8 Rubik’s Cube Algorithms To Solve Common Tricky Situations 

The Rubik’s cube is a pretty popular puzzle among both kids and adults. It is a mechanical puzzle that even adults often find difficult to solve. The puzzle requires a series of movements or algorithms in order to reach the final resolution. You may have learned about these algorithms through others or online tutorials. You also may be aware the more algorithms you can master the faster you can solve your cube. However, this obviously brings the biggest obstacle of remembering so many algorithms. This article has devised a few special algorithms that can be handy when you are stuck solving a cube. You can call it a cheat sheet. 

Understanding the basic notations

Before we get started on learning about the algorithms it is important to remember that understanding the basic movement notations is the foundation of solving a cube. It will be easier for you to understand if you have an actual cube while reading the article. If you don’t have one then you can visit Cubelelo to get one of the best quality cubes in the country. You can get them at stores or shop online via cubelelo.com. 

Up, Down, Right, Left, Face, and Back (U, D, R, L, F, B) are the standard notations for a cube. It is used to refer to the various layers that should be turned clockwise at 90 degrees. You should move the layer counterclockwise when the notation has an apostrophe (For example, U’). 

8 best Rubik’s cube algorithms to solve certain situations (3×3)

Now that you know about the basic notations you are ready to learn about the algorithms. The list given below is for specific situations that people commonly get stuck with. So you can use these when you find yourself stuck in similar situations. 

Make the “white cross” (F’UL’U’)

Making the white cross on your cube is the first step to solving it. The following sequence should be performed in order to get the white cross. Inverse the Front counterclockwise at 90 degrees. Then turn the Up clockwise at 90 degrees. Inverse the Left counterclockwise at 90 degrees as the third step. Lastly, inverse Up in a counterclockwise direction at 90 degrees. 

Getting the “white cross” and not disrupting the rest of the cube (F R U R’ U’ F’)

It is important to make the white cross without disturbing the other colors. Use the algorithm F R U R’ U’ F’ in order to achieve this. When there is a straight line use it once if there is an L-shaped pattern use it twice and if the center color is only white then use it thrice. 

First layer right corner (D’R’DR)

Use the following algorithm to get the right corner aligned. Firstly inverse Down counterclockwise at 90 degrees and then inverse Right similarly. Thirdly, turn Down clockwise at 90 degrees and ultimately turn Right clockwise as well at 90 degrees. 

First layer left corner (DLD’L’)

A similar method needs to be followed to get the left corner aligned as well. Turn Down and then Left (both clockwise at 90 degrees). Then inverse Down counterclockwise at 90 degrees and finally inverse Left as well in a counter-clockwise direction at 90 degrees. 

Adjusting and solving the edge piece placement (U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F) and  (U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’)

You can use these algorithms to solve the edge pieces. This will complete the second layer. The Front (F) becomes the side of the cube with the edge pieces that you need to move. Follow this algorithm U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F if you want to move the edge piece to the right and use U’ L’ U L U F U’ F‘ if you need to move the edge piece to the left. 

Solving edge pieces of the third layer (R U R’ U R U U R’)

Following the R U R’ U R U U R,’ the third layer can be solved. The unsolved layer must be rotated until one of the edges appears to be solved. You might have to go through it twice in order to solve the third layer. 

Placing the corner pieces of the third layer (U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L)

This algorithm is used to align the corner pieces in the third layer. The alignment of colors is not a factor in the success of this algorithm. 

Finishing the cube (R’ D’ R D)

The algorithm R’ D’ R D is used to put the aligned blocks in the right positions. It is done one piece at a time. 

It should be noted that sometimes algorithms may be used more than once. With enough practice, you should be able to assess the situation and figure that out correctly.