Student Challenge

Solve a
Rubik's Cube

Practice solving a speed cube until you can do it under 3 minutes. Don't give up — it just takes practice! Then show your instructor to earn Hackercoin.

+10 Hackercoin on completion
Step 1 of 8

Make the Daisy Flower

Turn the white center piece to face up, then bring each white/yellow edge piece to the top layer so it surrounds the yellow center, forming a daisy shape.

Step 2 of 8

Make the White Cross

Turn each white edge down to create a White Cross on the top.

Step 3 of 8

Solve the White Corners

Find each white corner piece in the bottom layer and use a repeating right-hand move to pop it into place, completing the first layer.

Step 4 of 8

Solve the Middle Edges

Locate edge pieces with no yellow sticker and insert them into the middle layer using a left or right algorithm, completing the first two layers.

Step 5 of 8

Make a Yellow Cross

Use a repeating algorithm on the top face until the yellow stickers form a cross, ignoring corner pieces for now.

Step 6 of 8

Match the Sides

Rotate the top layer and repeat the algorithm until the yellow cross lines up with the matching colors on every side.

Step 7 of 8

Reposition the Yellow Corners

Use an algorithm to cycle the top corner pieces into their correct positions, even if they are not yet facing the right way.

Step 8 of 8

Final Step

Twist each top corner into place one at a time with the same short algorithm until every corner shows yellow on top and the cube is fully solved.

+10 Show your instructor to earn Hackercoin

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn to solve a Rubik's cube?

Most kids who practice a few minutes a day can learn the full beginner method in one to two weeks. Getting under 3 minutes usually takes a few more weeks of repetition after that.

What is the easiest method to solve a Rubik's cube for beginners?

The layer-by-layer (beginner's) method is easiest to learn first: build a white cross, solve the white corners, fix the middle edges, make a yellow cross, then position and orient the last layer's corners. That is the method taught in this 8-step challenge.

Is it a "Rubik's cube" or a "Rubix cube"?

The official name and spelling is "Rubik's cube," named after its inventor, Erno Rubik. "Rubix cube" is a common misspelling.

How do students earn Hackercoin for solving the cube?

Practice with the 8 lesson videos on this page until you can solve a 3x3 speed cube in under 3 minutes, then demonstrate it to your instructor in class to earn 10 Hackercoin.

Do I need a special speed cube for this challenge?

A basic 3x3 speed cube (a cube built to turn quickly and smoothly) makes practicing easier, but any standard 3x3 Rubik's cube works for learning the steps.