Mastering the 2x2 Rubik's Cube: A Step-by-Step Guide | Solve Like a Pro: Rubik Cube Tutorials - Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction

The 2x2 Rubik's Cube may seem daunting at first, but fear not! In this easy-to-follow tutorial, you will learn how to solve the cube without the need for complex move notation or lengthy algorithms. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to impress your friends by solving the cube in under a minute. If you're looking to enhance your skills even further, we'll also explore Finger Tricks and Advanced 2x2 Methods. So let's dive into the steps and solve the 2x2 Rubik's Cube together!

Step 1: White Layer

Before we begin solving the cube, it's essential to familiarize ourselves with a crucial 4-move sequence. Repeat this sequence until it becomes second nature, as it will play a vital role in both Step 1 and Step 3.

1. Find any white piece and position the cube so that the white face is at the bottom. By doing this, you solve the first piece of the white layer.
2. Now, using the 4-move sequence, we'll solve the remaining pieces of the first layer. There are three possible locations for a white piece to go. Always keep the solved white piece at the bottom.
   • If the new piece and the solved piece share a color (excluding white), place the new piece on the corresponding side of the solved piece.
   • If the new piece and the solved piece do not share a color (excluding white), position the new piece directly across from the solved piece.
   • Turn the top layer so that the new piece is directly above its correct location, and face it towards the front/right.
   • Repeat the 4-move sequence until the piece is solved. Continue this process until all the first layer pieces are solved.

Note: If you find a white piece stuck in the bottom layer incorrectly, you can bring it to the top layer by holding it at the front/right and executing the 4-move sequence. Refer to the tutorial video for a visual example.

Step 2: Correctly Position Yellow Pieces

In this step, our goal is to ensure that the yellow pieces are correctly positioned. A piece is considered to be in the correct position if at least two colors on the piece match the nearest colors on the bottom layer.

1. Identify how many pieces are already in the correct position.
   • If no pieces are correctly positioned, rotate the top layer until you have at least one piece in the correct position.
   • If one piece is correctly positioned, keep it at the front/right.
   • If two pieces are correctly positioned next to each other, adjust the top layer to have only one piece in the correct position.
   • If two pieces are correctly positioned diagonally across from each other, you can hold any piece at the front/right.
   • If all four pieces are correctly positioned, congratulations! You have completed this step. Proceed to the next moves.
2. Memorize the following algorithm for positioning the yellow pieces correctly:
   • Turn the top layer with your right hand, then turn the right side up.
   • Turn the top layer with your left hand, then turn the left side up.
   • Repeat the above steps, but this time, go down instead of up.
3. Check if all four pieces are in their correct positions. If not, count how many pieces are correctly positioned and repeat this step from the beginning.

Step 3: Solve the Cube!

This final step brings us closer to solving the entire cube. Pay close attention to avoid mistakes, and ensure you read the entire section, including common pitfalls, before attempting it.

• Flip the cube over so that all the unsolved pieces are in the bottom layer. You may have 2, 3, or 4 unsolved pieces at this point.
• Continuously perform the 4-move sequence until the front/right piece is solved, meaning it has yellow on the bottom.
• Rotate the bottom layer (not the whole cube) to bring an unsolved piece to the front/right.
• Repeat the above steps until the entire cube is solved.

Note: Remember to always finish the 4-move sequence. It's common to make mistakes such as turning the entire cube instead of just the bottom layer or not completing the 4 moves because the piece appears solved earlier. Be attentive and ensure you finish all 4 moves.