I am diving into the world of the CFOP method! The most frustrating thing about learning new algorithms is that it always slows down your time at first but I keep reminding myself that this new method will improve my overall times.
This week I learned some background on the CFOP method. I learned that every record in the Cubing world has been broken using this method! That’s impressive!! I also learned what CFOP means – Cross, First 2 layers, Orientation, Permutation… I also came to realize that this method is going to take multiple weeks to learn.
I used CubeHead‘s tutorial playlist which was recommended by my son to start learning this new method. I watched the first video where he explains some of the reasons why the CFOP method is preferred by most Cubers. I was able to skip the next video because I already know how to solve the white cross (look at me go!!). The third video is titled “Intuitive F2L Tutorial” try to understand F2L. First of all, there is nothing intuitive about F2L at my level of understanding! The video didn’t make any sense at all and he was going through the steps so quickly! So, my next step was to ask my in-house expert, my 17 year old son. His advice was to learn F2L last and learn OLL and PLL first.
I have attempted to capture my learning to this point in the following series of videos:
First, I explain how I have learned to use Cube Notation to scramble a cube
Next, I show a solve on the cube that I have scrambled (not my best time, but in my defense, I was talking through the video)
Third, I explain my understanding of the CFOP method as I understand it at this point
And finally, I use my learning and a different tutorial video to complete the 2 Look OLL
Of the tutorial videos I have watched so far, I prefer JPerm’s tutorials because they show each step clearly and he includes the notation right in the videos.
I will spend the next 2 weeks working on OLL and, hopefully, PLL so that I will be able to incorporate them into my solves.
Ah, at last! After reading your post about CFOP method, I promised myself I wouldn’t Google it; thus, I’ve been waiting for your update! You’re right – it is impressive that’s how every record has been broken. Probably a great indicator that it’s a solid strategy. I doubt I’ll ever be a Cube Master, but my son is interested. He found your videos very helpful! How is your son enjoying your journey?
Hi Kimberly,
I’m glad that my videos could be helpful! I am still working on CFOP, I think I will be working on it for a while. My son is such a great supporter and helps me when I mess something up or can’t figure out the next step. There are a lot of new algorithms to learn but I am slowly figuring them out!
If your son is interested, there will be a Cubing Competition in Regina on March 22. He should check it out! You can message me if you want more information.