Looking to get faster at solving the 3x3 Rubik's Cube? Here we outline and give tips to learn the Roux Speed Cubing Method.
What is the Roux method?
The Roux Method, invented by Gilles Roux, is known for its low movecount and "intuitive" solving style, meaning much of the cube is solved without algorithms. It boasts a lower movecount in comparison to CFOP, but is arguably slightly more difficult for beginners to pick up. However, some notable records have been set with the Roux method, including Kian Mansour's 3x3 One Handed average former world record, and Sean Villeneuva's 3x3 two handed former Asian record.
Steps
First Block
Solve a 3x2x1 block onto the left face
General Tips
- Efficiency is key, if you are coming from CFOP or layer by layer (beginner's) experiment with different methods of solving first block, as the traditional "F2L Pairs" are useful but can be limiting for Roux first block, as you have much more flexibility with the entire Middle and Right layers to solve the first block
Second Block
Solve a 3x2x1 block onto the right face
General Tips
- Similar to first block, except on the right side - efficiency is key
- Take advantage of the free Middle layer
- You can influence CMLL in last block, so experiment with different methods for solving the same cases for different corner case outcomes
CMLL
CMLL, standing for Corners of Last Layer, is the solving of the corners (both orientation and permutation), with the M slice free to turn as well.
General Tips
- Get used to using the M (middle) layer, as they are the cornerstone of the Roux method - especially in CMLL
- Full CMLL consists of 46 algorithms
- Don't want to learn full CMLL just yet? Learn 2 Look CMLL, which splits CMLL into two steps.
LSE
LSE, standing for Last Six Edges, is the solving of the last six edges.
There are number of methods to solve last six edges.
Resources
