Beginner’s Guide: Learn How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube Step by Step

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The Rubik’s Cube, a 3×3 puzzle that has puzzled and fascinated minds for decades, might seem intimidating at first. But with the right method, anyone can solve it—yes, even if you’ve never solved a puzzle before! In this post, we’ll walk you through a beginner-friendly method to help you get started. Whether you’re solving it for fun or aiming to join the speedcubing community, learning how to solve a Rubik’s cube is a rewarding and engaging challenge.

Understanding the Cube: Basics Before You Begin

Before jumping into the steps, let’s get familiar with the basic terms and structure of the cube:

  • Faces: Each side of the cube, made up of 9 stickers.

  • Center Pieces: Fixed colors in the middle of each face; they never move and represent the color of each side.

  • Edge Pieces: Pieces with two colors that lie between corners.

  • Corner Pieces: Pieces with three colors located at the corners of the cube.

Step 1: Create the White Cross

Start by solving the white cross on the white face. This involves aligning four white edge pieces with the center of the white face and their respective adjacent side centers. Make sure the edge colors also match the center color on adjacent sides.

Tip: Don’t worry about the corners at this stage—just focus on getting the white cross correctly aligned.

Step 2: Solve the White Corners

Once the white cross is in place, it’s time to insert the white corner pieces to complete the first layer. Find white corner pieces on the bottom layer and position them under their correct spot. Use the Right-hand algorithm (R U Ri U R U2 Ri) to rotate the corner into place without disrupting the rest of the cross.

Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Next, we solve the four middle layer edge pieces. These are the non-white, non-yellow edge pieces that need to be placed between their corresponding center colors.

Use two algorithms:

  • If the piece needs to go to the right: U R Ui Ri Ui Fi U F

  • If the piece needs to go to the left: Ui Li U L U F Ui Fi

Step 4: Make the Yellow Cross

Now we move to the final layer—starting with forming a yellow cross. At this stage, you may see:

  • A single yellow dot

  • An L-shaped yellow section

  • A straight yellow line

Use this algorithm: F R U Ri Ui Fi, and repeat it until the yellow cross forms.

Step 5: Solve the Yellow Corners

With the yellow cross complete, you’ll focus on getting all the yellow corners into their correct position (even if they’re not oriented correctly yet). Use the following algorithm:
 U R Ui Li U Ri Ui L
 Repeat as needed until all corners are in the correct position.

Step 6: Position the Yellow Corners Correctly

Now that the yellow corners are in their correct spots, orient them so all yellow stickers face upward. Hold the cube with a yellow corner that needs to be rotated in the front-right-top position and perform this algorithm:
 Ri Di R D
 Repeat the algorithm 2 or 4 times per corner until the yellow sticker is on top. Rotate the top layer and repeat for the next corner.

Important: Don’t worry if other layers seem messed up—they’ll realign once all yellow corners are correctly oriented.

Step 7: Solve the Final Layer Edges

The final step is to rotate the last layer edges to finish the cube. Use this algorithm:
 F2 U L R F2 Ri Li U F2
 Repeat until each piece is in its correct spot and the cube is solved.

Tips to Improve Your Cubing Skills

  • Practice regularly to build muscle memory.

  • Watch video tutorials to reinforce your understanding.

  • Time yourself once you’re comfortable to track progress.

  • Upgrade your cube to a smoother, speed-optimized model from brands like GAN or MoYu.

FAQs About Solving a Rubik’s Cube

Q1: How long does it take to learn to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
 Most beginners can learn to solve a Rubik’s Cube using the beginner method in a few days to a week of practice.

Q2: Is solving a Rubik’s Cube good for your brain?
 Yes, it enhances memory, improves problem-solving skills, and boosts spatial awareness.

Q3: What is the easiest method for solving the cube?
 The layer-by-layer method (used in this guide) is considered the most beginner-friendly and easiest to learn.

Q4: Can a cube be unsolvable?
 If a cube has been tampered with (e.g., corner twisted, stickers swapped), it might become unsolvable. A genuine, untouched cube is always solvable.

Q5: How can I get faster after learning the beginner’s method?
 Once you’re comfortable, you can explore advanced methods like CFOP and start learning finger tricks to increase speed.

Final Thoughts

Solving a Rubik’s Cube is more than a neat party trick—it’s a journey of logic, patience, and practice. Once you master the beginner method, you’ll find yourself solving it faster and with more confidence. If you’re ready to take your first step and dive deeper into cubing, check out this detailed guide on how to solve a Rubik’s cube and start practicing today!