This week, I started thinking about the “why” of speedcubing. My son, Alexander, has been solving cubes for over 5 years now and I have been solving for just over a year. Our “why’s” are different – he loves the challenge and the logic of the algorithms. I simply wanted to make a connection with my teenage son.
As I have become more involved in the world of speedcubing, there are a few things I have learned.
Community
Although it is an individual activity, there is a big, supportive community of speedcubers around the world. I remember the first competition that Alexander participated in at a community centre in Edmonton. He was really nervous because he didn’t know anyone. Within an hour of being there, Alexander had started talking to other kids, sharing tips and tricks, trying each other’s cubes and having a fantastic time!
My son standing next to Kyle in a group photo.
That same competition, Kyle Santucci broke a Canadian record for a 3×3 solve. Neither Alexander or I knew who Kyle was at the time but it was pretty amazing to see a record broken in person (we know who Kyle is now… he is a world class cuber and currently the fastest solver in Canada)
A few years ago, Alexander was doing a project for school and I suggested that he contact his favourite cuber, Feliks Zemdegs. Amazingly, Feliks responded to Alexander’s email! It was such a great moment for him to make that kind of connection to a famous cuber and feel like a part of a larger community.
Shared Learning
Cubers are more than happy and willing to help out new speedcubers! I have noticed this first hand as I look for support and training throughout this course. I have been able to find many YouTube videos, a Discord server and printable tutorials. This week, I found a free OER called Cubing.gg. I was able to sign up and register for a Beginner Course for free. The site also includes paid courses for more advanced users. The course walks through each step of solving a 3×3. I was able to breeze through the first few steps but I also learned a couple of new algorithms to help me with the last layer. I will continue working on the new algorithms and hopefully have a video to share next week.
Brain Benefits
I have also learned about how solving a Rubik’s Cube affects your brain. According to the article “Benefits of Rubik’s Cube“, benefits include improving memory, stimulating creativity and patience, and teaching resilience. The resilience piece was one that has surprised me in my journey. The perseverence and patience that is needed to solve a cube is more than I had realized. When every scramble is unique – there are 43 quintillion different possible scrambles on a 3×3 – each solve requires the cuber to adjust and plan ahead for many possibilities at each stage. The thrill of solving makes it all worth it (if you don’t believe me, check out my reaction in the video from last week’s post)!
Hi Carol, I love that you explored the “why” of your learning. Metacognition has its merits! I wrote briefly about speedcubing in my summary of learning – and it’s exactly for the reasons you’ve shared here. You talk about community – it’s awesome that it’s a welcoming atmosphere (can’t always be said with different hobbies or sports). As well, your blogs have really shown me the mathematical skills (brain benefits) it takes to cube. My son, who loves to code, is very interested in cubing now because of your posts (and him spying over my shoulder while I work). I’m glad you’ve seen consistent progress, and been able to do something that further bonds you with your son.