Introduction

The 3×3 Magic Cube, also known as the Rubik’s Cube, has been a popular puzzle for over 40 years. It was invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik. The puzzle consists of a cube with six faces, each made up of nine smaller colored squares. The objective of the puzzle is to twist and turn the cube until each face is a single color. While it may seem impossible at first glance, with practice and strategy, anyone can solve the puzzle.

The Beginner’s Method

For those just starting out with the 3×3 Magic Cube, the Beginner’s Method is a great place to start. The method involves solving the cube layer by layer, starting with the first layer, then the second, and finally the last. The first step is to solve the white cross on the first layer. The second step is to solve the corners of the first layer. The third step is to solve the middle layer by matching the edges to their corresponding colors. The final step is to solve the last layer by orienting the edges and then solving the corners. While this method may take longer than more advanced methods, it is a great way to get a grasp of the puzzle.

The Fridrich Method

The Fridrich Method, also known as CFOP, is a more advanced method for solving the 3×3 Magic Cube. It involves solving the cube layer by layer, but with more efficient algorithms and techniques. The first step is to solve the cross on the first layer, but with the addition of solving the corners at the same time. The second step is to solve the middle layer, but with the use of more advanced techniques such as F2L (First Two Layers). The third step is to solve the last layer by orienting the edges and corners at the same time using advanced algorithms. The final step is to permute the edges and corners to their correct positions using even more advanced algorithms. While the Fridrich Method may take more time to learn, it is much faster and more efficient than the Beginner’s Method.

The World Record

The 3×3 Magic Cube may seem like a simple puzzle, but it takes incredible skill and practice to solve it quickly. The current world record for the fastest solve of the 3×3 Magic Cube is held by Yusheng Du of China, who solved the cube in just 3.47 seconds in November 2018. This incredible feat was accomplished using the CFOP method and years of practice and dedication.

Conclusion

Solving the 3×3 Magic Cube may seem daunting at first, but with the right method and plenty of practice, anyone can do it. Whether you prefer the Beginner’s Method or the more advanced Fridrich Method, the joy of finally solving the puzzle is incomparable. And who knows, with enough practice, maybe you’ll be the next world record holder.