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Learn to Cube

No experience needed. Just curiosity and patience.

Getting Started

1️⃣

Get a Good Cube

Skip the old Rubik's brand. Modern speedcubes are night and day. See the resources page.

2️⃣

Learn the Basics

Start with the Layer-by-Layer beginner's method. It's intuitive and a solid foundation.

3️⃣

Practice Daily

10–15 minutes a day adds up fast. Consistency beats intensity.

Tips for Older Learners

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Take Your Time

Speed comes later. Understand the moves first. No rush.

📝

Write It Down

Keep notes on algorithms. A physical reference really helps.

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Repetition is Key

Run an algorithm 20 times in a row. That's how the hands learn it.

👨‍👩‍👧

Learn with Family

Grandkids make great teachers. Get stuck together, figure it out together.

Recommended for Beginners & Seniors

Good places to start.

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3x3x3 Cube

The classic Rubik's Cube. The most popular and iconic puzzle in speedcubing.

Medium

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2x2x2 Cube

Also known as the Pocket Cube. A great starting point for beginners.

Easy

⭐ My event

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Clock

Set 18 clock faces to 12 o'clock. Technique over speed — great for older hands. My event.

Easy

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Pyraminx

A tetrahedron puzzle. Quick to learn and great for beginners!

Am I too old to start cubing? ▼

Not at all. I started later in life and I'm still improving. Cubing is for everyone, and it's a great way to keep the mind sharp.

What cube should I buy as a beginner? ▼

Skip the old Rubik's brand. Modern speedcubes are much better. The MoYu RS3M 2020 (~$10) is a great budget pick; the MoYu WRM V9 (~$25) is a nice step up. More on the Resources page.

How long does it take to learn to solve a cube? ▼

A few hours to a few days with the beginner's method. Speed comes later — your first solve is very doable.

What's the easiest event to start with? ▼

2x2 and Pyraminx are easiest. But I'd start with 3x3 — it's the foundation for almost everything else and has the most tutorials.

Competitions

Do I need to be fast to compete? ▼

No. There's no minimum time. Most people are there to beat their own PBs and meet other cubers.

What happens at a WCA competition? ▼

Check in, wait for your event, solve while a judge records your times. In between you watch, chat, and trade cubes. It's social and welcoming.

How do I find competitions near me? ▼

Check worldcubeassociation.org/competitions and filter by region. There's usually one almost every weekend somewhere.

About Cubing Grandpa

How did you get into cubing? ▼

Saw the cube in the '80s, never solved it. Decades later, my grandkids showed me modern speedcubing. Clock turned out to be my niche.

What's your main event? ▼

Clock. You adjust 18 clock faces to all show 12 o'clock. In the senior 60+ rankings I sit at #2 for average and #3 for single. It's a great event for older cubers because it leans on technique more than raw turning speed.

Can I meet you at a competition? ▼

Please do — come say hi. I'm always happy to chat, especially with newcomers.

Stuck?

Drop me a line and I'll point you in the right direction.

Contact Me