The Easiest Rubik’s Cube Solution You Can Learn in 10 Minutes

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Since its invention in 1974 by Ernő Rubik, the Rubik’s Cube has become one of the world’s most famous puzzles. With over 350 million cubes sold worldwide, it’s not just a toy it’s a cultural icon, a brain-teaser, and even a competitive sport called speedcubing.

Yet, for beginners, it often feels impossible. You twist a few sides, colors scramble, and within seconds the cube looks unsolvable. That’s when the frustration kicks in.

But here’s the truth: solving a Rubik’s Cube is not about random moves it’s about following a logical sequence of steps. With a clear method and practice, anyone can solve it. In this blog, we’ll walk you through theory, step-by-step solving, common mistakes, advanced tips, and even online solvers.

By the end, you’ll not only know how to solve a Rubik’s Cube but also why each step works.

Understanding the Rubik’s Cube: The Basics You Must Know

Before diving into the solution, let’s break down the cube itself.

Centers: The middle square of each face never moves relative to others. These define the color of each side. For example, the white center means that the face will always be the white side.
Edges: Pieces with two colors. There are 12 in total. Example: red-white edge.
Corners: Pieces with three colors. There are 8 corners in total. Example: red-white-blue corner.

👉 The cube’s challenge comes from arranging all these 20 movable pieces (12 edges + 8 corners) back to their correct positions.

Cube Notation (Must-Know Language of Moves)

When following tutorials, you’ll see letters like R, L, U, D, F, B. Here’s what they mean:

R = Right face clockwise
R′ (R prime) = Right face counterclockwise
U = Up face clockwise
U′ = Up face counterclockwise
F = Front face clockwise
F′ = Front face counterclockwise
D, L, B follow the same logic

If you see R2, it means turn the right face 180°.

Understanding notation is critical because solving is about repeating specific algorithms (move sequences) that manipulate some pieces while keeping others intact.

Step-by-Step Solution to Solve a Rubik’s Cube

Now let’s go through the 7-step beginner’s method. This is the most popular, easiest method to learn.

Step 1: Solve the White Cross

Goal: Create a white cross on the bottom face, ensuring that the other color of each white edge matches the side center.

Theory:

Instead of randomly placing white pieces, we use the “daisy method.”

Hold the cube with the yellow center on top.
Find all white edges and place them around the yellow center like flower petals.
Once you have a daisy, rotate each white edge down to match its correct center and flip it onto the bottom face.

👉 Many beginners make the mistake of focusing only on white stickers. Remember: every move should respect both colors of an edge.

Step 2: Solve the White Corners

Goal: Complete the white face by placing all four white corner pieces correctly.

Theory:

Each white corner must sit between its two side colors. For example, the white-green-red corner belongs between the green and red centers.

Method:

Look for white corner pieces in the top layer.
Position them above their target spot.
Use the algorithm: R′ D′ R D repeatedly until the corner is placed correctly.

👉 Patience is key. Sometimes you’ll need to repeat the sequence multiple times for one corner.

Step 3: Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Goal: Place the non-yellow edges in the middle layer, completing the second layer.

Theory:
At this stage, the bottom layer (white face) should be solved. Now, we look for edges in the top layer that don’t contain yellow. These edges belong in the middle.

Method:

Align the edge with its matching center.
If it needs to go right: perform the U R U′ R′ U′ F′ U F algorithm.
If it needs to go left: perform the U′ L′ U L U F U′ F′ algorithm.

👉 This step introduces your first real “insertion moves.” The key is that these algorithms move an edge into the middle without disturbing your solved bottom layer.

Step 4: Make the Yellow Cross

Goal: Form a yellow cross on the top face.

Theory:

You may see one of these patterns:

A dot (no yellow edges facing up)
An “L” shape
A straight line
Already a cross

To transform these patterns into a full cross, use this algorithm: F R U R′ U′ F′

👉 Repeat until the yellow cross appears. This is the foundation of the final layer.

Step 5: Align the Yellow Edges

Goal: Ensure the yellow cross edges match their side centers.

Method:

Rotate the top layer until at least two edges align with side centers.
Hold the cube so the solved edges face you and to the left.
Perform the algorithm: R U R′ U R U2 R′ U

👉 After this, all four yellow edges will match their centers.

Step 6: Position the Yellow Corners

Goal: Place all yellow corners in their correct spots (orientation comes later).

Method:

Look for a corner already in the correct position (even if rotated wrong).
If none, perform the algorithm once and check again.
Algorithm: U R U′ L′ U R′ U′ L

👉 Repeat until all corners are correctly placed.

Step 7: Orient the Yellow Corners (Finish the Cube)

Goal: Rotate yellow corners so all yellows face up, solving the cube.

Method:

Hold the cube so the unsolved yellow corner is at top-right.
Perform algorithm: R′ D′ R D repeatedly until the corner is solved.
Rotate the top layer to the next corner and repeat.

👉 After the fourth corner is solved, your cube will be complete. Congratulations! 🎉

The Theory Behind Rubik’s Cube Solving

At this point, you’ve solved the cube. But here’s the deeper truth:

Why algorithms work: Each move sequence is designed to manipulate certain pieces while preserving others.
Commutators & conjugates: These are the building blocks of algorithms. They swap pieces in cycles without disturbing the rest.
Group theory connection: The cube is a physical example of abstract algebra, with over 43 quintillion combinations. Every scramble is solvable.

Understanding this theory helps you move beyond beginner solving into speedcubing methods like CFOP (Fridrich method), Roux, or ZZ method.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Ignoring side colors when making the white cross.
Rotating cube randomly instead of using consistent notation.
Forcing corners or edges into place. This messes up solved sections.
Not practicing algorithms enough. Speed comes with muscle memory, not shortcuts.

Online Rubik’s Cube Solvers: Helpful or Harmful?

Today, there are many Rubik’s Cube solver apps and websites. These let you input your scrambled cube and generate solving steps instantly.

Advantages:

Helps beginners visualize solutions.
Useful when you’re stuck mid-solve.
Great for learning new algorithms.

Disadvantages:

Can make you dependent instead of learning logic.
Removes the sense of accomplishment if overused.

👉 Best approach: use solvers as learning tools, not crutches.

Benefits of Learning to Solve a Rubik’s Cube

Improves memory: You must recall sequences and patterns.
Boosts problem solving skills: Each step is a mini puzzle.
Teaches patience & focus: Essential for kids and adults.
Fun party trick: Nothing beats impressing friends by solving it.
Gateway to speedcubing: A global competitive community awaits.

Advanced Next Steps After Learning Beginner’s Method

Once you can solve consistently, you may want to get faster:

Learn CFOP (Fridrich Method): Used by most speedcubers.
Practice F2L (First 2 Layers): Solve pairs intuitively.
OLL/PLL algorithms: One-look last layer.
Invest in a Speed Cube: Modern cubes are smoother and faster.
Join Competitions: World Cube Association (WCA) events are held globally.

Conclusion

Learning how to solve a Rubik’s Cube may seem like an impossible task, but with patience and this 7-step method, you’ll discover it’s actually a simple, logical puzzle. From making the white cross to orienting the final yellow corners, every step builds your problem-solving skills and sharpens your mind.

Remember: practice is everything. The first solution might take an hour, but with time, you’ll reduce it to minutes, maybe even seconds. And once you’re hooked, you’ll discover advanced methods, speedcubing, and even blindfolded solving. So grab your cube, start with Step 1, and join the millions who’ve experienced the joy of cracking this timeless puzzle.