Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rubik’s Cube?
Rubik’s Cube is a 3-D combination puzzle invented by Hungarian Professor Ernő Rubik in 1974. The 3x3x3 puzzle is considered to be the standard Rubik’s Cube, although there are now several variations of the puzzle that feature different dimensions and shapes. Read more on Wikipedia.
How do you solve a Rubik’s Cube?
There are many ways to solve the Rubik’s Cube, however most methods involve a series of stages and algorithms which need to be performed in a specific order to solve the Cube. The Cube is considered solved when each face of the Cube shows only a single colour.
The beginner or basic method typically features 7-8 stages and 8 or more algorithms. Cube Buddy utilises a simplified version of the beginner method, presenting this in an easy-to-understand format that facilitates learning the method one stage at a time.
What is an algorithm?
Generally speaking, an algorithm is a sequence of instructions or computations used to solve a problem. In the context of a Rubik’s Cube, an algorithm is a sequence of cube movements designed to manipulate and move specific pieces of the cube.
If used correctly, algorithms allow one to solve the Cube one stage at a time by moving and manipulating particular pieces in the cube without messing up other parts of the cube that have already been solved.
What is Cube Buddy?
Cube Buddy is a Rubik’s Cube learning aide designed for beginners. It is a web application that can run on any device in a modern web browser. Cube Buddy simplifies the beginner or basic method further by reducing the complexity to 8 algorithms and 8 stages, then presenting the method stage-by-stage via a combination of diagrams, written instructions and short how-to videos targeted at each aspect of the solve.
Is Cube Buddy free?
Yes, Cube Buddy is completely free, requires no sign up and runs no ads. Our mission is to help make the joy of cubing more accessible, so we wanted to create a quality learning aide with no barriers to use or distractions while in use.
Do I need to install anything?
No, the Cube Buddy app is a web-based application and does not require any installation. It will work on any device that can run a modern web browser. You can access the app here.
How old do I need to be to learn how to solve the Rubik’s Cube?
It really depends on the person, although Cube Buddy has assisted children as young as 5 years old to learn how to solve the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.
What sort of Rubik’s Cube should I buy?
Cheaper Rubik’s Cubes may be tempting but can often lead to frustration. Some of the cheaper cubes are very difficult to turn and manipulate, prone to locking up, getting stuck and falling apart. Unfortunately, even seemingly reputable brands offer some poor-quality entry-level cubes.
There are exceptions, however better-quality cubes around the $20-$30 USD price range normally offer a better experience.
A higher quality cube is recommended, particularly for children who typically have less strength in their hands and are more likely to drop, mishandle or misuse the cube. Higher quality cubes are easier to turn and manipulate, have a more solid construction and the pieces are less likely to fall apart or pop out of the cube.
I followed the method exactly, why won’t my cube solve?
If you’re certain you have followed the method exactly but get to the last stages and can’t seem to finish the solve, it is likely that one or more of the pieces in your cube is in the wrong slot. This can happen when pieces are twisted (particularly corner pieces) or when pieces fall out and are put back incorrectly.
The best way to fix this problem is to have an experienced cuber solve the cube to the last or second last stage, then determine which piece or pieces are out of place so they can be re-set into their correct slots. Once this is done, the cube should solve correctly again.