Unlike other twisty puzzles, Magic Cube 3×3 can be solved using intuition. This is especially helpful for new cubers who are struggling with the corners. It can take a while to get used to the algorithms, but it should eventually ‘click’ in your head.
Start by finding an unaligned corner in the top layer and match it to a center. Then, repeat the algorithm until all edges are matched with their centers.
Product Description
A classic puzzle, the Magic Cube challenges your mind and problem-solving skills. It consists of six central pieces that show one coloured face, twelve edge pieces that show two coloured faces and eight corner pieces that show three coloured faces. There are over 43 quintillion (that’s 43 with 18 zeros) moves that can be made on the cube, but there is only one solution.
The most popular solver is the CFOP method, which stands for cross, first layer edges, and orienting and permuting of the last layer. This solution requires learning about 120 algorithms, but allows the Cube to be solved in only 55 moves on average.
Designed for speed cubing, this magnetic cube is lightweight and has a smooth feel with almost muffled-like spring noise. It’s also highly adjustable with dual adjustment systems. This is the only 3×3 cube on our list that’s made from magnetized material, which makes it even faster and more precise.
Product Features
The cube has six central pieces that show one coloured face and twelve edge pieces that show two. It can be solved in a few steps by matching pairs of edges, or in a more complex way by changing the position of the center pieces. There are several algorithms for solving the cube, and it is possible to combine them to reach a solution faster.
The Moyu WeiLong GTS 3 is a successor to the MoYu WeiLong GTS 2 and features many improvements that make it a very good speed cube. It comes with a dual adjustment system and the patented outer ridges that make it more comfortable to grip. It is fast and stable with a premium feel. Corner cutting is excellent and it doesn’t pop or twist.
The MoreTry 3×3 is a fast and reliable puzzle that has an extremely light and fast turning feel with a loud “clack” sound when it moves. It has standard edge and corner magnets but the more expensive versions come with feet and core/corner magnets for even greater stability.
Product Specifications
The Cube has six central pieces that show coloured faces and twelve edge pieces. Each side of the Cube can be turned either clockwise or anticlockwise and twice (180-degree turns) or in a double-clockwise direction. This allows the location of a chosen colour to be changed, but the position of the other colours is fixed.
The cube is a very popular speed cube among top competitors. It is optimized for speed and has excellent corner cutting with no pops or twists. It also has a smooth feel with almost muffled like noise compared to the high pitched clunky sound of older MoYu cubes.
The cube is easy to fine tune by adjusting the tension of the screws. To do this remove the caps on each of the centre pieces that need adjusting. Then tighten or loosen the screw beneath them. This can change the “feel” of the cube by reducing or increasing friction between layers. It is best to adjust it after the cube has been broken in and used for a while.
Final Words
There are approximately 519 quintillion[53] possible arrangements of the cube’s center, edge, and corner pieces. However, only one in twelve of these are solvable.
The first step is to make sure that all four corners are in the correct position. This can be done by performing the “H” pattern algorithm from any side of the cube. This will move all the edges into their correct positions and solve the cube.
The next step is to permute the edges. There are two algorithms for this, both of which are easy to perform, but each has a different effect. The simplest one swaps the two edge pieces with their opposites, while the other permutes all of the edge pieces in a specific way. Using either algorithm will get the job done, but the simpler one is usually employed earlier in the solution when more work is needed.