The 2x2 Rubik's Cube

In this blog post, I will mainly be talking about the 2x2 version of the Rubik's cube. I will be talking about my own experience with the cube, and also how the book teaches and walks the reader through learning and understanding the cube.

First of all, "If you can already solve the 3x3x3, then you should have no problem with the 2x2x2. With a bit of thought, you can utilize some of the algorithms you know and apply them to the Mini Cube"(Harris 138). I completely agree with this idea. Once I had solved the 3x3 multiple times and understood it, moving on to the 2x2 was a lot easier for me, and I would definitely recommend understanding the 3x3 first, before moving on.

I agree with another thing Harris says about the 2x2, the 2x2 has a lot less combinations and possibilities than the 3x3, which is due to the fact that it has no centers or edges compared to the 3x3(Harris 138). However, keeping this in mind, if you try solving the 2x2 exactly like you would with a 3x3, I know from personal experience this will not work. You will probably end up with something like this.

However, if you combine your knowledge of the 3x3, and use Harris' simple method, you will be able to solve the 2x2 in no time. It may seem frustrating to try at first without fully understanding the 3x3, or trying without the book, but after some time with both, you will be happy with your end product.

That is all for this blog post and for the 2x2. Next I will probably be talking about the 4x4 or 5x5, or possibly going into more detail about the 3x3.

Question:What other times in your life, has learning and fully understanding one task or idea, helped you learn and master another?

Harris, Dan. Speedsolving the Cube: Easy-to-follow, Step-by-step Instructions for Many Popular 3-D Puzzles. New York: Sterling Pub., 2008. Print.