Ever heard that you can learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 20 moves? It’s one of the most famous claims about the puzzle, and it sparks a lot of curiosity.
The truth is a little more complex, but much more interesting. While it’s technically true, it doesn’t mean there’s a magic sequence of 20 moves you can memorize to solve any scrambled cube. In this guide, we’ll break down the myth and give you a realistic path to actually solving the cube for the first time.
The Truth About “God’s Number”
The “20 moves” claim comes from a mathematical concept known as “God’s Number.” After decades of research, a team of mathematicians proved something incredible in 2010. Using computer time donated by Google, researchers Tomas Rokicki, Herbert Kociemba, Morley Davidson, and John Dethridge confirmed that any of the 43 quintillion possible scrambles of a 3x3x3 cube can be solved in 20 moves or less.
But here’s the catch. “God’s Number” refers to the most optimal, shortest possible solution for any given scramble. Finding that specific 20-move solution requires a supercomputer to analyze the cube’s state and calculate the perfect sequence. It’s not a single set of moves that works every time.
Think of it like this: a GPS can find the absolute shortest path from your house to a destination. But the route is different depending on where you start. God’s Algorithm is the ultimate GPS for the Rubik’s Cube, but us humans need a more reliable road map.
Why You Can’t Just Learn 20 Moves
Professional speedcubers, the people who solve cubes in seconds, don’t use a single magic sequence. Instead, they learn systems or methods, with the most popular being the CFOP method (Cross, First Two Layers, Orient Last Layer, Permute Last Layer).
This method breaks the puzzle down into manageable stages. While incredibly fast, it requires learning a significant number of algorithms, which are just short, memorized sequences of moves for specific situations.
To put it in perspective, the full CFOP method involves learning 78 different algorithms just for the final layer. This shows why aiming for a single 20-move solution isn’t a practical strategy for learning.
How to Realistically Solve a Rubik’s Cube
The best way to start is with a beginner-friendly, layer-by-layer method. This approach is easy to understand and requires memorizing only a few algorithms. First, you’ll need to understand the language of the cube, called “notation.”
Understanding Cube Notation
Cube notation uses letters to represent turns of each face. This system, often called Singmaster notation, is the standard for all puzzle tutorials. Here are the basics:
- F: Front face (clockwise turn)
- R: Right face (clockwise turn)
- U: Up face (clockwise turn)
- L: Left face (clockwise turn)
- D: Down face (clockwise turn)
- B: Back face (clockwise turn)
When you see a letter followed by an apostrophe (like R’), it means you turn that face counter-clockwise. A letter followed by a 2 (like U2) means you turn that face 180 degrees (twice).
The Beginner’s Layer-by-Layer Method
This is the most common starting point and is much simpler than advanced methods. It breaks the puzzle into seven distinct steps:
- Solve the White Cross: Start by creating a white cross on one face, ensuring the edge pieces also line up with the center colors on the sides.
- Solve the White Corners: Place the four white corner pieces to complete the first layer.
- Solve the Middle Layer: Insert the four edge pieces of the middle layer to solve the first two-thirds of the cube.
- Create a Yellow Cross: Flip the cube over and form a yellow cross on the top face. You’ll use one simple algorithm (F R U R’ U’ F’) repeatedly.
- Align the Yellow Edges: Position the yellow edges so they match the side center pieces.
- Position the Yellow Corners: Get the yellow corners into their correct spots, even if they aren’t oriented correctly yet.
- Solve the Cube: Use one final algorithm to orient the last few corners and finish the puzzle.
Instead of listing complex algorithms here, the most effective way to learn is by following along with a visual guide. Reputable sites like Ruwix.com or popular YouTube channels like J Perm provide excellent step-by-step tutorials for beginners.
Another Interesting Read: What Is a Stalemate in Chess?
Conclusion – How To Solve A Rubik’s Cube In 20 Moves?
So, can you solve a Rubik’s Cube in 20 moves? Yes, but not by memorizing one simple trick.
The real secret is understanding that the 20-move solution is a fascinating mathematical fact, not a practical guide. The most rewarding path to solving the cube is to learn a beginner’s method, understand the notation, and practice one layer at a time.
With a little patience, you’ll experience the incredible satisfaction of solving it yourself, which is far better than any mythical shortcut. Now you know the real story behind “how to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 20 moves” and are ready to conquer the puzzle for real!
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