Rubik's Cube Part 3

I have to say I’m addicted! I can’t stop working on the cube - or writing about it. There’s basically 6 steps to solve the cube (at least the way I’m learning). Step 2 had some incorrect instructions which had me stuck for the longest time. But as I played with the cube and learned the other moves, I was able to figure out an alternative approach to Step 2. Now I’m in the simple process of practice practice practice to be able to do it on my own. At first I was trying to memorize the individual moves but without understanding the why I was doing it the really really long way. Some steps can have 10 repetitions of a move that is composed of 8 turns. That’s a lot of twisting and turning!

My approach has been to master each step. After step 1 I moved onto step 2 and did rote memorization of the moves. Then I just went over steps 1-2 over and over again until I understood why I was moving the way I was. Then I would move onto step 3 and memorize 3 going over steps 1-3 over and over again. I’m up to step 4 and have 1-4 mastered. Most of the time I can do each move without looking too! I still have to look after each reposition.

Of course steps 5 and 6 are super long. It takes more and more moves at the end to reposition one square without dislodging the others you’ve built up and positioned.

Ok, that’s the boring part probably for those not at all inclined about learning or knowing how I’m learning the cube. I just have to say that I’m now dreaming about solving the cube. Last night I fell asleep while working on the cube. One minute I was working on it in front of the TV after a late night out with friends at the terrace at the ICA (great summer setting btw - very European vibe). And next thing - I woke up with the cube in my hand and I don’t remember pausing.

I’m determined to master it to a point it’s a skill that stays with me for life. So close….(but have a sneaking suspicion I’m only half way through the process).