Solving a Rubik’s cube is already an achievement in itself, but for many puzzle enthusiasts, that’s just the beginning. Speed quickly becomes an important motivator to further develop your skills and make solving even more enjoyable. Whether you want to impress friends or challenge yourself to achieve better and better times, there are concrete steps you can take to become faster.

The transition from simply being able to solve to speedcubing requires a different approach than you might be used to. With the right techniques, practice, and mindset, you as a beginner can quickly make noticeable progress in your solve times.

Why speed is important when solving cubes

Speed when solving a Rubik’s cube contributes to a much more satisfying puzzle experience. When your movements become more fluid and your solve times drop, a flow emerges that transforms solving from pure thinking to intuitive action. This development keeps you motivated and makes each session more challenging.

Moreover, speed opens the door to the worldwide speedcubing community. With better times, you can participate in competitions, compare yourself with other cubers, and become part of a passionate group of puzzle enthusiasts. The pursuit of speed also improves your general problem-solving ability and hand-eye coordination in a playful way.

1: Start with the right cube for speed

A standard Rubik’s cube from the store is often too slow and stiff for serious speedcubing. Speedcubes are specially designed with smoother mechanisms, magnetic stabilization, and adjustable tension for optimal performance. These cubes turn much lighter and more precisely than traditional versions.

For beginners, magnetic 3×3 speedcubes are ideal because the magnets help align the layers during fast movements. This prevents your cube from falling apart or locking up, allowing you to focus on techniques instead of correcting mechanical problems. Investing in a good speedcube is often the difference between frustration and rapid progress.

2: Learn the CFOP method step by step

The CFOP method (Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL) is the most popular speedcubing technique because it’s efficient and systematic. Start by perfecting the cross on the bottom, which forms the foundation for all subsequent steps. A good cross can be solved in eight moves or less and largely determines your final time.

F2L (First Two Layers) is the most time-consuming step but also offers the greatest opportunities for time savings. Instead of solving layer by layer, you combine placing corner pieces and edge pieces in one fluid motion. This technique requires a lot of practice but can drastically improve your solve times once you master it.

3: Practice finger techniques and grip positions

Efficient finger techniques are crucial for speed and prevent fatigue during long practice sessions. Learn different grips for different situations: a thumb grip for R and U moves, your index finger for L moves, and your ring finger for D moves. Each finger has its optimal direction of movement and strength.

Avoid wrist movements and instead use finger strength for all turning motions. This feels unnatural at first but ultimately results in much faster and more accurate movements. Practice slowly and gradually build speed while ingraining proper finger techniques, so you don’t develop bad habits.

4: Use a timer for motivated progress

A Stackmat timer or timer app gives you objective feedback on your performance and helps you identify specific areas for improvement. By tracking your times, you can discover patterns and see which steps of your solution take the most time. This data helps you allocate your practice time more effectively.

Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories. As a beginner, you can aim to break the 2-minute, 1-minute, and eventually 30-second barriers. Consistently measuring your times keeps you motivated and shows that practice really leads to improvement, even when progress sometimes seems slow.

5: Learn the most essential algorithms by heart

Start by learning the 21 most common OLL algorithms (Orientation of the Last Layer) and 21 PLL algorithms (Permutation of the Last Layer). Instead of learning all 57 OLL and 21 PLL algorithms at once, focus on the patterns you encounter most frequently during solving.

Use spaced repetition to store algorithms in your long-term memory. Practice a few algorithms each day until they become automatic, then add new ones to your repertoire. Muscle memory is essential: your fingers must be able to execute the movements without consciously thinking about each turn.

6: Practice lookahead and planning during solving

Lookahead means that while executing one step, you’re already looking at the next step. This skill eliminates pauses between algorithms and keeps your cube constantly moving. Start by practicing lookahead during slower solves before trying to apply it at speed.

Also develop inspection skills by effectively using the first 15 seconds to plan your cross and the first F2L pair. Good planning during inspection can improve your solve time by 5-10 seconds without having to turn physically faster. Train yourself to recognize patterns and think multiple steps ahead.

From beginner to fast speedcuber in 6 steps

These six tips together form a complete development path from casual solving to serious speedcubing. Start by upgrading your equipment and learning efficient methods, then develop your physical techniques and mental skills. Consistent practice with the right focus will gradually but surely improve your times.

Remember that speedcubing is a marathon, not a sprint. Every speedcuber has experienced periods of rapid progress and plateaus. Stay patient, enjoy the process, and celebrate every personal record you achieve. With dedication and the right approach, you can go from minutes to seconds in your Rubik’s cube solve times within a few months.