Speedcubing

Speedcubing (also known as speedsolving, or just cubing) is a sport involving solving a variety of combination puzzles, the most famous being the 3x3x3 puzzle or Rubik's Cube, as quickly as possible. For most puzzles, solving entails performing a series of moves that alter a scrambled puzzle into a state in which every face of the puzzle is a single, solid color. Some puzzles have different requirements to be considered solved, such as the Clock, for which all the dials must be moved into the 12 'o clock position.[1] The standard puzzle sizes are 2x2x2, 3x3x3, 4x4x4, 5x5x5, 6x6x6, and 7x7x7 and the different variations, 3x3x3 one-handed, 3x3x3 blindfolded, 4x4x4 blindfolded and 5x5x5 blindfolded. There are also different shapes of the famous puzzles, including Pyraminx, Megaminx, Skewb, and Square-1. An individual who competes in speedcubing is known as a speedcuber.

A speedcuber solving a 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube.

History

The Rubik's Cube was invented in 1974 by Hungarian professor of architecture, Ernő Rubik (Born 13 July 1944). Later, Ernő Rubik partnered with Ideal Toy company to widespread the international interest in the cube which began in 1979, which soon developed into a global craze.[2] On June 5, 1982, the first world championship was held in Budapest, Hungary. 19 people competed in the event and the American Minh Thai won with a single solve time of 22.95 seconds and was considered as the First World Record of the Rubik's Cube. Other notable attendees include Jessica Fridrich and Lars Petrus, two people who would later be influential in the development of solving methods and the speedcubing community.[3] The height of the Rubik's Cube craze began to fade away after 1983,[4] but with the advent of the Internet, sites relating to speedcubing began to surface. Simultaneously spreading effective speedsolving methods and teaching people new to the cube to solve it for the first time, these sites brought in a new generation of cubers, created a growing international online community, and raised the profile of the art.

People prominent in this online community, such as Ron van Bruchem, Tyson Mao, Chris Hardwick, and Ton Dennenbroek, eventually wanted to meet in person and compete. So twenty years after the first world championship, they orchestrated a second championship in Toronto in 2003 and another smaller competition in the Netherlands later that same year. This revival of competition sparked a new wave of organized speedcubing events, which include regular national and international competitions.[5] There were twelve competitions in 2004, 58 more from 2005 to 2006, over 100 in 2008, and over 1150 in 2018. Since Budapest's 1982 competition, there have been nine further World Championships traditionally held every other year, the most recent in Melbourne, Australia. This new wave of speedcubing competitions have been and still are organised by the World Cube Association (WCA), founded by Ron van Bruchem and Tyson Mao.

Since the rise of speedcubing in popularity, numerous businesses have opened up, specializing in either the making or selling of speedcubes. Rubik's is no longer the only company making cubes. There are now dozens of companies making their own cubes, with improved technology to allow faster solving.[6] This has helped to launch speedcubing onto the global scene, not only as a sport and hobby, but a worldwide business.

Solving methods

The standard 3x3x3 can be solved using a number of methods, not all of which are intended for speedcubing. Although some methods (such as CFOP) employ a layer-by-layer system and algorithms, other significant (though less widely used) methods include corners-first methods and the Roux method. CFOP, Roux, ZZ are considered as the "Big 3" methods, as they are the most popular and can be used to achieve faster times than the others. The "big 3" used to be a "big 4" with the Petrus method as well, but, due to low popularity of people using this method, it had to be taken out from the "big 3". The CFOP method is used by most speedcubers.

CFOP method
Main article: CFOP method

The CFOP (Abbreviation for Cross – F2L – OLL – PLL) method, also known as the Fridrich method, was named after one of its inventors, Jessica Fridrich, who finished second in the 2003 Rubik's Cube World Championships. While it is known as the Fridrich method, its origins are actually credited to David Singmaster, who was one of the first to publish a layer by layer method of solving in 1980,[7] and Guus Razoux Schultz, who built upon this and developed a more efficient system for the first two layers (F2L).[8] Jessica Fridrich then finished developing the method and published it online in 1997,[9] an event that was very influential in the revival of competitive speedcubing. The first step of the method is to solve a cross-shaped arrangement of edge pieces on the first layer. The remainder of the first layer and all of the second layer are then solved together in what is referred to as "corner-edge pairs", or slots. Finally, the last layer is solved in two steps — first, all of the pieces in the layer are oriented to form a solid color (but without the individual pieces always being in their correct places on the cube). This step is referred to as orientation and is usually performed with a single set of algorithms known as OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer). Then, all of those pieces are permuted to their correct spots. This is also usually performed as a single set of algorithms known as PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer). OLL and PLL use 57 algorithms and 21 algorithms, respectively.

The CFOP method can be used as a less advanced method by dividing the steps into more steps, reducing the number of algorithms you need to learn but sacrificing time. Most people start learning CFOP with 4LLL (Four-Look Last Layer), which is the less advanced, slower, and an algorithm-reducing way to learn CFOP. The 4 steps are divided into Edge Orientation, Corner Orientation, Corner Permutation, and Edge Permutation (can be called EO, CO, CP, and EP). Later on you can learn full OLL which has 57 Algorithms, and full PLL, which has 21 Algorithms. An average CFOP solves with Full OLL and PLL along with an efficient cross (which takes 8 moves at maximum) and efficient F2L (takes almost 30 moves) consists of 55-60 moves, which means that it has a higher move count than Roux and ZZ. However, Finger tricks and Algorithms are more researched with CFOP than any other method which explains why the majority of the fastest speedcubers use CFOP as their main speedcubing method.

The CFOP method is the most widely used speedcubing method. It is a more efficient version of the Layer-By-Layer beginner's method. It is very popular due to the vast amount of resources that teach and improve upon the CFOP method. Many advanced speedcubers such as two-time Former World Champion Feliks Zemdegs and former world record holder and champinon Max Park have also learned additional sets of algorithms for the last slot and layer, such as Corners of Last Layer (COLL), which orients and permutes the corners when the edges are oriented, or Winter Variation (WV), which finishes OLL while inserting the last pair and ZBLL, which combines the solving process of OLL and PLL in only 1 Algorithm.

Roux method

The Roux method was invented by French speedcuber Gilles Roux. The first step of the Roux method is to form a 3×2×1 block usually placed in the lower portion of the left layer. The second step is to create another 3×2×1 on the opposite side, such that each block is sharing a bottom color. The remaining four corners are then solved using a set of algorithms known as CMLL (Corners of the Last Layer, without regard to the M-slice), which leaves six edges and four centers that are solved in the last step, L6E or LSE (Last Six Edges).

This method is not as dependent on algorithm memorization as the CFOP method since all but the third step is done with intuition as opposed to predefined sets of algorithms. Because of the frequent use of M moves, the Roux method can be performed without any rotations (unlike the CFOP method) which means it is easier to look ahead (solving a collection of pieces while at the same time looking for the solution to the next step) while solving. It is also considered one of the most efficient speedsolving methods with its average move count being in between 45 and 50 moves for experienced solvers. However, the Roux method of speedcubing has been criticized over the years because, unlike CFOP, ZZ or Petrus, Roux requires M (middle) slices to solve the LSE. Using M slice moves makes it harder to achieve higher TPS (turns per second) because the fingertricks are almost always flicks which can explain why Roux is slower than CFOP, but with enough practice you can get high TPS.

One of the users of this method, Kian Mansour, had broken the one-handed (OH) world-record average with the time of 9.54 seconds.[10] Sean Patrick Villanueva is the first Roux user to achieve a Sub-6 average of five in competition, and is ranked third in the world by 3x3 average. He also podiumed in 3x3 at Worlds 2019 (2nd Place).

ZZ method

The ZZ method (short for "Zbigniew Zborowski") is a modern speedcubing method originally proposed by Zbigniew Zborowski in 2006. The method was designed specifically to achieve high turning speed by focusing on move ergonomics, and is the combination of a block-building method and a layer-by-layer method. The initial pre-planned step is called EOLine, and is the most distinctive hallmark of the ZZ method. It involves orienting all edges while placing two oppositely placed down-face edges aligned with the correspondingly colored center. The next step solves the remaining first two layers using only left, right, top and bottom face turns, one of the advantages of ZZ. On completion of the first two layers, the last layer's edges are all correctly oriented because of edge pre-orientation during EOLine. The last layer may be completed using a number of techniques including those used in the CFOP method. An expert variant of this method, ZBLL (Zborowski-Bruchem Last Layer) allows the last layer to be completed in a single step with an average of just over 12 moves, but requires the knowledge of at least 493 algorithms.[11] Due to the ergonomics of ZZ you will never need to rotate when solving, unlike in the CFOP method. The ZZ method has fewer moves than CFOP, with ZZ averaging 45-55 compared to CFOP's 55-60 moves.[12] However, EOLine is difficult, with only two edges solved (the front and back bottom edges), which can hinder lookahead and TPS, making ZZ slightly slower than CFOP.

Corners-first methods

Corners-first methods involve solving the corners then finishing the edges with slice turns. Corners-first solutions were common in the 1980s, and was one of the most popular methods that 1982 world champion Minh Thai used. Currently corners-first solutions are rarely used among speedsolvers. Dutch cuber Marc Waterman created a corners-first method in the cube craze, and averaged 18 seconds in the mid-late 1980s.

Fewest Moves Challenge (FMC) methods

At a high level, there typically isn't a standard method used for Fewest Moves solving. Rather, competitors attempt to solve the cube intuitively using solving techniques such as blockbuilding, Normal-Inverse-Scramble-Swap (NISS), commutator insertions, and Domino Reduction after its rise to popularity in 2019. Most solves utilize multiple of these techniques in order to generate a solution.

Blindfolded methods

In 2003, when the first blindfolded competitions occurred, world record solvers would use the 3OP (3-Cycle Orientation Permutation) Method, which orients and then permutes pieces using 3 cycles. As of today, methods such as 3-Style and M2 are among the fastest and most popular blind solving methods. The Old Pochmann Method, which is a method that solves one piece at a time, is a common beginner method. Blindfolded solvers often use letter patterns to help memorize sequences of moves in order to solve the cube.

Competitions
Anssi Vanhala solving a 3×3×3 Rubik's Cube with his feet in 36.72 seconds, at the 2009 Estonian Open.

World Cube Association

Since 2003, speedcubing competitions have been held regularly. The World Cube Association (WCA) was formed in 2004 to govern all official competitions. For a competition to be official, it must be approved by the WCA and follow the WCA regulations. Included in the regulations is the necessity of having one or more WCA delegate in attendance. A delegate's main role is to ensure all regulations are followed during the competition. Once the competition has finished, the results are uploaded on to the WCA website.[1]

Format

The majority of puzzle competitions are held using a trimmed mean of 5 format. This involves the competitor executing 5 solves in the round in question, after which the fastest and slowest solve are disregarded and the mean of the remaining 3 is used. The 6×6×6 and 7×7×7 events are ranked by straight mean of 3 — only three solves, none of which are disregarded. In 3×3×3 blindfolded and 3×3×3 fewest moves challenges, either straight mean of 3 or best of 3 is used, while 4×4×4 blindfolded, 5×5×5 blindfolded, and multiple blindfolded challenges are ranked using best of 1, 2 or 3, depending on the competition.

When a round begins, competitors hand in the puzzle they will use. Puzzles are scrambled using a computer-generated scramble. Each round, five, three or one (depending on the format, mentioned above) scrambles are used. Every competitor in the round will receive each scramble once. Before starting a solve, a competitor has up to 15 seconds to inspect the puzzle (inspection is removed for blindfolded events). This is monitored by a judge with a stopwatch. Once the solve is complete, the judge records the time on the competitor's scorecard and it is signed by both. If the puzzle is unsolved and the timer is stopped, the time is recorded as "DNF" (Did Not Finish). There are also numerous reasons why the solve can receive a two-second addition to the solve time, such as a face being more than 45 degrees off, or the competitor going over the allowed inspection time. A competitor can also receive an extra solve to replace the one just completed, for example having a timer malfunction or being deliberately distracted by another person.

The official timer used in competitions is the StackMat timer. This device has touch-sensitive pads that are triggered by the user lifting one or both of their hands to start the time and placing both their hands back on the pads after releasing the puzzle to stop the timer.

Official competitions are currently being held in several categories.

CategoryCube type
Speedsolving2×2×2, 3×3×3, 4×4×4, 5×5×5, 6×6×6, 7×7×7
Blindfolded solving3x3x3, 4x4x4, 5x5x5
Multiple blindfolded solving3x3x3
One-handed solving3x3x3
Solving in fewest moves3x3x3
Speedsolvers solving Megaminxes at the 2011 Estonian Open.

Competitions will often include events for speedsolving these other puzzles, as well:

World Rubik's Cube Championships

The WCA organizes the Rubik's Cube World Championship as the main international competition once every two years. The latest championship was held in Melbourne, Australia from 11 to 14 July 2019.[13]

Championship Year Host Date(s) Nations Puzzles Events Winner Winning time(s) Ref
I 1982 Budapest 5 June 19 1 1 Minh Thai 22.95 [14]
II 2003 Toronto 23–24 August 15 9 13 Dan Knights 20.00 [15]
III 2005 Lake Buena Vista 5–6 November 16 9 15 Jean Pons 15.10 [16]
IV 2007 Budapest 5–7 October 28 10 17 Yu Nakajima 12.46 [17]
V 2009 Düsseldorf 9–11 October 32 12 19 Breandan Vallance 10.74 [18]
VI 2011 Bangkok 14–16 October 35 12 19 Michał Pleskowicz 8.65 [19]
VII 2013 Las Vegas 26–28 July 35 10 17 Feliks Zemdegs 8.18 [20]
VIII 2015 São Paulo 17–19 July 37 11 18 Feliks Zemdegs 7.56 [21]
IX 2017 Paris 13–16 July 64 11 18 Max Park 6.85 [22]
X 2019 Melbourne 11–14 July 52 11 18 Philipp Weyer 6.74 [13]
XI 2021 Almere 28–31 December TBD 11 17 TBD TBD [23]

World records

The following are the official speedcubing world records approved by the WCA.[24]

Note: For averages of 5 solves, the best time and the worst time are dropped, and the mean of the remaining 3 solves is taken. When only 3 solves are done, the mean of all 3 is taken.

EventTypeResultPersonCompetition (Date(s))Result Details (Min:Sec.100ths)
3×3×3Single3.47 Yusheng DuWuhu Open 2018 (24–25 November)—
Average5.53 Feliks ZemdegsOdd Day in Sydney 2019 (10 November)(7.16) / 5.04 / (4.67) / 6.55 / 4.99
2×2×2 Single0.49 Maciej CzapiewskiGrudziądz Open 2016 (19–20 March)—
Average1.21 Martin Vædele EgdalKjeller Open 2018 (20–21 October)(1.06) / 1.09 / (1.64) / 1.47 / 1.07
4×4×4 Single17.42 Sebastian WeyerDanish Open 2019 (14–15 September)—
Average21.11 Max ParkBay Area Speedcubin' 21 2019 (1 December)21.01 / 22.00 / 20.31 / (19.28) / (24.79)
5×5×5 Single34.92 Max ParkHouston Winter 2020 (25 January)—
Average39.65 Max ParkWestern Championship 2019 (22–23 June)40.34 / (36.06) / (42.65) / 40.82 / 37.80
6×6×6 Single1:09.51 Max ParkHouston Winter 2020 (25 January)—
Average1:15.90 Max ParkHouston Winter 2020 (25 January)1:09.51 / 1:23.93 / 1:14.27
7×7×7 Single1:40.89 Max ParkCubingUSA Nationals 2019 (1–4 August)—
Average1:46.57 Max ParkHouston Winter 2020 (25 January)1:54.24 / 1:42.12 / 1:43.34
3×3×3 Blindfolded Single15.50 Max HilliardCubingUSA Nationals 2019 (1–4 August)—
Average18.18 Jeff ParkOU Winter 2019 (14 December)16.77 / 18.32 / 19.44
3×3×3 Fewest Moves Single16 Sebastiano TrontoFMC 2019 (15–16 June)—
Average21.00 Cale SchoonNorth Star Cubing Challenge 2020 (18–19 January)23 / 18 / 22
3×3×3 One-handed Single6.82 Max ParkBay Area Speedcubin' 20 2019 (12 October)—
Average9.42 Max ParkBerkeley Summer 2018 (16 September)9.43 / (11.32) / 8.80 / (8.69) / 10.02
Megaminx Single27.22 Juan Pablo HuanquiLa Tienda Cubera Christmas 2019 (21–22 December)—
Average30.39 Juan Pablo HuanquiWuxi Open 2019 (10–11 August)30.12 / (28.50) / (31.19) / 29.97 / 31.07
Pyraminx Single0.91 Dominik GórnyByczy Cube Race 2018 (23–24 June)—
Average1.86 Tymon KolasińskiGrudziądz Open 2019 (6 April)(1.05) / 2.13 / (2.30) / 1.94 / 1.51
Rubik's Clock Single3.29 Suen Ming Chi (孫銘志)GDSY Open 2019 (23–24 March)—
Average3.86 Yunhao Lou (娄云皓)Guangzhou Good Afternoon 2020 (13 December)3.52 / 4.28 / 4.57 / 3.54 / 3.76
Skewb Single0.91 Andrew HuangWCA World Championship 2019 (11–14 July)—
Average2.03 Łukasz BurligaCFL Santa Claus Cube Race 2017 (16–17 December)2.48 / 1.91 / 1.71 / (1.39) / (4.98)
Square-1 Single4.59 Martin Vædele EgdalDanish Championship 2020 (4-6 September)—
Average6.54 Vicenzo Guerino CecchiniBernô Feet Friendship 2019 (14–15 December)6.15 / 7.37 / (6.04) / 6.11 / (DNF)
4×4×4 Blindfolded Single1:02.51 Stanley ChapelMichigan Cubing Club Epsilon 2019 (14 December)—
Average1:08.76 Stanley ChapelMichigan Cubing Club Epsilon 2019 (14 December)1:02.51 / 1:14.05 / 1:09.72
5×5×5 Blindfolded Single2:21.62 Stanley ChapelMichigan Cubing Club Epsilon 2019 (14 December)—
Average2:27.63 Stanley ChapelMichigan Cubing Club Epsilon 2019 (14 December)2:32.48 / 2:28.80 / 2:21.62
3×3×3 Multiple Blindfolded Single59/60 Graham SigginsOSU Blind Weekend 2019 (8–10 November)59:46
A scatter plot of Rubik's Cube world records(single and average) against time. This depicts the improvement made over the years, as well as highlight records that stayed unbroken for an unusual amount of time.

Lubrication

Members of the cubing community lubricate their cubes to allow them to be manipulated faster, easier, and more reliably than a non-lubricated cube. The WCA allows lubrication for official competitions.[25]

Popular lubricants among speedcubers are:

  • Angstrom Gravitas/Dignitas
  • Angstrom Compound V/X
  • Cubicle Silicone Lube/Lubicle
  • Traxxas 10/30/50K Differential Oil
  • Maru Lubricant
  • Lubix Cube Lubricant
  • SpeedCubeShop Speed Lube
  • SpeedCubeShop Cosmic Lube
  • DNM-37
  • LumaLube
  • Lubicle Black
  • Zamu Lube
  • Lubicle Silk
  • Max Fleet/Max Command
  • Cubelelo Hurricane
  • Cubelelo Velocity
  • Cubelelo Swift
  • Cubelelo Calm
  • Cubelelo Storm
  • Cubelelo Breeze

All of these Lubricants are available from Cube stores.

Checking a lubricant's MSDS is often helpful in identifying cube-damaging ingredients. Cube lubricants should belong to the silicone family of lubrications because these are not going to damage the cube plastic.[26]

Terminology

Below are some definitions of words generally used by the speedcubing community. For a more complete list of speedcubing terminology, see the cubefreak.net glossary.

1LLL
A set of 3915 algorithms to solve every possible state that the last layer could be in after completing F2L. The average move count is 12.58.
Algorithm
A predefined sequence of moves used to effect a specific change on the cube. Often referred to as alg or (less commonly) an algo.
BLD
Blindfolded solving, i.e. memorize, put on blindfold, then solve.
Center piece
One of the centers of the faces of the cube. The centers never move relative to each other on an NxNxN cube, where N is odd. On NxNxN cubes where N>3, every piece with only one sticker is referred to as a 'center piece', including those pieces that can move relative to each other.
CLL
Corners of the Last Layer. This is the first of two steps of one of the methods of solving the last layer of the cube. In the process, edges may be unoriented. This is used in Corners First methods for the last layer, in which first all corners are solved, followed by the edges (see ELL). CLL is also commonly used to solve the last layer of a 2x2x2 cube in one step.
Commutator
A commutator is a sequence of the form X Y X' Y' (also represented as [X:Y] or [X,Y]) which affects only specific portions of the cube, leaving the rest untouched. This is used in Blindfolded solving and Fewest Moves Competition.
Corner piece
One of the 8 pieces with exactly three stickers, called a "corner" piece because a corner is exposed.
CR
Short for Continental Record (e.g. Record for a continent). Can also be "Continental Rank" when referring to the rank of a person's record in a database.
Cuber
Someone who solves a Rubik's cube, any of its other sizes, and/or other shaped puzzles.
Cubie
One of the mechanically independent pieces that make up a puzzle. The cubies do not include fixed center pieces, the central axis to which they are attached, or any other internal pieces (Such as the internal edges of a 4x4 or 2x2).
Cycle
To rotate pieces' positions on the cube. e.g. a 3-cycle would make cubie set A-B-C become C-A-B.
DNF
Initialism for Did Not Finish, used in competitions and self-timing. e.g. when a piece pop occurs and the competitor decides not to continue solving the puzzle, or when the solver stops the timer and the puzzle is 2 or more turns away from being solved.
DNS
Did Not Start, used in competition when the competitor does not begin a solve, either by opting to skip it (common in Blindfold Cubing), by not showing up when he or she is called, or not qualifying for the remaining (usually three) solves of a certain round.
Edge piece
One of the 12 pieces with exactly two stickers, called an "edge" piece because only one edge is exposed.
ELL
Edges of the Last Layer. The second of two steps of one of the methods of solving the last layer of the cube, solving the edge pieces without disturbing the corner pieces (see CLL).
EPLL
Edge Permutation of the Last Layer, specifically refers to the PLL cases in which only edges must be permuted to solve the cube.
Explode
When, during a solve, multiple cubies come out of contact with the puzzle, usually causing the puzzle to be unstable, in which, upon turning, more pieces may become loose and possibly pop out too.
F2B
First two blocks. This is used in the Roux method.
F2L
First two layers. This is used in the CFOP (Fridrich), Petrus, and ZZ methods.
Fingertrick
Techniques that cubers use to turn the cube quickly. Rather than turning a layer with the whole hand, only a finger is used.
FMC
Fewest move challenge.
L3C/L4C
Last 3 Corners/Last 4 Corners
Layer
One section of a cube consisting of a number of cubies that turn as a unit. (e.g. A standard Rubik's Cube has 3 layers.)
LL
Last Layer. Usually refers to the top layer of the cube, but for the Roux method can refer to the middle layer between the left and right faces.
LLEF
Last Layer Edges First. This is a variation of ELL (Edges of the Last Layer), but it ignores the corners. Has fewer moves and cases then the normal ELL, and after that is L4C.
Method
A combination of steps that can be used to solve a cube.
Move
A turn of one of the sides of a puzzle or knobs in the case of the clock.
N-look, also known as X-Look
Refers to the maximum number of iterations of algorithms necessary to complete a step in a particular solving method, often the last layer, e.g. '4-look LL'.
NR
Short for National Record (e.g. a record for a country). Can also be "National Rank" when referring to the rank of a person's record in a database.
OH
Short for One-Handed, it is the event or practice of solving a cube with one hand, left or right.
OLL
Orientation of the Last Layer, usually used in reference to the respective step of the CFOP and ZZ methods.
OLLCP
Orientation of the Last Layer with Corner Permutation. An advanced technique where multiple algorithms are learned for one OLL case, in order to use one that will solve the case while also permuting the corners, which results in an easy PLL case.
Orient
To change the orientation of a piece.
PB
Personal Best – personal record time to solve a puzzle. This can either be a single attempt or a trimmed average, depending on context.
PR
Personal Record – the personal record time to solve a puzzle achieved in competition.
Permute
To relocate certain pieces in a way to achieve the desired result.
PLL
Permutation of the Last Layer. Usually used in reference to the respective step of the CFOP and ZZ methods, in which case it would follow the OLL step.
Pop
When, during a solve, one or more cubies come out of contact with the puzzle, usually causing the puzzle to be unstable, in which, upon turning, more pieces may become loose and possibly pop out too.
Prime
A counter-clockwise move popularly denoted with a ', e.g. 'R-Prime', denoted as R', R-, , or Ri. Also (less commonly) known as "inverse" or "inverted".
Slice
The four center pieces and four edge pieces between two opposite layers of the cube. On a cube with four or more layers, it refers to any of the layers of the puzzle that don't have corner pieces. Also refers '/' moves in Square-1 puzzles.
Stickerless
A puzzle that uses colored plastic instead of stickers to indicate color. Most stickerless puzzles were forbidden in competitions prior to a 2015 update of WCA regulations.[27]
Summer Variation
A subset of algorithms for F2L that allows the user to force all upper-face corners to be oriented correctly, or an OLL-Skip, while the last F2L pair can be solved with R U R' or L' U' L.
SQ-1
Abbreviation for Square-1. Sometimes used as 'Squan'.
TPS
Turns per second – the number count of turns per second indicating how fast the cuber turns.
Two-Second Penalty, also known as +2
A penalty of 2 seconds which is added to a solving time in official competitions when the cube is placed back on the timing pad with one or more faces misaligned 45 degrees or more. It can also be given in other cases, such as when the competitor starts the timer too slow or does not correctly stop the timer after finishing the solve.
WB
The world's fastest time for a puzzle to be solved. This can either be a single attempt or a trimmed average, depending on context, and does not need to be achieved at an official WCA competition.
VLS
Valk Last Slot. A set of 432 algorithms (216 if mirrors are not counted), that solves together the last F2L pair and all of OLL when this last F2L pair is already joined.
WCA
World Cube Association, the international governing body for official cube competitions.
Winter Variation, also known as WV
A subset of algorithms for VLS that allows the user to force all upper-face corners to be oriented correctly, or an OLL-Skip, while the last F2L pair is already formed. It is used when the last F2L pair (One corner and its corresponding edge correctly positioned relative to each other) to be inserted is in the top layer, with the 3 top-layer edges oriented correctly. There are a total of 27 cases. WV has an average lower move count than the standard OLL.
WR
The world's fastest time to solve a puzzle achieved in competition.
X-Cross
Completing one or multiple F2L pairs during the cross setup, used almost exclusively in the CFOP method.
YTUWR
YouTube Unofficial World Record; the world's fastest time to solve a puzzle that is posted on YouTube, but not having been done at an official WCA competition, is unofficial.
ZBLL
ZBLL, short for Zborowski-Bruchem Last Layer (often shortened to ZB), is a set of 177 algorithms (Not including mirrors and inverses) with 493 cases to recognize in order to solve the last layer in one look while all of the top edges are oriented with an average move count of ~12.08. Can be used in any layer-by-layer method that ends in N-Look LL, but will only really be efficient in ZZ and Petrus, as these methods keep edges oriented, whereas methods such as CFOP do not keep the edges oriented, becoming a sometimes 2LLL solve.

Notes
1.^ Postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

See also

References
  1. "WCA Regulations". World Cube Association. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  2. "The history of the Rubik's Cube - Timeline with important dates". ruwix.com. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  3. "1982 Rubik's Cube World Championship Wikipedia page". Wikipedia. 11 August 2019.
  4. "NYTimes End of the Rubik's Cube Craze". New York Times. 30 October 1982.
  5. "Competitions". World Cube Association. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  6. https://ruwix.com/the-rubiks-cube/the-best-speedcube-competition-cubes-moyu-dayan-shengshou-yuxin/
  7. "David Singmaster Solution". Van Ness Web. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  8. "Guus Razoux Schultz". Speedsolving.com Wiki. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  9. "Speed Cubing". Rubik's Official Website. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
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