How to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 8 Steps | The Math of Games and Puzzles

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This video is episode nine from the series "The Mathematics of Games and Puzzles: From Cards to Sudoku"
Stream the full series now on Wondrium www.Wondrium.com/KZbin
It’s one of the most famous puzzles ever invented. But Professor Benjamin has an easy-to-learn, eight-step method for solving this mind-bending puzzle quickly and accurately-every time. After examining the mathematics behind the cube and pondering how many different cube positions are possible, you’ll follow him step-by-step through an algorithm (taught to Professor Benjamin by a world-champion cube solver) that, with practice, will have you solving any Rubik’s Cube in less than three minutes.
For quick reference, here are the eight steps for solving a Rubik's Cube:
00:00 Intro
1:16 Step 1: The Daisy
2:53 Step 2: The Easy
6:20 Step 3: The 1 2 3 Move
14:27 Step 4: The Middle Layer
22:14 Step 5: F U R U' R' F'
24:42: Step 6: The Fun Move
27:40 Step 7: R' F Move
30:58 Step 8: F F U R L Move
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[@eltonchatambudza5344]

This is the only video that should be used to teach how to solve the Rubik's cube. Excellent explanation

[@PWD65]

There are simpler ones out there imo

[@BugifyYT]

Ikr

[@BugifyYT]

​@@PWD65 nope

[@alandouthwaite6980]

Before looking at other comments, I am adding my own !!! As a pretty active 86 yr old, I first tried a rubik cube 40 yrs ago and couldn't do it. The years passed by and I wanted another try after watching a scam version (with half the cube solved) I ordered a cube (the original was binned) and before it arrived I discovered the scam and wished I hadn't ordered on, however it arrived and I had a play, I managed the daisy and the cross but didn't know how. I continued looking for the magic quick and easy way to solve it and was not impressed....until today when I dropped on your method. I was totally amazed that I could follow its logic with ease for the first time !! I have not watched the final layer as I had to say ......Thank you for giving me renewed interest, Your method of teaching is the first one of many that I can clearly understand !!! THANK YOU !!!🤣😁

[@alandouthwaite6980]

Completed Rubiks Cube for the first time!!! I made so many mistakes writing it all down, that I can get to the first two layers unaided, so shall keep trying. It has been so absorbing so far and through errors I have completed it 8 times so far!!!

[@alandouthwaite6980]

Still cannot complete unaided !!! crib sheet still needed fo 7 & 8. I have had one or two occasions when the system seems to just keep repeating results and am not sure whether to go back a step or keep repeating the same move, of course following the video always works out !!! will keep trying🤣

[@qotsajr]

@@alandouthwaite6980Congrats! That's awesome 🙂

[@saimch.9388]

Main problem is final layer, once you see that, you will return the cube to shop.

[@atlantic_love]

I've yet to watch the whole video, but you are very comfortable to listen to, and patient. My kind of teacher!

[@bigj3311]

I’ve watched HOURS of different videos on how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. The middle layer was the most difficult part for me. Watching this video allowed to follow along at a decent pace, and finally solve my Rubik’s cube.

[@xboxcreatelive4768]

Same, Great Video!!!

[@TheGreatCourses]

Thank you, we are glad you like it. 😊

[@sunniblacc78]

Same here just finished mines today 🎉

[@zhangvicky8040]

FAKE

[@MaryGichomba]

L​

[@angelsierra2656]

This dude is the man! I've been trying to dedicate and solve for years! I finally did it!

[@Arrowed_Sparrow]

You're a frickin legend! For the first time I've finally solved a Rubik's cube... Now I'll tattoo these instructions to my arm and I'll be set for life.

[@whirledpeas3477]

Now I understand what my dog thinks when I talk to him.

[@KRYPTOS_K5]

LoL hahahaha ... Brasil in fact, he is an excellent professor.

[@richiefelix6578]

This guy is great at complicating how to solve the cube

[@masibulelemnguni6554]

​@@richiefelix6578 what's the easiest way?

[@richiefelix6578]

@@masibulelemnguni6554can you solve it

[@masibulelemnguni6554]

@@richiefelix6578 no I can't , dont even have one

[@marissaj.renteria6598]

Fantastic, this is the one and only video you’ll ever need. Bravo on presentation🎉

[@grownatural6235]

This guy is born to teach stuff 🔥

[@selcukipek3075]

amazing! I appreciate that he is not fancy and old school: some guys here are trying to show off and fly through the steps which is annoying. He is great!

[@katebrickey1149]

This is the best tutorial by far! He does it slow enough for you to see what is happening. I've tried many other solving videos and they always went to fast and didn't explain enough. thanks!

[@attilatasciko4817]

As a "magyar"[ hungarian - where Mr. Rubik created this and other wondertoys ] , this is very good , thanks .

[@Fabian-cl9pj]

Thank you so much, been trying different videos but this one just made better sense.

[@timr3563]

I'm glad I found your video. After trying to solve the cube with three other videos, I finally got it. Your instructions were by far the easiest for me to follow. Rubik's cube is off my bucket list. Good thing as I'm turning 70 soon. Thank you.

[@msmukul12345]

I spent a lot of hours learning to solve from various videos available on youtube. But this video made it so easy that i completed the cube in an hour. Thank you so much for sharing this video. Also the teacher is very calm and patient and also knows what problems can a beginner face.

[@Spicy_So_Nicey3746]

Many videos and better part of a week and finally got a first solve! Just needed the right teacher I guess!

[@randygod1]

I am not a smart man by any means. I love puzzles though. I can now solve a Rubik’s cube solely because of this great tutorial. Simple to follow and very well demonstrated.

[@patrickganly5206]

You're a very good teacher and again you have succeeded where all others have failed! Many thanks to you sir! ✌️😁👍

[@Mangani-uf6hk]

i never envisioned it this simple, thank you so much for this

[@kaylachristine5458]

Thank you!!!!!! This is the only video I found that actually taught me and allowed me to solve my cube 🎉🎉🎉

[@raymondgoris923]

I just completed the Rubik's cube for the first time in my life. I am beyond ecstatic. It brought so much joy. I don't think I will ever mix it up again... LoL. Great video!

[@gnastyg7798]

I bought another one! I didnt want to mess it up... lol

[@alandouthwaite6980]

Know the feeling !!!😁🤣

[@parthaee]

The "mnemonic" way of teaching algorithms ,its just a savior . This made the whole process understandable for even kids. I'm able to solve for the 1st time the cube just watching and doing simultaneously . Belive me its the best teaching ever. Thanks Prof. Arthur for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.🙏

[@gopinathnaik1106]

Solved my Rubik's cube for first time ever.. so happy for this.. Thanks a lot! You were amazing.

[@walterfristoe4643]

I like the corners first method, but this one is appealing too! 👏

[@mdh2655]

Thank you. This tutorial is the best one on the internet. Clear and very well explained!

[@TheGreatCourses]

We are glad you enjoyed this video!

[@vantran6478]

The way you are showing very clearly. Thank you very much.

[@masterkilla77]

Best video on rubiks cube thank you! You are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@gregliveriou]

`PERFECT EDUCATIONAL EXPLANATION THANK YOU👍👍👏👏

[@kenc8411]

I have watched a half dozen tutorials on this cube until I stumbled onto yours, after which I solved my first cube. Then, I went back to the previous other tutorials that I've watched, and I still had a hard time trying to follow them, even though I already knew how to solve the cube your style. As they say, the first step is always the hardest. The other tutorials that I watched before yours all made the same mistake: they started with cube notations right after introducing different pieces of the cube. You, on the other hand, started with something easy to get along with, like "123 move," "Fun Move," and so forth, and left the notations toward the end when we're already reasonably familiar and comfortable with the movements. I think that is the deciding factor. You didn't start with intimidating elements. As a side note. My 6-year-old nephew, after watching this video, also solved his first cube.

[@boatdisability6177]

I must suck if a six year old can do it… I’m stuck on step four

[@kenc8411]

@@boatdisability6177 Don't worry about it. That kid has more brain cells than his peers. Neither he or I succeeded the first time, and the first success was sort of a fluke. It actually took me like a week to be able to solve every time.

[@mathewrtaylor]

Still need to memorize step 7 and 8, have everything else down. Well demonstrated and I will likely play several more times till I can get the last 2 steps locked in!

[@jayeshkamat7188]

same

[@g2gfijiman]

best instructions and i actually solved the mirror cube using his instructions. Thanks for educating and the clear demonstrations of the sequences.

[@israelmondragon2664]

Thanks to this video I was able to do it. Best video out here. Best thing to Donna practice every single move or phase till you get down . Feels awsome.

[@chiazorcynthia2701]

Finally, I'm able to solve a Rubik's cube... Excellent teaching!👏👏💯

[@timcotterill3952]

Hi there, & first thanks for a great, clear set of instructions. My father brought a Magic cube back from a trip to Germany in 1978. I’ve been trying in vain to solve it Ever Since! It took me maybe 4 hours of making mistakes, but finally I’ve solved the blasted thing! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been trying to solve the Rubix Cube since before it was called the Rubix Cube. I am delighted. ❤🇦🇺👏

[@cuda426hemi]

Except there is no such thing as a Rubix cube. Dude's name was Rubik. 👀

[@amardatt2101]

So nice and happy to watch this.

[@davidlmk]

Best Rubik cube tutorial ever!!! I have watched over 6 tutorials those have over 10 millions view, but I never solved the cube once until I have seen this video 🎉 Thank you so much!!!

[@varneemc3649]

This is the only video that helps me to solve my rubik's cube every time. Thank you

[@meilanlee302]

Thanks for the great and very clear step to step instruction. I had been wanting to solve the rubic cube since childhood and finally get it solve first time in my life.

[@theluckymanfrom]

I was able to solve this with your instructions and I did have to go back and rewind several times to become familiar with the steps. Writing down the algorithms helped me also. I'm in my 70's and this was a great mind exercise for me. Thanks for the video.

[@byaruhangaabdallah8587]

Why do I get a persistent unsolved cube at the bottom !??

[@theluckymanfrom]

@@byaruhangaabdallah8587 Hi friend, be sure to follow each step as he teaches it and you will solve it. I showed this video to my granddaughter who is 10 and she can now solve it in under 3 minutes. It helped me to write down each step of the algorithms. Don't give up.🙂

[@SONYS_7]

Thanks. You made this really simple. Now I am just trying to increase my speed in solving them.

[@EvolutionDIY]

Thanks so much for making the video. I am now teaching my 6 year old to solve this, so he can impress all his friends. This method is just straight forward and logical for me. 42 years old, and I never had any idea how in the heck to solve a rubiks cube….now I know.

[@ytpah9823]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🧩 Learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube in eight steps. 01:06 🌼 In step one, create a daisy pattern on the bottom layer by matching white edge pieces with their respective centers. 03:23 🌈 In step two, complete the bottom layer by matching the white edge pieces with their adjacent colors on the middle layer. 04:45 🌟 In step three, position the white corner pieces on the bottom layer correctly by following a one-two-three move sequence. 09:17 🧊 If there are no white pieces on the top rim, use the one-two-two-three move sequence to bring them there. 12:30 🎉 Learn the "Fun Move" to preserve the bottom layer while making a simple twist in the top and right faces. 15:38 🔄 Step four involves solving the middle layer's four edge pieces by aligning them with their respective centers using a series of moves. 20:07 📝 Understand cube notation for different moves, including clockwise (e.g., R) and counterclockwise (e.g., R Prime) rotations on different faces. 22:33 🌟 In step five, perform the "Fur Earth" algorithm to create a yellow cross on the top face, ensuring that the two yellow edges are touching diagonally. 24:25 🐾 Repeat the "Fur Earth" algorithm if necessary to complete the yellow cross on the top face. 24:38 🧩 Step 6: To make the top entirely yellow, use the "fun move" taught in step 3 and count the yellow Corners on top. Aim for one yellow Corner; if you have two, orient the Cube to place one yellow Corner in the upper left corner and use the "fun move" once or twice. 27:36 🧩 Step 7: Check for matching Corner colors on the top rim; if none, perform the R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2 algorithm to align them. Focus on one pristine side (if you have it) and match it with the corresponding face color. 30:56 🧩 Step 8: In the final step, align the remaining Edge pieces on the top. If you have three out of position, ensure you have one pristine side and follow the "furl" algorithm: f f U, r' l (both sides down), f f (dial around), r l' (both sides up), up f f. Repeat if needed. Made with HARPA AI

[@01jbeals]

Heeeyyyyy! Thanks for adding this! Super helpful & much appreciated 😊

[@alisawhiteland2691]

Omg!! Thank you so much for this tutorial. It took me 4 evenings to actually solve the cube. I first got a cube when I was 8, never solved it. I then got one for my kids years ago, found it again and finally solved it at 51! I never thought I’d ever do it. 🎉😂. Your tutorial was the only one I could follow, genius man. 😊

[@darkgio6]

I had a beautiful half hour following this class. Thank you very much.

[@ramakrishnarajuvatsavayi7016]

Very well explained algorithms in a systematic manner. Great! Thank you for enabling me solve the rubric cube first time in my life at the age of 66

[@exbrayathonore7970]

Thank you so much! I can now solve the top layer with a small number of algorithms, very easy to remember. I already shared this video with friends who, like me, had been experiencing hard time memorizing a long list of algorithms. Thank you once again!

[@zihlendika7453]

This was the fourth video I watched! Best video yet! Solved my cube in 30mins! Started a few times! But finally did it!

[@dcamp78Utube]

He is a master teacher and great at explaining every step in great detail for one to solve the cube!

[@dleblanc]

Wish i saw this video hours ago when my daugher asked for help. Found other videos, but this was by the far the best one.

[@01jbeals]

Just like many other people in this comment section, I too have successfully solved the cube after watching this video. I tried several other videos but none were as good and thorough as this! I appreciate the enthusiasm he displays, the knowledge and ability to teach these steps in a easy and efficient fashion. You sir, are a gem! 😃😃 Took me 3x watching the video to actually solve it. After watching 10-12x I can now do steps 1-6 on my own by memory, still trying to memorize the last 2 steps! Almost there!!! 😃😃😃

[@anthonygodsent5722]

Same here

[@tensor131]

OK this seems complicated but it works and is as good as any other method from what I can find. It's taken me a couple of weeks to really get into the sequence of algorithms but finally I can confidently unravel any starting position in under 5 minutes. I'm never going to win any competitions but at 68 that is not my intention .. just solving the dang thing after over 45 years of picking it up and putting it back in the cupboard again, is all I was after!!!! When I first saw Rubik's cube (early/mid 70's) it was a curiosity at a maths gathering .. nobody knew how the mechanics worked let alone how to solve it. There were NO published solutions but they soon came thick and fast. I seem to recall that a guy called Singmaster published the first authoritative thesis on it and when the group theorists got their hands on it there was joy in maths departments throughout the world! Thank you Prof for finally scratching that itch for me.

[@tensor131]

update ... I now unravel at least once each day, usually first thing in the morning. I can consistently get close to 3 minutes and sometimes under. Looking at the speed cubers (under 10 seconds consistently) I assume that they are using some sorts of super shortcuts + extremely fast analysis of the state of the cube at each twist (leading to some clever shortcuts) .. they are young and their brains are like supercomputers .. at 68 I have no illusions that I will never be able to do that but sub 3 minutes remains, for me, a real achievement so once again thanks Prof. Oh, and since nobody else in the family is prepared to learn any algorithms for solution, I am now the wonderboy of the extended family !!

[@lewiy]

@Phil o'Macc You are correct. The fastest solvers use a different method called CFOP. It's similar to this method in that the cube is solved layer by layer, but the main differences are that the daisy stage is skipped with the white cross being solved straight to the bottom of the cube (the moves for this are usually worked out during inspection time so it's very fast). After this, the white corners and the four 2nd layer edges are solved at the same time by pairing up a corner and an edge and inserting them together to complete first 2 layers in one step. Finally to complete the top layer everything is done by algorithm memorisation. Facing all the yellow sides up will use one algorithm and moving all the corners and edges to the correct position will use a second algorithm. The tricky part is that there are a ton of algorithms to learn, around 70 in all to cope with all eventualities. The very fastest solvers who regularly achieve sub 5 second times also use other very advanced techniques to shorten the process further but are essentially using this method at its core.

[@tensor131]

@@lewiy that is all very interesting. I suspected as much .. no way I will aspire to that level of memory and skill so I'll remain in awe. Thanks for explaining this.

[@DavidvanDeijk]

I can really advise going to a competition at least once, not to take part but the atmosphere is so cool, many people willing to teach and explain, many other twisty puzzles to buy. I went to my first at 38 and was far from the oldest there (sure lot of kids also).

[@TheDudee]

watched tons of videos but this was the one that really helped me for the first time ❤

[@Fireball5784]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I finally found a person like you that is a brilliant teacher. Excellent teaching! I finally understood how to solve the Rubik’s Cube! I did it! Thank you!

[@liznolze9613]

thanks I am about of a third of a way through and I have found this the best video online, because you cover everything .

[@gram2805]

Brilliant! Learned to solve the rubik's cube first time ever & I'm already addicted. Thank you for breaking down into simple, fun steps!

[@TheGreatCourses]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback.

[@sanbetski]

finally solved it. btw this has to be the EASIEST tutorial to follow on youtube!

[@jonthancanale7326]

Solved it! This took time. This is the best lesson for solving the cube. I went back and forth through the video so many times I could make moves without looking at the cube just like he said, at the end I was spinning faster than I thought I ever could. The final step and I looked down, it was solved. Now I can solve it in no time. Thank you.

[@stevehammond]

DONE IT!! took me all day but it was worth it! Thank you sooo much for a brilliant tutorial.

[@sgoogz]

Thanks! Definately one of the good tutorials. I love the teacher's attitude!

[@Emilynarozhna]

This guy is awesome. I really struggled on the daisy! But you helped me threw the whole tutorial thank you so much! I am so grateful I found someone like you to teach me even though I am only 10 years old!

[@wnddyer]

Thank you so much for this, I finally solved it!!!!

[@lungjunky]

Clear, concise and effective instruction. Problem solved!

[@markfornefeld299]

I met this guy in real life he was a really neat professor

[@contreeboie]

thank you for actually going slow and explaining. best video!!

[@claracodess]

I fixed my Rubik’s cube using this tutorial. Thank you!

[@gulagbrb5645]

This is the best the best video I've seen yet , I've been looking for one for over a week , they all make me mess up , this one is the best !!! Thank you

[@twowheelerenthusiasts6809]

You truly made my day 🤙 This video is totally worth watching….. Best method if you try remembering the sequence of moves for each step

[@PaulSeymourMusic]

It's so good to have someone explain this puzzle without complicated mathematics. Not that it's important to me to solve the Rubik's cube. I don't even have one. Those geniuses that can solve it easily need to put their brains towards solving World problems which will benefit all Life, not just human life.

[@darylrawlings9077]

Best vid for the first 2 layers for me. I used a different video just for 3rd layer. This man taught me well. He made the impossible become possible for me. I bought my cube for my son but Iv fallen in love with the thing some how lol

[@flaminghell_on_hotwheels]

This is the best video I have found to solve the Rubik’s cube. Excellent step by step explanation 👍

[@suryaprakashb1629]

very easy and simple to follow!! Thanks for the video:) Finally I solved it!!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks so much!

[@balabani]

I find that a bit of humour mixed with clear mnemonic made this video fun and helped me solve the Rubik’s cube. This is the only video that helped me go through all the steps and is essential for anyone who wants to solve the Rubik’s cube. I ended up subscribing to this Chanel for its other videos.

[@ryanvessaoker5289]

Thank u so much for the attention to detail. I have made my own notes and have nearly mastered the process thru your video. Thank you again for this wonderful tutorial.

[@TheGreatCourses]

We are so happy to hear this, Ryan! Thank you for your feedback. Never stop learning. 😊

[@alirezatabaie3201]

Please teach us other cubes too. 2by 2, 4 and 5 by 5. No one can give us such a good instructions.

[@krajanch]

WOW Great. I successfully for the very first time, solved a cube. I fully agree with the comments of many others. I went through several you tube videos. Nothing was as precise, simple and eayy to use. Actually not so easy. But it definitely works if you do it correctly. I messed up many times, did the moves again and again, watched the demo again and again several times. Now it is pristine clear in my mind. Without watching again, i scrambled and did it again. Thanks a million the author is excellent.

[@umuJG]

Great instructor hands down!

[@johnratcliffe8027]

Thank you so much, would never have done it without your help, tried other sites, but yours was the best, clearly explained what to do

[@TheGreatCourses]

You're welcome! Glad you were able to solve the Cube!

[@mdmahmudhasan1645]

Nice, it helps me to solve, i was stuck on 3rd layer. Thank you.

[@sweillerYT]

Very nice way to learn how to solve the cube ! As said take utmost care in step 7 and 8 !! Thanks

[@TheGreatCourses]

You are welcome! 😊

[@ahmedzaky7006]

my first time ever to get it solved! my kids learnt it too. Best Ever! learned from you how to prepare well for a presentation and how to make things easy for others to get the point, Thank you So much

[@77Terma]

Best tutorial on YT channel...Thx.

[@zacalakemusic]

Thank you! Feels good to solve. Big smile.

[@lumbiniashutoshtambat5871]

You are an awesome teacher! Thanks so much sir! Good day! 😊😊

[@TheGreatCourses]

Thank you for your wonderful feedback!

[@umberabbas4599]

You have explained so nicely, thanks 😊

[@craign8ca]

This is the best video to learn to solve the Rubik's Cube. Now all I have to do is memorize all the steps. . . . . . .well, maybe.

[@denisefrick8699]

Thank you! My 9 year old grandson watched and rewatched and achieved success!

[@hismileguy3725]

I've watched numerous videos in the past, and when it came to the final steps, I often found myself getting confused. However, with your video, I managed to solve it on my first attempt, even with rewinding and fast-forwarding. It was a success in solving my Rubik's Cube using proper methodology."

[@aleqyaw7936]

Thanks so much! I solved my first Rubik's Cube.

[@PassitOnGarage]

I watched every other video multiple times. Clicked on this and got it first try. Thanks!

[@S1gma46]

Finally i found a tutorial about solving a 3x3 i actually understand tysm! You really help!

[@joechan9771]

Amazing! this is the best video of solving Rubik's cube.

[@atheer76]

Excellent video thank you!

[@devulapallyramakishanrao]

i have solved for first time successfully THANK YOU

[@steakmediumrare]

I've wanted to solve Rubiks Cube since 1982. Thanks to this clip and this clip alone I can now solve Rubiks Cube. It took 2-3 weeks of watching this clip over and over r e a l close.

[@natc9]

Great instructions. Your second layer method is great, very easy to remember. But I still having a hard time remember the method to solve the last layer(top layer).

[@janewhipp5361]

Thank you so much!!!

[@JohnColl-wk6iw]

First time iv managed to complete an RC. Thanks , excellent.

[@B3GINNER]

Your kind spirit is what makes this video! Thank you sir

[@TheGreatCourses]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback.

[@dremin71]

Thank you so much, sir. Finally done it with your explanation.