layer) + PLL (Permutation of Last

Layer)

CharacteristicsPopular! Need memorizationMany variations for last layer

Lars Petrus Method

1. 2 x 2 x 22. 2 x 2 x 3 3. Fix bad edges4. Finish first 2 layers5. Positions corners6. Twist the corners7. Position the edges

Characteristics:

Freedom in movementLess "breaking" of what you have doneFewer moves (3x3x3 Fewest Moves Category 2005 World Championship)