When most people see a Rubik’s Cube, they probably see it in 1 of 2 states: either all scrambled up or solved. But did you know that there are numerous other patterns you can put your Rubik’s Cube in? If you’re tired of solving the cube like normal, try scrambling your puzzle and solving it in one of the following patterns!
But before we dive into the patterns, we need to quickly cover the notation. To perform any of the algorithms used when solving a Rubik’s Cube, one must become familiar with Rubik’s Cube Notation. It’s fairly simple. A face move/turn on the Rubik’s Cube is represented by a single letter. This letter can be accompanied by a comma or the number ‘2’. For beginners method, the 90 degree clockwise move and the letter that represents each move is as follows:
- U – Up (top)
- D – Down
- L – Left
- R – Right
- F – Front
- B – Back
- M – Middle slice
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at some of our favorite patterns and tricks!
The Checkerboard
This is one of the easiest and more widely known patterns, but it’s one of the best. The name says it all. Doesn’t matter what side you start on, the end result is the same.
ALG: F B2 R’ D2 B R U D’ R L’ D’ F’ R2 D F2 B’
The Flower
Another classic pattern. Simple but impressive to any non-cuber. Try starting the algorithm on different sides to mix up what color goes in the middle for this Rubik’s Cube pattern.
ALG: F F B B U D’ L L R R U D’
The Cross
You could also call this the Plus pattern. A simple but cool looking trick. At a quick glance, it almost looks scrambled, but taking another look will make it apparent to even a non-cuber that this is not your normal Rubik’s Cube pattern.
ALG: U F B’ L2 U2 L2 F’ B U2 L2 U
Cube in a Cube
This is a wild one that creates one of the coolest illusions. Repeating this algorithm on higher ordered cubes can create additional cubes within cubes patterns as well. (See next pattern on this list!) Try mixing up which color side you start on to change up the color of the pieces that are flipped.
ALG: F L F U’ R U F2 L2 U’ L’ B D’ B’ L2 U
Cube in a Cube in a Cube
This is our all-time favorite Rubik’s Cube pattern. It’s very clean looking and is sure to impress anyone you show it to!
ALG: U’ L’ U’ F’ R2 B’ R F U B2 U B’ L U’ F U R F’
What pattern is your favorite? Got a pattern you think should be on our list?
Let us know in the comments below!
9 Responses
What are some interesting patterns or designs I can make on my 3 Rubik s cube? What makes them interesting?
wow
Okay
why you don’t use M2 S2 E2 for The Checkerboard
It’s a different kind of checkerboard with another alg.
Exactly
There is a much easier way to do the checkerboard. Just move all the sides twice in whatever direction until you have it.
I am a beginner and I ended up scrambling my cube 🙁
Actually these are cool…
But I need to solve full cube and then only I can do these…..