One key pattern to the Rubik’s cube that many people aren’t aware of is that the center pieces define the sides/faces of the cube. That’s the first step towards solving the cube.

THE LAYER METHOD (w/the least amount of sequences* to remember/memorize)

LAYER 1 [low difficulty wo/any sequences or permutations to memorize]
Step 1) Identify the sides or faces of the cube.
Step 2) Identify which side you want to start with. In our example, we will use the logo/white side/face of the cube.
Step 3) Start moving the pieces in the right location to complete the 1st layer (this will take some practice and it’s best to learn on your own to refine your own method)
NOTE: Once you complete the middle layer, the center pieces will already be in the correct place/position for solving the 2nd layer.

LAYER 2 [low difficulty w/only one sequence (7? steps) to memorize]
Step 1) Identify which piece (right side of middle layer that you want to solve)
Step 2) Position the pieces using the following sequence
<sequence1.jpg>

LAYER 3 [moderate difficulty w/4 sequences (20? steps) to memorize]
Step 1) Identify which middle pieces of the 3rd layer to position first
Step 2) Position the pieces using the following sequence
<sequence2.jpg>
Step 3) Identify which side pieces of the 3rd layer to position first
Step 4) Position the pieces using the following sequence
<sequence3.jpg>

Here’s the official video guide from rubiks.com

*Each sequence should be no more than 20 steps according to “cube20.org”.

REFERENCES/LINKS:
http://www.rubiks.com
http://ruwix.com/online-rubiks-cube-solver-program/
http://www.cube20.org/

May 5, 2005