Learning the Language of Cubing

When I learned how to solve a speedcube, my son taught me one algorithm at a time and I gave each algorithm a nickname to help me remember it.  Here are the algorithms and nicknames that I use in order to solve the cube:

Step 1: Daisy

Step 2: White cross

Step 3: “Righty” for first layer

Step 4: “Righty and Lefty” for second layer

Step 5: “Weird” for yellow cross

Step 6: “H” for top layer

Step 7: “Upside Down Righty” to finish the solve

This has served me well for months but I am realizing that if I want to move forward with this skill, it is going to take a deeper understanding of how the cube works.  I need to learn how to read Cubing Notation.

Cubing Notation is the shorthand way of explaining each algorithm.  For example,  the “Righty” algorithm looks like this: R  U  R’  U’ which stands for Right side clockwise, Upper level clockwise, Right side counter clockwise, Upper side counter clockwise.

My son has assured me that the only way to get faster and learn new algorithms is to take a step back and learn this notation in order to move forward.  He has recommended a few cubers that I can learn from.  J-Perm has a tutorial site with videos and visuals so I started there.  Another popular YouTuber who does tutorial videos is CubeHead (my son’s personal favourite YouTuber).  I have watched both of their videos and looked at the notation and, to me, it feels very much like learning a new language.  I have to take time with the notation, practice with the cube and repeat the steps over and over before it will really start to make sense.

So, this week, I haven’t learned any new algorithms but I feel that I am starting to understand the language of cubing!