Rubix Cube Jedi

Oscar1613

Golden Member
Jan 31, 2001
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there are algorithms for solving a rubix cube... some people can do it much faster than that
 

Amused

Elite Member
Apr 14, 2001
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Originally posted by: Oscar1613
there are algorithms for solving a rubix cube... some people can do it much faster than that

Yep. Two of my nephews can do this.

He works it out before he blindfolds himself. He memorizes the moves he needs to make, then he covers his eyes and does it.

It just takes a very good memory, and the ability to visulaize the entire solution before you start.
 

Sketcher

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
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Not impossible. Very difficult and very impressive.i

He's not memorizing the whole cube when he's looking it over. There is a standard set of manuevers that can be performed to consolidate a color of choice. If you are able to determine the standard manuever to assemble two touching sides you are half-way there.
There is then a complicated but also standard manuever for assembling a third side without disrupting the original two long term. With the third side in place, the remaining sides have been sorted as well = finished cube.

The comlexity is akin to being able to think 10+ moves ahead in Chess and allow for likely contingencies.

Not minimizing the absolutely impressive aspect of this kids ability. Just informing that it's not a 'virtual assembly' in the kids mind from start to finish. He's assembling sequences that have predefined cube movements AND, doing it very quickly.




 

Amused

Elite Member
Apr 14, 2001
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Originally posted by: Sketcher
Not impossible. Very difficult and very impressive.i

He's not memorizing the whole cube when he's looking it over.
There is a standard set of manuevers that can be performed to consolidate a color of choice.
If you are able to determine the standard manuever to assemble two touching sides you are half-way there.
There is then a complicated but also standard manuever for assembling a third side without disrupting the original two long term.
With the third side in place, the remaining sides have been sorted as well = finished cube.

The comlexity is akin to being able to think 10+ moves ahead in Chess and allow for likely contingencies.

Not minimizing the absolutely impressive aspect of this kids ability. Just informing that it's not a 'virtual assembly' in the kids mind from start to finish. He's assembling sequences that have predefined cube movements AND, doing it very quickly.

Yes, I understand that there are predefined moves. But most cubers move from move to move and reassess the cube after each move. This requires one to actually visualize all of that from start to finish. Not an easy task.
 

Sketcher

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2001
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Originally posted by: Amused
Yes, I understand that there are predefined moves. But most cubers move from move to move and reassess the cube after each move. This requires one to actually visualize all of that from start to finish. Not an easy task.
Nope, not an easy task at all - but once you're familiar with the sequence, there's no thinking; just rote movement. You're right, MOST cubers re-evaluate after each move (or each few moves). Those players likely also play chess (if they play) in a sequence of one or two moves as opposed to a thought process of four or more moves ahead.

The only real hurdle is in changing your mindset to accomplish your long term goal. It's not as difficult as it initially looks, just takes practice looking at it differently is all. Not that it's any easy task ;)

*If you google for more video on impressive cube manipulation you'll see that all of the action starts out slow (while the cuber is choosing two sides) then the action speeds up considerably once the two sides being assembled define the third and shazaam. But that's not impressive. What's impressive is quickly visualizing the first through third sides and then just going with it (and of course, only posting the videos that turned out right!).

Friends and I disassembled our cubes and sanded the contact corners with fine grit sand paper and then used a light weight machine oil to reduce surface friction. Made for faster cube movements and also allowed for less precise channel alignment during complex manuevers.

The move sequences are likely posted on someone's website. You used to be able to send away for the move sequences (pre-internet) not only for completion but for pattern design and for custom racks (configuring the cube for differing levels of starting complexity). The "Starting Complexity" issue was something we particularly noted. Some cubers are more familiar with certain configurations than others. You can 'place' your cube on the table with what appears to most to be a raw cube (completely out of sequence) but in fact it may be a raw configuration that you're ready to roll with without needing visual prep time.

Hmm, might have to get me a new Rubix and get back in the game.
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
18,124
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Originally posted by: Amused
Originally posted by: Oscar1613
there are algorithms for solving a rubix cube... some people can do it much faster than that

Yep. Two of my nephews can do this.

He works it out before he blindfolds himself. He memorizes the moves he needs to make, then he covers his eyes and does it.

It just takes a very good memory, and the ability to visulaize the entire solution before you start.
Sorry, but I gotta call shens. No way are there 3 people who can do that, let alone 2 in the same family. Own me, I dare you!!!:D

 

PawNtheSandman

Senior member
May 27, 2005
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There was something posted a few months ago about a walkthrough to memorize the algoritims to solve the rubix cube.