PFers and Rubik's Cubes: How Do You Feel?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ki Man
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around participants' experiences and feelings towards solving Rubik's cubes, including frustrations, techniques, and historical perspectives on the puzzle. It encompasses personal anecdotes, technical challenges, and reflections on the evolution of the cube and its solving methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration with Rubik's cubes, describing experiences of tearing them apart or throwing them away in anger.
  • Others mention that solving the cube becomes instinctual over time, although some participants indicate they have not reached that level of proficiency.
  • A few participants recall using manuals to learn solving techniques, while others claim they learned through trial and error or by disassembling the cube.
  • There are references to various types of Rubik's puzzles, including the 5x5 cube and Rubik's Links, with some participants suggesting these may be less complicated than the standard cube.
  • One participant discusses the mathematical significance of Rubik's cubes, mentioning their connection to group theory and information theory, and citing contributions from notable mathematicians.
  • Some participants share humorous takes on the challenges of using outdated technology or browsers when accessing resources related to Rubik's cubes.
  • There is mention of a new version of the Rubik's puzzle, 'Rubik's Revolution,' which simplifies the solving process, leading to mixed feelings about its authenticity as a puzzle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of frustration and nostalgia regarding Rubik's cubes, with no clear consensus on their enjoyment or effectiveness. Multiple competing views on solving methods and the value of the puzzles remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the limitations of their experiences, such as reliance on specific solving methods or the challenges posed by different cube designs. There is also a recognition of the evolving nature of Rubik's puzzles over time.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those who enjoy puzzles, have a background in mathematics or engineering, or are curious about the cultural and historical significance of Rubik's cubes.

  • #31
Moonbear said:
Hmm...once I knew how to solve it, I lost all interest in it. What's the point then? It just becomes a matter of how fast you are at turning it, and doesn't reflect any better ability to solve it.
There are many different solution methods you can learn.

And if you need a challenge try studing a scrambled cube and then solve it blindfolded.

From the Osake open 2008:
http://f.flvmaker.com/mc2.php?id=GtrFdfg95_GKUTAF6Eq.PMq82Bx_Rii1DPOedPRAbhkofdPPLAEkKix&logoFlg=Y

Watch how the WK 2007 winner solves it by simulating the movements while studying:
http://www.youtube.com/v/Hfd5sxW8Clg&hl
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #32
Ki Man, is that you Nick? LOL. I have a buddy (the aforementioned Nick) who can do these things insanely. He has taught a few of my friends and got them caught in the storm of it, but not me, I can only figure them out slowly. I would like to machine a cube out of solid brass, it'd be soo cool (and heavy) because brass self-lubricates, so it would have the potential to be a very fast cube, assuming the mechanism in the center was up to par with the rest of the cube. It'd also be a lethal weapon.
 
  • #33
Ki Man said:
I'm wondering how many PFers like solving rubiks cubes (or tearing them to shreds in frustration)

I'm asking for some replacement stickers for Christmas, the ones that come with it begin to peel after a week of heavy use

I learned how to do them quickly off a friend when I was 7, since then they kind of lost their fascination. Simple technique and it takes about 4 minutes to do them at ridiculous speed, and about 10 minutes at normal speed, it's not the fastest solution but it works.
 
  • #34
I just peeled off the stickers and replaced them on the right sides.
 
  • #35
I just recently started learning how to do this. I want to get down to about one minute, I would be happy with that.
 

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