Jack Cline

I am still on the memorization process of the last few algorithms to solve the cube. I have remembered F U R U' R' F, which is the algorithm to solve the yellow cross. I am still working on the algorithm that puts all the corners in the right places. This will require the memorization of 14 moves, and will be the hardest algorithm yet. Once again, I am able to solve the cube, but now it's time to solve it without a guide to help me. I believe that I am at a solid point in my project as I am right on track with my planning sheet.

I am now able to solve the whole cube! However, I need the notes in my phone to do so. The final algorithms are extremely lengthy and will require some memorization. Nonetheless, I have solved the cube and it feels great. The next few weeks will be used to memorize these final algorithms and improve on my time to solve. Using the guides on my phone, it takes me about 5 minutes. I want to minimize this to under 3. If I can reach this goal sooner than I expect, I will embark on a pyramid cube. I will keep you posted!

Although it wasn't easy, I am able to solve the yellow side on my own.  The reason this side has been the most challenging thus far is because there is a few different configurations that can appear.  There is either a yellow dot that appears, a yellow "L," or a straight yellow line.  Each of these requires a different algorithm to solve.  After the straight line is solved, a yellow fish should appear on the top that requires one more algorithm to solve the entire yellow side.  I will continue to practice solving the yellow side, and then move on to the next step which will aligning the corners with their corresponding colors.

Most of this week I have worked on refining my skills for the cube.  I can now solve the first side in less than 30 seconds, and can solve the next two layers in 45 seconds. I believe that getting these sides locked down will help me improve my speed in the future.  I am currently working on the top yellow side.  This side has proved to be the hardest thus far because there is a few different algorithms to use regarding different scenarios that can occur.  I have solved the yellow side several times, but I am unable to solve it without a guide to follow.  My goal for next week is to get the yellow side done without having to think about it.  I will keep you updated on how this goes!

All my life I have viewed the Rubik's cube as the hierarchy of puzzles that would be impossible to crack.  Over this first week, I have come to the realization that this is not the case!  The videos I have found online are very descriptive and fairly easy to follow.  Sure, there were a few steps that I was unclear on, but overall, the Rubik's cube has been a fun challenge. So far, I am able to solve the first side with ease, and can get two layers on top of that.  This puts me two weeks ahead of my planning sheet!  I think this will be fine though because the last sides will be the hardest part.  Another thing I have come to find about the Rubik's cube, is that it is highly addictive.  I constantly find myself playing with it to improve on the methods I have already learned.  I can't wait to continue with my genius hour idea!