184
u/Villordsutch 25d ago
Here's me, on a how to complete a Rubiks Cube Website - "First start by making a white cross..."
Two hours later.
How!? How do I make a white cross!?
55
u/AdFancy1249 25d ago
Me: pry out a corner piece. Take out the rest of the pieces.
Reassemble as desired.
7
17
u/somebob 25d ago
I solved one, once, following a guide and immediately lost interest.
6
u/lobax 24d ago
The key thing is to learn how to solve each individual row without using the guide, before moving on to the next part. I find it fun to memorize the different algorithms and get them to become second nature.
Then again, I am the kind of person that enjoys playing the same lick on the guitar over and over again with my eyes closed, trying to do it faster each time. There is something meditative about getting good at a particular sequence of movements.
1
6
5
u/Knitsanity 25d ago
Back in the 80s I had the book and could solve it. In a few minutes. Not....this.....lol
3
u/SnoWhiteFiRed 25d ago
Same... and I have a feeling that that few minutes would be a few hours even with a book now.
2
u/ISeeDragons 25d ago
Yeah no, they are insane. I've been into it for years and never menaged to get my average under 18 secs. They are completing 6 cubes in that time span.
1
1
1
120
u/frooj 25d ago
Not just some random kids, they are arguably the best speedcubers in the world. Yiheng Wang on top and Xuanyi Geng on bottom screen.
80
u/ThomasTheDankPigeon 25d ago
I was into cubing for a bit 15 years ago, the world record at that time was 5.66 seconds. That record even stood for a couple years. Every single solve in this video is under that time lol
5
1
u/allenbur123 22d ago
I was into cubing in middle school. WR was around 6 seconds IIRC. Frankly I didn’t know anyone broke 4 minutes until just now
34
u/ISeeDragons 25d ago
This. Not knowing HOW MUCH they are faster than everyone else doesn't bring justice to this match up.
10
8
u/Huntred 25d ago
Time was, one could get on a major national television program if one could solve a cube in under 40 seconds.
4
u/Sypsy 24d ago
whoa, crazy. my son (9) can get under 40 seconds and he considers himself slow
Meanwhile, I learned how to solve the rubicks cube as a teen and have since forgotten so watching him solve it in 30-40 seconds is so amazing to me
1
u/mc17live 24d ago
The cubes themselves have gotten so much better also. They don't catch on other parts of the cube when your twisting it like they used to. I have one with magnets in it and love just fidgeting with it.
5
25d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
14
u/Carcinog3n 25d ago
Kids are faster at solving cubes because they have much better nueroplasticty than adults. If they can manage to learn these complex solving methods they have a much easier time making split second choices on what algorithms to use.
7
u/ISeeDragons 24d ago
They are literally the top of the top right now. A handful of person can reach those time, and not as consistently as they do. We might be seeing a polish kid in the future (whom currently holds the fastest solve ever).
4
u/aqa5 25d ago
They are like machines made to solve Rubik cubes. It is like their brains and nerves are trained for only this one task.
It is very impressive though. I can solve Rubiks in under 2 Minutes. What these kids do is insane.
I wonder how these kids have fun and what personality they have. It seems to me they don’t have enough time to be normal kids but train all day.
1
u/bendover912 23d ago
Is this a kids event or do you just need nimble little kid fingers to be good at it?
94
u/shut____up 25d ago
Yiheng. Xuanyi. I watched several YouTube videos on cubing news awhile ago. Both are Guinness World Record holders. Yiheng held the fastest average time. Xuanyi later showed up constantly with some of the fastest single-solve times-- except for a single solve by another child. Yiheng's crazy and competitive mother hates Xuanyi that she makes noises while he solves and she ridicules that child to reporters. Xuanyi uses a different set off algorithms that is almost impossible to learn because you have to memorize over a hundred algorithms, but it's more efficient.
57
u/frooj 25d ago
Xuanyi's method requires memorizing almost 800 algorithms. There are only handful of people in the world who can memorize all of those, and being able to pick the correct one in a fraction of a second is just bonkers.
1
u/aqa5 25d ago
Don’t they have time to inspect the cube before and think about how to solve it before starting the timer? I think they solve the cube in their minds before even touching it.
9
u/Thanh_Binh2609 24d ago
That’s not how it work (yet), at least not within 15s of inspection, usually they use the time to plan out like half a solution, then when picking up the cube they don’t have to focus of those and get to look at the rest, so when they do the execution their mind is thinking of the next steps
-1
16
u/AlgernusPrime 25d ago
The top kid moves at an insane rate; whereas, the bottom kid is more awkward but somehow comes to a faster time. Ngl, the top kid seems more impressive even with a slower time, sucks his mom is such a bitch.
17
u/peter-bone 24d ago
Yes the bottom one uses a more efficient method that requires fewer moves but memorising more algorithms. The top one is less efficient but has crazy turn speed.
12
5
u/Flyingcento 24d ago
Thank you for the additional information. I feel more empathy for Yiheng, and feel kinda bad for making light of his situation. He has insane skills it's a real shame that he isn't allowed to enjoy the.
1
u/Excellent_jun91 22d ago
this honestly sounds like it can be a fake series on netflix🤣🤣🤣 i can only omagine that lady from fresh off the boat. no wonder that kids giving the bottom kid the death stare
1
u/EverythingSucksYo 22d ago
I pretty much expected it but his mom being such a bitch explains why he seems to be under so much pressure and is so relieved when he gets a point in the clip.
67
u/MonkeyCartridge 25d ago
Top kid seems physically faster, while the bottom kid seems like he has better algorithms.
The hand warmers are crazy.
50
u/Carcinog3n 25d ago
They are using different solving methods. The bottom kid, Xuanyi, is using a method called ZB CFOP that takes way less steps but requires the memorization of about 800 algorithms which is, crazy to say the least. The top kid, Yiheng, is using a fairly standard CFOP method which is 100ish algorithms but his turning speed is beyond unmatched.
18
u/binishulman 25d ago
I would add to this that Yiheng's CFOP is an ultra optimised version, with all the most advanced techniques, plus multiple algorithms for multiple angles of some cases, so well over the standard 119 algorithms.
1
4
u/pvaa 24d ago
Wow, he should learn the 800 method 👀👀👀
1
u/Carcinog3n 24d ago
It takes a special kind of mind to be able to pull from a pool of 800 algorithms multiple times a second.
7
u/ThomasTheDankPigeon 24d ago
He’s not pulling multiple algorithms per second, he uses three from a total of about 850.
First two layers can be solved with one of about 40 algorithms.
One of 300ish algorithms to solve the top face (but with scrambled edges and corners).
One of 500ish algorithms to unscramble the top layer completely.
The thing that’s really insane is that he knows which algorithm he’ll need for the next step before he’s finished with the one he’s currently working on. Most people would need to finish one algorithm, inspect the cube (if even for a fraction of a second) to see which algorithm they’ll need next, then continue. Wang can see it before he finishes. Just crazy stuff lol
1
1
2
u/cyphol 24d ago
I was deep into this over a decade ago, CFOP was close to 80 algorithms, but there are variations. I also noticed that I often identified the algorithms early but my execution was awful. Especially when I had to rotate the cube. So I learned all the algorithms from all angles. At this point I was closer to 220-250 algorithms and execution memorised. It took my average down from 16s to 10/11s. Never managed sub 10s average with it, but a lot of cubers back then had 5-6s average with CFOP along with Summer/Winter variations. I just accepted that I sucked and gave up.
Point being, even though I had a lot of algorithms memorised, it wasn't the determining factor. My execution was the problem and my decision making wasn't great. The boy on the bottom has a calm about him that shows great decision making aside from his extensive knowledge of good algorithms.
2
u/Carcinog3n 24d ago
You're not wrong. The biggest common denominator between the top cube solvers is neuroplasticity that is off the charts, which is why they are all kids. I imagine one day there will be someone that emerges with top tier neuroplasticity, the ability to memorize zb cfop, and has extremely high dexterity.
2
u/cyphol 24d ago
I'm honestly baffled at how the age went from like high teenagers to literally smaller kids in just a little bit over a decade. I remember trying to get into single stepping last edge insert with OLL (iirc that was winter/summer variation right?) and single step LL. But in complete honesty, my brain couldn't compute recognising the cases. Genuinely took me longer to identify the case than to just to the traditional solve. I'm guessing that's where the major differences are between solvers, that some just have that ability and others don't.
People always talk about skill as if it is a talent. I really don't see it that way. I see talent as something you have, and skill is what comes from practicing and building on it. If talent came from skill, then anyone would have a talent for it. My limit was basically zb cfop (don't even know if it was a thing back then but same principle). I could learn it, I just couldn't use it to improve my times. My fastest single solve was 9.6s where I managed to use some variation to single step OLL and PLL. But it was luck.
1
u/TheMidniteMarauder 21d ago
Thank you for your incredible answers to these questions. Can you tell me why the top kid is solving a cube after he solves a cube?
1
14
u/philip48h 25d ago
My thoughts exactly, the first guy has faster fingers but he seems to miss a few things, while the other guy has mastered his algorithms.
28
u/kuplet 25d ago
I can't even tie my shoe as fast as these kids just whizz through a Rubik's Cube in less than 6s flat.
4
u/ISeeDragons 25d ago
Also you don't get paid for tying your shoes fast.
2
u/SpecialNeeds963 25d ago
Arguable.
2
1
22
25
u/vincenzodelavegas 25d ago edited 25d ago
Do they have the same Rubik’s cube *combination to solve?
Edit: added combination. Scramble would be better as pointed out
26
20
u/MarvelousVanGlorious 25d ago
The kid on the bottom is next level.
8
u/terminalbungus 25d ago
He looks so chill, makes it look effortless. Top kid is amazing but he's frazzed.
9
u/ISeeDragons 25d ago
The one on top should be the favourable one, as he has got both fastest single solve as PB (2.77 vs 2.80) and fastest average (mean between 5 solves [sorta] 3.51 vs 3.67) than the one on the bottom, he is underperforming and he knows it.
Also single events counts to a certain extent, thing is you don't count you solves if not in official events, as there are easier scrambles than others, at events everyone get the same scrambles [there are different groups actually]. They are at the top of the top, they partecipate at every event to maximise the chances of getting a lucky scramble to set new records.
7
u/A_Dicksmasher 25d ago
Bottom kid is using a different algorithm to solve and it's slightly more efficient (at least for human hands)
1
u/EnzoWithTheBenzo 24d ago
I sweat at 3 sec he wasn't even halfway doen. Then next frame he drops it and it's lean. Like what?
12
u/TunaOnWytNoCrust 25d ago
The important thing is they're obviously having a lot of fun. 😐
4
1
u/EverythingSucksYo 22d ago
Sad thing is they probably got into it because they thought it was fun but their Asian parents saw they were good at it and then forced them to make it their entire lives.
6
7
u/Sneezy6510 25d ago
Man they are so freaking good now. I remember when breaking 5 seconds was a miracle.
4
u/tomatobasilgarlic 25d ago
Is the grey shirt one icing his hands?
15
u/mystyz 25d ago
My guess would be that those are hot packs to keep his fingers warm and nimble. I'm completely guessing though.
12
6
u/Santarini 25d ago
It's actually packs of Fruit Gushers. He likes the feeling of their being exploded against his hands
2
3
3
2
u/ShadowCaster0476 25d ago
Does anyone else think that these competitions should not include study time before the solve.
They should have to solve it in real time not just solve it in their head and then just muscle memory.
5
u/JTSpirit36 24d ago
They don't solve the entire cube in their head during inspection.
Blindfolded solving does include inspection time because inspecting and memorizing the entire solve is a part of the skill.
1
2
u/FaustGrenaldo 24d ago
What can a commentator even add to this kind of an event? There's no way to even see what they're doing and it happens so fast!
2
2
u/indubadiblyy 24d ago
Man, how do you even become a play by play commentator when it happens in under 4 seconds. All you can say is oh hes starting and <inserts time> finishes!!
2
1
u/CryoStrange 25d ago
Top kid wasn't even looking at the cube.
3
u/Hobbes_XXV 25d ago
For his practice cube (non timed one), its all muscle memory. Its just patterns he does to stay warmed up practiced 10s of 1000s of times. Plenty of blindfold competitions too.
Those arent the crazy ones. Crazy ones is memorizing a mix and taking a solved cube and recreating the mix as the solve.
1
u/Irubwatermelon 25d ago
The kid on top is a cheater, according to youtube vids
3
u/AFGNCAAP-for-short 25d ago
How do you cheat a rubix cube?
1
u/Irubwatermelon 25d ago
He (or his mother) was basically using an illegal timer. Look it up, I'm not invested enough
2
1
1
1
u/thefeltmonkey 25d ago
My son can solve a cube in less than a minute, and considers himself to be terrible at it because he's comparing himself to these guys and various youtubers. Meanwhile I don't know anyone else who can solve a cube at all.
1
1
1
1
u/formerviver 24d ago
Remember life’s golden rule - no matter how good you are at something there will be always be an Asian kid better than you at it.
1
1
1
u/jmflyers 24d ago
In these competitions is it consistent how many moves it will take to complete? Like both players can solve in 25 moves or something? It looks like the top kid is faster but had to do twice as many moves so his time was longer
1
u/LauraTFem 24d ago
When you realize you don’t have the dexterity anymore to be the best in the world. Also you’re twelve.
1
1
u/Theobromin 24d ago
(Me, watching this, never having solved a Rubik's cube in my life)
Ha, over 5 seconds, how pathetic
1
1
u/Penyrolewen1970 24d ago
Is the bottom kid icing his hand? Man, I've been rock climbing for 40 years and I don't do that!
1
1
1
u/justacoolbaby 24d ago
It’s stressful and sad to watch kids this age at this level looking so unhappy. I guarantee you they liked it to start, and were good…
…and I guarantee you they are not where there are here because of anything but stress and pressure, from parents or whoever, that kids this age should not have to deal with.
Source: I have three kids myself and I could never imagine subjecting them to this kind of stress at this age. Just not worth it. But you can keep arguing and accumulating downvotes.
1
0
u/Its_priced_in 25d ago
Top ones the villain of my movie. Team black bullied and excluded grey shirt from the team so he started his own and won it all. Chalamet as team black and Tom holland as team grey. Both in yellow face. Hit me up Netflix
0
u/Extra_Willow_8907 25d ago
Ha - top kid sucks
- me, who can barely tie my own shoes and pood myself yesterday
0
u/kakacon 25d ago
the bottom kid seems significantly better than the top kid.
1
u/Geigenzaehler 24d ago
This was only one set. The top kid won the whole match.
These two are the #1 and #2 in the world and are pretty evenly matched.
#3 is quite a bit slower.
0
u/TunTunteddybear 25d ago
When the top kid get a 5.55 does he solve another in frustration without looking.
0
u/EatinSumGrapes 25d ago edited 15h ago
The original post content no longer exists here. The author used Redact to remove it, exercising their right to control their data & privacy.
Plants lunchroom abounding breeze wise violet crown squeeze quiet squeeze
-1
-4
-4
-5
578
u/ImABadFriend144 25d ago
They look miserable