>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, if you are interested in solving Rubik’s Cube, then you might want to take your skills to the next level by solving a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube. Although it may seem intimidating at first, with the right techniques, anyone can learn how to solve this puzzle. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to solve a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube, from understanding the basic principles of solving to more advanced techniques.
Understanding the Basic Principles
Before we dive into the algorithms and techniques, let us first understand the basic principles of solving a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube. The 4×4 Rubik’s Cube, also known as the Rubik’s Revenge, is essentially a larger and more complex version of the classic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube. Like the 3×3 version, the goal is to have each face of the cube contain only one color. However, on a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube, there are more pieces, and the center pieces can move independently from the edges and corners. As such, the solving techniques can be more complex.
For the purposes of this article, we will assume that you already know how to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, and that you are familiar with basic notation such as U (up), D (down), R (right), L (left), F (front), and B (back). If you are not familiar with these concepts, we highly recommend that you learn how to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube first before attempting to solve a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube.
The Centers
On a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube, there are six center pieces that can only be rotated along their own axis. These center pieces are fixed in their position and cannot be exchanged with other pieces. The center pieces play a key role in the solving process, as they help orient the edges and corners.
One of the first steps in solving a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube is to solve the centers. To do this, simply orient the center piece so that it matches the adjacent center pieces. For example, if the center piece on the top face is blue, then the adjacent center pieces on the front face, right face, back face, and left face should also be blue.
Once you have solved the centers, focus on the edges.
Solving the Edges
The next step in solving a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube is to solve the edges. Unlike the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, there are now two types of edges: inner edges and outer edges. The inner edges connect two center pieces, while the outer edges connect a center piece to an edge or a corner.
Outer Edges
Begin by solving the outer edges. This involves pairing up the edges with matching colors. To do this, first identify two edges that have the same color. Hold the cube so that these edges are on the left and right faces. Then apply the following algorithm:
- (Rw U2) (Rw’ U2) (Rw U2) (Rw’ U2) (Rw U2) (Rw’ Uw’)
This algorithm will pair up the two edges and move them to the correct position. Repeat this process for all the outer edges.
Inner Edges
After you have solved the outer edges, move on to the inner edges. This involves pairing up the two center pieces with edges connecting them. Start by identifying two center pieces that need to be paired up. Hold the cube so that these center pieces are on the top and bottom faces, and the two corresponding edges are on the left and right faces. Then apply the following algorithm:
- (Rw’ U2) (Lw U2) (Rw U2) (Lw’ U2)
Repeat this process for all the inner edges.
Solving the Corners
Once you have solved the edges, the next step is to solve the corners. On a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube, there are 24 corners, which can be solved in groups of four.
Pairing Up the Corners
The first step in solving the corners is to pair them up. Identify two corners with matching colors and place them on the left and right faces of the cube. Then apply the following algorithm:
- Lw U2 R U2′ Lw’ U2 R’
This algorithm will pair up the two corners and move them to the correct position. Repeat this process for all the corners.
Positioning the Corners
After you have paired up all the corners, the next step is to position them correctly. There are two possible scenarios:
- Scenario 1: Two corners are already in the correct position, and the other two corners are swapped.
- Scenario 2: None of the corners are in the correct position.
To solve Scenario 1, hold the cube so that the two correct corners are on the front face, and the two swapped corners are on the left face. Then apply the following algorithm:
- F2 (Uw R Uw’) (R’ Uw’ F2)
To solve Scenario 2, hold the cube so that two adjacent corners are on the front face, and the other two corners are on the left face. Then apply the following algorithm:
- (Uw R Uw’ R’) (Uw’ R Uw R’)
This algorithm will position all four corners correctly.
Advanced Techniques
Once you have mastered the basic principles of solving a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube, you can start exploring more advanced techniques.
Parity Errors
One of the most common challenges in solving a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube is dealing with parity errors. These occur when the cube is in a state that cannot be solved using the basic techniques.
One way to avoid parity errors is to solve the cube layer by layer, as opposed to solving it piece by piece. Another way is to use advanced techniques such as the Yau Method or the Hoya Method, which are designed specifically for solving the 4×4 Rubik’s Cube.
Blindfolded Techniques
For those who are more experienced and adventurous, there are blindfolded techniques for solving the 4×4 Rubik’s Cube. These involve memorizing the cube’s state before solving it without looking at it.
FAQ
Q: What is the Rubik’s Revenge?
A: The Rubik’s Revenge is another name for the 4×4 Rubik’s Cube.
Q: Can I solve a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube if I only know how to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube?
A: Yes, but it is highly recommended that you first learn how to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube.
Q: What is a parity error?
A: A parity error is a state in which the cube cannot be solved using the basic techniques.
Q: Are there blindfolded techniques for solving the 4×4 Rubik’s Cube?
A: Yes, there are blindfolded techniques for solving the 4×4 Rubik’s Cube.
| Notation | Description |
|---|---|
| U | Turn the upper face 90 degrees clockwise |
| U’ | Turn the upper face 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| R | Turn the right face 90 degrees clockwise |
| R’ | Turn the right face 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| L | Turn the left face 90 degrees clockwise |
| L’ | Turn the left face 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| D | Turn the down face 90 degrees clockwise |
| D’ | Turn the down face 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| F | Turn the front face 90 degrees clockwise |
| F’ | Turn the front face 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| B | Turn the back face 90 degrees clockwise |
| B’ | Turn the back face 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| Rw | Turn the right face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees clockwise |
| Rw’ | Turn the right face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| Lw | Turn the left face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees clockwise |
| Lw’ | Turn the left face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| Uw | Turn the upper face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees clockwise |
| Uw’ | Turn the upper face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| Dw | Turn the down face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees clockwise |
| Dw’ | Turn the down face and the adjacent slice 90 degrees counterclockwise |