Speedcubing is a mind sport centered around solving various twisty puzzles, most famously the 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube, in the shortest time possible. It’s a captivating blend of pattern recognition, muscle memory, and dedicated practice. What starts as a curiosity often evolves into a serious pursuit of optimizing algorithms and refining turning techniques. Competitions, both online and in-person, bring together a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human dexterity and cognitive speed. It's a challenge that demands intense focus, strategic thinking, and the relentless pursuit of milliseconds, transforming a simple toy into a tool for mental and physical prowess.
For the individual who thrives on mental challenges and enjoys honing precise motor skills to achieve peak performance.
Your journey starts here. Follow these steps to get started with Speedcubing.
Start by learning the basic Layer-by-Layer (LBL) method. This involves solving the cube in three stages: the white cross, the first two layers (F2L), and finally the last layer (OLL and PLL). A great resource for this is CubeSkills' beginner tutorial: https://www.cubeskills.com/beginner/
While any Rubik's Cube works initially, investing in a dedicated speedcube will significantly improve your turning speed and control. Look for cubes with adjustable tension and smooth turning mechanisms. Brands like GAN, MoYu, and QiYi are popular choices.
Once you understand the LBL method, you'll need to memorize specific algorithms for orienting and permuting the last layer. Websites and apps dedicated to cubing often provide lists and practice tools for these algorithms.
Use a timer (many apps and websites exist, or a standard stopwatch) to track your progress. Focus on improving your solve times consistently. Many speedcubers aim to reduce their average time over multiple solves.
Our top picks for core tools to get you started.
Recommended items to enhance your experience.
As an Amazon Associate, HobbyStack may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are estimates.
Many beginners get overwhelmed by trying to learn methods like CFOP or Roux before mastering the beginner's method. Solidify the fundamentals first.
Speedcubing relies heavily on muscle memory. Infrequent practice leads to slow progress and forgotten algorithms. Regular, even short, practice sessions are more effective.
While single times are exciting, focusing on your average time over 5 or 12 solves provides a more accurate picture of your progress and skill level.
A hobby's core characteristics, based on community votes.
16% Solo
You tend to prefer your own company but are open to occasional, low-pressure social activities.
36% Energetic
You prefer engaging activities that keep you active and on your feet.
90% Indoors
You are a homebody at heart, finding the most comfort and inspiration within your own space.
10% Creative
You enjoy blending creative expression with satisfying technical skill in a balanced way.
Balanced
You enjoy a solid mix of both mental engagement and physical coordination.
Based on 23 total trait votes.
If you like Speedcubing, you might also enjoy these related hobbies.
Dive deeper with these community-recommended websites, guides, and forums.
A comprehensive website with tutorials for all levels, algorithm lists, and training tools.
The official governing body for speedcubing competitions. Find official regulations, find upcoming events, and view world records.
One of the most popular cubing YouTubers, offering a vast array of tutorials, tips, and speedsolve content for all skill levels.
A specific sequence of moves used to achieve a certain outcome on the cube, such as orienting or permuting pieces.
A sequence of moves that randomizes the cube's state, used to prepare for a solve.
Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL - the most popular speedcubing method, involving solving the white cross, then the first two layers simultaneously, then orienting the last layer, and finally permuting the last layer.
Turns Per Second, a measure of how quickly a cuber can physically turn the faces of the cube.
This hobby's profile is shaped by the community. See what's most popular and cast your own vote to refine its identity.
The community strongly defines Speedcubing by aspects of the Sports & Athletics category.
Many users also associate Speedcubing with Technology & Engineering.
A number of users see a connection between this hobby and Collecting & Curation.
A number of users see a connection between this hobby and Tabletop & Strategy Games.
Speedcubing is a mind sport centered around solving various twisty puzzles, most famously the 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube, in the shortest time possible. It’s a captivating blend of pattern recognition, muscle memory, and dedicated practice. What starts as a curiosity often evolves into a serious pursuit of optimizing algorithms and refining turning techniques. Competitions, both online and in-person, bring together a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human dexterity and cognitive speed. It's a challenge that demands intense focus, strategic thinking, and the relentless pursuit of milliseconds, transforming a simple toy into a tool for mental and physical prowess.
For the individual who thrives on mental challenges and enjoys honing precise motor skills to achieve peak performance.
Your journey starts here. Follow these steps to get started with Speedcubing.
Start by learning the basic Layer-by-Layer (LBL) method. This involves solving the cube in three stages: the white cross, the first two layers (F2L), and finally the last layer (OLL and PLL). A great resource for this is CubeSkills' beginner tutorial: https://www.cubeskills.com/beginner/
While any Rubik's Cube works initially, investing in a dedicated speedcube will significantly improve your turning speed and control. Look for cubes with adjustable tension and smooth turning mechanisms. Brands like GAN, MoYu, and QiYi are popular choices.
Once you understand the LBL method, you'll need to memorize specific algorithms for orienting and permuting the last layer. Websites and apps dedicated to cubing often provide lists and practice tools for these algorithms.
Use a timer (many apps and websites exist, or a standard stopwatch) to track your progress. Focus on improving your solve times consistently. Many speedcubers aim to reduce their average time over multiple solves.
Our top picks for core tools to get you started.
Recommended items to enhance your experience.
As an Amazon Associate, HobbyStack may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are estimates.
Many beginners get overwhelmed by trying to learn methods like CFOP or Roux before mastering the beginner's method. Solidify the fundamentals first.
Speedcubing relies heavily on muscle memory. Infrequent practice leads to slow progress and forgotten algorithms. Regular, even short, practice sessions are more effective.
While single times are exciting, focusing on your average time over 5 or 12 solves provides a more accurate picture of your progress and skill level.
A hobby's core characteristics, based on community votes.
16% Solo
You tend to prefer your own company but are open to occasional, low-pressure social activities.
36% Energetic
You prefer engaging activities that keep you active and on your feet.
90% Indoors
You are a homebody at heart, finding the most comfort and inspiration within your own space.
10% Creative
You enjoy blending creative expression with satisfying technical skill in a balanced way.
Balanced
You enjoy a solid mix of both mental engagement and physical coordination.
Based on 23 total trait votes.
If you like Speedcubing, you might also enjoy these related hobbies.
Dive deeper with these community-recommended websites, guides, and forums.
A comprehensive website with tutorials for all levels, algorithm lists, and training tools.
The official governing body for speedcubing competitions. Find official regulations, find upcoming events, and view world records.
One of the most popular cubing YouTubers, offering a vast array of tutorials, tips, and speedsolve content for all skill levels.
A specific sequence of moves used to achieve a certain outcome on the cube, such as orienting or permuting pieces.
A sequence of moves that randomizes the cube's state, used to prepare for a solve.
Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL - the most popular speedcubing method, involving solving the white cross, then the first two layers simultaneously, then orienting the last layer, and finally permuting the last layer.
Turns Per Second, a measure of how quickly a cuber can physically turn the faces of the cube.
This hobby's profile is shaped by the community. See what's most popular and cast your own vote to refine its identity.
The community strongly defines Speedcubing by aspects of the Sports & Athletics category.
Many users also associate Speedcubing with Technology & Engineering.
A number of users see a connection between this hobby and Collecting & Curation.
A number of users see a connection between this hobby and Tabletop & Strategy Games.
