This week I decided to do something different, I didn’t learn new algorithms this week but rather focused on practicing the ones I have already learned. I did this through jperm.net which has a trainer, which allows me to practice learning the algorithms from recognizing the patterns. It also will give hints of which case it is and the moves required if I do forget the case. I found this super useful to help retain the algorithms I’ve learned and get better at recognizing which case I have. I have found it easier to apply the algorithms during my solves after using this trainer this week, so I think it is working pretty well.

I also decided to work on my “finger tricks” this week. Finger tricks are just cool or special ways to turn the cube which allows for more freedom to turn faster and reposition your hands less. I watched the video below.

I did know a lot of the finger tricks discussed here but there were a few more advanced ones I was able to learn, which I will be looking to use during solves and implementing when learning new algorithms as well.

I continued practicing my solves this week and the results were mixed. However, my best average was 22.33, (27.49), 22.40, (21.92), 23.96 = 22.90. The video with all the solves is below.

While my best average was good this week I struggled early in the week with most of my averages in the high 20s. It was later in the week that my times went down to around 24 and 23 seconds so perhaps the practice with finger tricks and algorithms are paying off. In any case I am happy with this week and hope to continue strong next week. I hope to finish learning all the algorithms I set out to learn in the next 2 weeks and move on to more advanced things, which I will share in the coming weeks.

Before I go I have a question for the folks reading. Am interested to know about your perception of the difficulty of solving the Rubik’s cube. In the past I have heard people believe it takes insane IQ levels (which isn’t true), but I’m curious what you think. Let me know, thanks.