About Speedcubing

What is speedcubing? It is the timed practice of solving Rubik's Cubes and other twisty puzzles as quickly and accurately as possible.

This guide explains how to start speedcubing, choose a first puzzle and organise effective beginner practice.

Speedcubing is the practice of solving a Rubik’s Cube and other twisty puzzles as quickly as possible, with precise time measurement. However, this simple definition covers much more than the ability to turn the faces of a cube quickly. Speedcubing combines logical problem-solving, movement training, personal records, international competitions and a large community of people who learn from one another and develop their shared interest together.

Almost anyone can begin speedcubing. It does not require exceptional mathematical talent, an extraordinary memory or athletic preparation. At first, it is enough to learn how to solve the cube using a clear method. From there, the solver can gradually reduce pauses, improve their movements and learn more efficient ways of solving.

How speedcubing began

The first prototype of the cube was created by Hungarian architect and professor Ernő Rubik in 1974. The puzzle was originally used to demonstrate the movement of separate parts of a structure in three-dimensional space. The cube became commercially available in the late 1970s and developed into an international phenomenon in the early 1980s.

People did not only try to find ways of solving the puzzle. They also began comparing methods and results. Books, newsletters, clubs and the first competitions appeared. The first major Rubik’s Cube World Championship was held in 1982.

After the initial wave of popularity, fewer competitions were organised. However, the growth of the internet during the 1990s gave the community a new life. Enthusiasts began publishing tutorials, exchanging algorithms and comparing solving times. A new World Championship was held in Toronto in 2003, and the World Cube Association, or WCA, was founded in 2004. A standardised set of rules was introduced, allowing the official results of competitors from different countries to be compared.

Speedcubing is not only about competitions

For one person, speedcubing may become a competitive discipline. For another, it may remain a relaxing hobby practised at home. Some people aim to solve a cube in under ten seconds, while others are satisfied simply by being able to restore a scrambled puzzle without assistance.

Speedcubers can set their own goals:

• solving a cube without assistance for the first time;
• achieving a time below two minutes, one minute or thirty seconds;
• learning a new method or algorithm;
• learning how to solve other puzzles;
• taking part in an official competition;
• becoming a judge, scrambler, volunteer or organiser.

Speedcubing therefore suits people with many different motivations. A person may compete against others, but they may also spend years comparing their results only with their own previous performance.

What fast solving is based on

A professional speedcuber does not simply turn the faces faster than a beginner. The main difference lies in how the solver sees and plans the solve.

An experienced competitor quickly recognises familiar situations, anticipates which pieces will be needed next, uses short sequences of moves and tries not to pause between stages. This is why a smooth solve is often faster than a series of sudden movements separated by long pauses.

Speed is based on several skills:

• understanding the method — knowing the sequence of stages;
• recognition — being able to identify the positions of pieces quickly;
• planning — seeing not only the current step but also the next one;
• algorithms — memorised sequences of moves for common situations;
• finger tricks — efficient face turns performed with the fingers without unnecessary regrips;
• control — turning the cube quickly while remaining accurate.

How speedcubing affects the brain

During a solve, a person simultaneously analyses the arrangement of colours, keeps the current objective in mind, recognises familiar situations, chooses a sequence of actions and coordinates the movements of both hands. The task therefore requires attention, visual-spatial analysis, planning, working memory and motor coordination.

As learning progresses, individual actions become automatic. At first, a person consciously recalls every turn. Later, an entire algorithm is performed as one familiar movement. This is an example of developing a procedural skill: the brain gradually frees attention from individual actions and allows the solver to focus on locating the next pieces.

The benefits of speedcubing should nevertheless be described carefully. Regular practice primarily improves the skills being trained directly: recognising situations on the cube, performing algorithms, controlling movements accurately and solving this particular task more quickly. Scientific research into cognitive training generally shows that the transfer of such improvements to completely different abilities is usually limited.

It would therefore be incorrect to promise that solving a cube will automatically increase intelligence, improve performance in every school subject or produce a flawless memory. It can be a meaningful mental activity, but it is not a universal method of developing the brain.

Speedcubing and the ageing brain

Learning new skills remains a useful and interesting activity at any age. For an adult or an older person, the cube can offer an accessible challenge combining learning, attention, finger movement and opportunities to communicate with others.

Research into cognitive training shows that people can improve their performance on practised tasks even at an older age. However, there is insufficient evidence to claim that solving a cube by itself prevents dementia or stops age-related changes in the brain.

Speedcubing should be viewed as one form of active intellectual recreation, not as a treatment. A combination of factors is far more important for maintaining brain health: physical activity, adequate sleep, social contact, the management of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks, a balanced diet and regular engagement in new activities.

The value of the cube in this context is that it continually offers a manageable new challenge. A person can learn another algorithm, move on to a new puzzle, try one-handed solving or begin explaining a method to someone else.

The speedcubing community

One of the main features of speedcubing is its open community. Strong competitors publish their methods, explain algorithms, help beginners and discuss techniques together. The knowledge that makes world records possible is generally not kept secret. It is shared through videos, articles, training groups and directly at competitions.

The official values of the WCA include community, fairness, enjoyment, the pursuit of excellence and volunteering. A competition is not regarded only as a contest for results, but also as a shared event created by the participants themselves.

At a competition, an experienced speedcuber may be attempting to set a national record and, a few minutes later, helping a beginner understand the procedure. Competitors also work as judges and scramblers, carry puzzles and assist the organisers. This allows even large competitions to retain the atmosphere of a shared interest.

Fairness is an important principle. Every competitor must solve under equal conditions, and scrambles are produced according to established rules. Judges and the WCA Delegate supervise the procedure.

How to begin speedcubing

The first puzzle is usually a 3x3 cube. A beginner does not need the most expensive professional speed cube. It is more important that the model turns easily, does not lock up frequently and remains sufficiently stable.

A magnetic cube may be more comfortable because the magnets help the layers settle into the correct position. Magnets are not essential, however: a person can also learn to solve successfully using a good non-magnetic cube.

A simple layer-by-layer method is usually the best option for the first steps. It divides the solve into clear stages and requires a relatively small number of algorithms. The first goal should be to solve the cube reliably without assistance. Only then does it make sense to measure every solve and begin working seriously on speed.

After mastering the beginner method, a solver can move on to more efficient techniques. The most widely used speedsolving method for the 3x3 cube is called CFOP. It includes building the cross, solving the pieces of the first two layers together and completing the last layer in two stages. Other methods, including Roux and ZZ, are also available.

How to organise practice

For a beginner, shorter and more regular practice is usually more effective than occasional sessions lasting several hours. Even 10–20 minutes of focused practice may be more useful than a large number of careless solves.

Not every attempt should become a race for a personal record. It is useful to alternate between different types of practice:

• slow solves without pauses;
• separate practice of the first stage;
• repetition of one new algorithm;
• work on finger movements;
• complete timed solves;
• reviewing recordings of previous attempts.

It is better to consider not only one best result but also the average time of several solves. A single record may result from a particularly favourable scramble, while an average gives a more accurate picture of the solver’s actual level.

Breaks should be taken during long practice sessions. If pain, numbness or significant discomfort appears in the hands or fingers, practice should stop and the hands should be allowed to rest.

Which puzzles can be learned next

Speedcubing is not limited to the classic 3x3 cube. After making initial progress, a solver can try 2x2, 4x4 and 5x5 cubes, Pyraminx, Skewb, Megaminx and other twisty puzzles.

Some events require shorter and faster solutions, while others involve additional algorithms, working with centres and edges or memorising a large amount of information. Solvers can also learn one-handed solving, blindfolded solving or finding a solution using the fewest possible moves.

A new puzzle does not have to replace the previous one completely. Many speedcubers continue practising several events and select the ones that best match their interests.

How competitions work

At official competitions, participants are divided into groups. Before every attempt, the cube is submitted to a scrambler, who scrambles it using an officially generated sequence. The puzzle is then covered and taken to the solving station.

The competitor sits in front of the timer, confirms that they are ready and receives a short period in which to inspect the puzzle. After starting the timer, the competitor completes the solve, stops the time and waits for the judge to inspect the cube and record the result.

Most events provide several attempts. The final result may be determined by the best single attempt or by an average time, depending on the event and the format of the round.

A person does not need to be exceptionally fast to enter their first competition. They should be able to solve the selected puzzle within the limit established by the organisers and understand the basic attempt procedure.

How to find a competition

Official competitions are published in the Competitions section of the World Cube Association website. Visitors can select a country or region and view upcoming events.

The page for each competition normally includes:

• the date and venue;
• the available events;
• the round schedule;
• the competitor limit;
• the registration period and conditions;
• the registration fee and payment method;
• time limits and cutoffs;
• the organisers’ contact details;
• additional requirements for that particular competition.

Submitting a registration does not always mean that participation has been confirmed automatically. The competitor may need to pay a fee, wait for the organisers to approve the registration or wait for a place to become available on the main competitor list.

During a competition, live results for many events can be followed through WCA Live. Final official results are published in the WCA database after they have been checked.

Where to read the official rules

The complete procedures for official competitions are contained in the WCA Regulations on the World Cube Association website. The Regulations describe requirements for competitors and puzzles, the work of judges and scramblers, the attempt procedure, time measurement, penalties, equipment failures and disputes.

A first-time competitor does not need to memorise the entire document, but should understand the basic rules for the events they have entered. It is also useful to study the official educational material for competitors and judges known as the Competition Tutorial.

The current version of the rules should always be checked on the official WCA website because individual procedures may change over time. Information in older videos and articles may not always match the current Regulations.

Where this hobby can lead

Speedcubing can remain an enjoyable activity at home, or it can gradually lead to competitions, travel, new friendships and participation in organising events. Some people become successful competitors, while others teach beginners, create tutorials, develop software or help build their local community.

The most important achievement in speedcubing does not necessarily have to be measured in seconds. A first independent solve, a newly learned algorithm, the ability to correct mistakes calmly or the willingness to help another beginner can all be meaningful accomplishments.

There is no need to wait for the ideal age, a special talent or perfect equipment. All that is required is a functioning cube, a clear set of instructions and a willingness to take the first step. Speed comes later, together with understanding, regular practice and enjoyment of the process itself.