How To Be Sub 20 On 3x3 | A Complete Guide

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide for achieving sub-20 second 3x3 solves using the CFOP method. It breaks down the four main steps—cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL—and outlines the recommended time splits for each. The video emphasizes the importance of efficient techniques, good habits, and deliberate practice. It also highlights the necessity of mastering algorithms, recognizing patterns, and minimizing unnecessary movements. Viewers are encouraged to track their progress using CS Timer and refine their skills to reduce solve times. The journey to sub-20 requires dedication and practice, but with consistent effort, it’s attainable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on mastering the CFOP method to achieve sub-20 second average on the 3x3 cube.
• 😀 The recommended time splits are 3 seconds for Cross, 10 seconds for F2L, 4 seconds for OLL, and 3 seconds for PLL.
• 😀 Effective planning and execution during the Cross step is crucial for fast solving, aiming for fewer moves (8 or less).
• 😀 F2L efficiency depends on minimizing rotations and solving pairs intuitively rather than using a step-by-step process.
• 😀 Aim to reduce time spent on OLL by mastering fast recognition and minimizing unnecessary moves.
• 😀 Master full PLL to solve it in under 3 seconds, as this improves overall solve efficiency compared to two-look PLL.
• 😀 Tracking move counts and practicing with tools like CS Timer can help monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
• 😀 Becoming sub-20 requires dedicated practice, perseverance, and attention to improving weak points in your solving method.
• 😀 Properly understanding and predicting AUF (Adjustment of the Last Layer) can greatly speed up PLL and OLL.
• 😀 Consistency and focus are key—solving the cube quickly isn’t about natural talent, but about applying deliberate practice and refining your techniques.
• 😀 If you struggle with any specific step, dedicate extra time to practicing that part to improve your overall solving speed.

Q & A

What is the importance of solving the cross in under 3 seconds?

Solving the cross in under 3 seconds is crucial for achieving a sub-20 average because it sets a strong foundation for the rest of the solve. A slow cross can create a significant delay, making it harder to meet the target time of 20 seconds.

How can I improve my cross-solving efficiency?

Improving cross efficiency involves mastering techniques like solving cross pieces on the wrong center, combining moves to solve multiple pieces at once, and minimizing unnecessary rotations during the solution. Regularly practicing cross scrambles and using tools like CS Timer can help track your progress.

What role does planning the cross during inspection play in improving speed?

Planning the entire cross during the inspection phase allows you to solve it faster without having to search for pieces during the solve. This reduces the time spent looking for cross pieces, which is a common mistake among beginners.

How can I practice cross-solving to improve my speed?

You can practice cross-solving by turning off inspection on CS Timer and trying to plan out the entire cross before solving it. Another useful method is to solve the cross blindfolded after planning, which forces you to visualize the solution and solidify your planning skills.

What are the key factors to completing F2L in under 10 seconds?

To solve F2L in under 10 seconds, you need efficient F2L solutions and strong knowledge of how to recognize and solve F2L cases quickly. Avoid unnecessary cube rotations and extra moves. Developing good habits like deliberate decision-making and planning your moves before executing them is also crucial.

How can I recognize F2L cases faster and solve them efficiently?

By learning to visualize F2L cases and combining steps instinctively, you'll be able to solve pairs quickly. The more you practice, the more you'll be able to recognize patterns in the cases, reducing the need to follow a step-by-step approach and allowing for quicker solutions.

Why is it important to practice deliberate decision-making during F2L?

Deliberate decision-making is vital for eliminating unnecessary moves and cube rotations. By pausing after the cross to plan your F2L pairs, you ensure that each move serves a purpose, leading to a faster and more efficient solve.

What can I do to improve my OLL time?

To improve your OLL time, focus on mastering your algorithms and improving your finger tricks. Efficient algorithm execution, recognizing OLL cases quickly, and avoiding unnecessary moves are key. You should be able to execute each OLL algorithm in under a second.

What are the main factors to finishing PLL in under 3 seconds?

To finish PLL in under 3 seconds, you need to know all PLL cases (or at least use a 2-look PLL method) and execute the algorithm quickly. Predicting the AUF (adjustment) after finishing the PLL algorithm is essential for saving time by avoiding unnecessary cube rotations.

What are some tips for predicting the AUF during PLL?

To predict the AUF during PLL, focus on the position of key blocks and how they relate to their solved positions. For example, if you recognize that the 1x2 block in a T-perm will need a U' after the algorithm, you can preemptively adjust the cube before performing the algorithm.

What is the significance of good habits in sub-20 cubing?

Good habits are essential for maintaining efficiency and consistency. By focusing on deliberate actions, such as avoiding unnecessary cube rotations, recognizing cases quickly, and using the optimal solution for each step, you ensure that you're solving each phase of the cube as quickly as possible.

How can I practice to become sub-20, and how long will it take?

Becoming sub-20 requires focused practice, especially on weak points. The process isn't quick and demands perseverance, discipline, and critical thinking. Consistent practice, tracking your splits, and improving technique in all phases of the solve will help you achieve this goal over time.