Poll

Hey, guys. This is just a quick post to request that you answer the poll's question.

F2l

F2l means first two layers.
This is the second step, after cross in the fridrich method.
There are four ways of doing f2l that I'll mention:
Beginners method-
This is the most well-known way for a beginner to do f2l.
It requires 2 algorithms.
http://www.rubiks.com/solving-center/3x3_guide/stage3.php
http://www.rubiks.com/solving-center/3x3_guide/stage4.php

Advanced method-
This requires 41 algorithms.
Effective.
Fast.
http://www.learn2cube.com/cfop/f2l/index

Intuitive way-
0 algorithms required.
Very effective.
Fast.
Easy.
http://rishidoshi.blogspot.ca/

My way-
Can be done either advanced or intuitive.
No need to build a cross at the beginning.
More opportunities to make pairs quickly.
Done by:
Placing f2l pairs and edges in any order desired to form the f2l.
Example:
Solving two edges and adding a pair in between them to make a 2x2x2 block, and then building on that block until you the f2l done.

You can add edges first or pairs first.
You can modify this to fit your style of cubing.
Note: This will take days, maybe even weeks to master. Don't give up. Keep on trying.
Note: Before attempting this, watch rishidoshi's f2l hunting story video.
.

Solving a 2x2x4 tower.

Solving a 2x2x4 tower is simple.
First, solve the centers like a 2x2 (The 2x2 core).
Don't let the piece extensions confuse you.
Next, solve the top and bottom like 2x2x4 centers.
With the unsolved top and bottom, you will have to perform the algorithm
R' F R' BB R F' R' BB RR to swap the two corners facing you.

This will also swap the two corners on the top half of  the core.

There are two cases that may occur:

None of the corners are correctly positioned: Perform the algorithm once and then align the solved corners of the top layer with the solved corners of the top middle layer and rotate the two layers so that they're facing away from you. Perform the algorithm again.

Two of the corners are correctly positioned: Rotate the top layer so that they two correctly positioned corners are facing your right side or your left side. Perform the algorithm. Next, align the solved corners of the top layer with the solved corners of the top middle layer and rotate the two layers so that they're facing away from you. Perform the algorithm again.

If this confuses you, please post a comment.

Cube Mods

Currently, I'm talking about mods for speed and smoothness, not shape mods.

Here are two videos I find helpful:

There is a controversy to if the second video will eventually destroy your cube when the washers are removed by wearing down the inside of the center piece and eventually making your cube unusable.

Personally, I removed the washers because I believe that the amount of friction and wear needed to destroy the inside of your cube is so much that it's not worth worrying about.

A cube modification file would be helpful, and can be bought here:

http://www.lubixcube.com/Lubix_Cube/Purchase.html

My recommendations for the best cubes and lubes

2x2:

Wittwo

3x3:

Dayan Zhanchi

Dayan Guhong

Dayan Lingyun

Ghosthand

4x4:

Dayan+Mf8

Lanlan

Shengshou

5x5:

Shengshou

V-Cube

6x6

V- Cube

7x7:

V-Cube

Shengshou

8x8

Shengshou

9x9

Shengshou

11x11

Yuxin

Silicone-based lubes

Silicube

Lubix

Crc silicone spray

Dry lubes

Graphite (Great lubricant, but doesn't last long)- Do not use on a rubik's brand, store bought cube. Only use on a cube which is already fast to begin with and needs a boost.

Petroleum-Based lubes

Vaseline-type products- These are questionably good. They works great on rubik's brand cubes, but not on many other cubes. Apparently they eat away at the plastic, which may be why they are great for rubik's brand cubes. The reduced amounts of plastic results in less friction.

Rubik's cube lube

Cheap and effective for rubik's brand 3x3s. I haven't tried it on other cubes, so I am unsure whether it would be helpful. However, a good job at breaking a cube in makes this unnecessary.

Side note: Just because I didn't post something on this page doesn't mean it's not good.

Just a side note:

Most posts on this blog will be added to later.
For example, my algorithm page is very short and will continue to grow.
Thank you.

My algorithms

I have a few algorithms that will be helpful if you're still using the beginner method.
If you are in a case like this, always reorient the top so that the case looks like this. It'll be faster.
Oll:

R U2 R' U' R U' R'

R U R' U R U2 R'

F R U R' U' F'
Pll:

(R U' R U) (R U) (R U') (R' U' R2) [y2] (R2 U' (R' U' R U) (R U) (R U' R)

M2 U M2 U M'  U2 M2 U2 M' U2

(M2' U) (M2' U2) (M2' U) M2'

(R2 U) (R U R' U') (R' U') (R' U R')