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Beyond the beginner method

How to solve a Rubik’s Cube in under one minute

You do not need to learn an entirely new method to break the one-minute barrier. Make your existing solution more direct, reduce pauses and learn to turn smoothly.

5 practical improvementsNo large algorithm set3×3 tutorial

Improve what you already know

The beginner method deliberately repeats a few simple processes because they are easy to remember. Once you can solve without instructions, those repetitions become the easiest places to save time.

This guide keeps the same overall solution while improving how you solve the cross, insert first-layer corners, recognise last-layer cases and turn the cube.

1

Skip the daisy and solve the cross directly

Insert each cross edge straight into the bottom layer.

The daisy is a helpful way to understand the cross, but it effectively makes you position every cross edge twice: first around the upper centre and then around the bottom centre. Your first major improvement is to solve the cross directly on the bottom.

Beginner methodBuild a daisy first
Faster methodInsert directly into the cross
What to checkEvery white edge must also match the centre on its side. Four white stickers alone do not make a solved cross.

A flipped cross edge

This white-green edge is positioned awkwardly. Hold the cube as shown and use the sequence to orient it and place it into the bottom cross.

Direct insertionF' D R' D'
The white-green edge can be inserted directly.

Insert from the side

Here, the white-green edge can be moved into position in only three moves. As you practise, try to find similarly direct solutions rather than returning every edge to the top first.

Side insertionR' F R
Match the side colour before inserting the edge.
Practise without timingScramble only the cross pieces and solve them directly on the bottom.
Use inspectionStart by planning one cross edge before turning. Gradually work towards planning the entire cross.
2

Insert first-layer corners efficiently

Use the orientation of the cross-colour sticker to choose a shorter insertion.

The beginner method may tell you to repeat R U R' U' until every corner enters its slot. That always works, but an awkward corner can require five repetitions. Instead, look at the direction in which the white sticker—or your chosen cross colour—faces.

White faces rightUse the normal right insertion.
R U R' U'
White faces frontMove the corner away, lift the slot and insert it.
U R U' R'
Insert from the leftUse the mirror of the right insertion.
L' U' L U

A corner twisted in its slot

If the correct corner is already in the correct position but is twisted, look at the white sticker before deciding which trigger to repeat.

White faces frontPerform U R U' R' twice.
White faces rightPerform R U R' U' twice.
3

Recognise the case before you start

A better holding angle can remove an entire repetition of an algorithm.

As your algorithms become automatic, stop looking only at the pieces being moved. Begin identifying what comes next and notice how the holding angle changes the result.

Beginner edge-permutation algorithmR U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2
Efficient angle: the edge cycle is solved with one execution.
Inverse cycle: using the same algorithm requires two executions.

The important lesson is not simply to memorise these two pictures. Before starting an algorithm, check where the solved block or correctly positioned edge is located and adjust the upper layer or your holding angle deliberately.

4

Use fingertricks instead of whole-hand turns

Make common sequences flow without repeatedly changing your grip.

A speedcube should be controlled mainly with your fingers. Hold the right layer securely with your right hand and use index-finger flicks for upper-layer moves. Front moves can often be pushed with a thumb or index finger.

For the common sequence below, turn R and R' with the right hand, flick U with the right index finger and push U' back with the right index finger too. Exact finger choice can vary with the moves before and after it.

The “sexy move”R U R' U'
Keep a light gripSqueezing the cube makes turning harder and increases lockups.
Practise both handsLeft-side insertions become much easier when your left hand can mirror familiar right-hand movements.
5

Turn smoothly before turning faster

Consistent movement beats bursts of speed separated by long pauses.

Beginners often try to improve by forcing every move as quickly as possible. This usually creates inaccurate turns, lockups and longer pauses while searching for pieces. Modern speedcubes are forgiving, but controlled turning still matters.

Slow down slightlyUse a speed at which you can already see the next piece.
Reduce pausesA continuous 45-second solve is better than fast bursts that total over a minute.
Increase speed graduallyOnce your movements remain accurate, raise your turning speed without losing control.

A simple practice session

  1. Complete five untimed solves, concentrating only on a direct bottom cross.
  2. Complete five solves in which every first-layer corner uses the appropriate insertion.
  3. Perform R U R' U' slowly until it flows without a regrip or lockup.
  4. Complete five full solves at a deliberately controlled speed and count your pauses.
  5. Only then time five solves and compare the average—not just your fastest single.