Let's learn how to solve the Skewb
In this Tutorial we will teach you how to solve a Skewb. We have tried to make this as idiot proof as possible to cater for everyone. At the end of each step there will be a video with a graphical representation of what we are doing in each step. Easy, Easy, Easy. This method was not created by me, although it is one of the easiest methods for solving the Skewb.
Notation
Before we get started learning how to solve the Skewb, we have to understand the notation. To solve the Skewb we use Algorithms such as R L R' L' - If you already know the Skewb notation then you can carry on to the next step.
If we see an R or R' in an algorithm we need to move the corner in the image above either in a Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise rotation.
R - Clockwise
R' - Anti-Clockwise
If we see an L or L' in an algorithm we need to move the corner in the image above either in a Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise rotation.
L - Clockwise
L' - Anti-Clockwise
As this is a beginners tutorial we have stuck to only using the R and L moves, however, in more advanced methods we start introducing other faces as well (such as B moves). The areas coloured in (in the image below) are the vertices that we rotate for each R and L move.
Step 1
In step 1 we learn to solve the first layer of the Skewb. As with most of our beginner tutorials we are going to start with the WHITE face of our puzzle and we urge you to do the same to make this guide as easy to follow as possible.
To get through this step you will need basic knowledge of how your Skewb works and how the pieces interact with each other. As there are so many different places that your corners can be during this step it is going to be impossible to show you every one of them.
1. First of all, find the big white center piece and hold that on the top layer.
Note: Always make sure this white center remains on top, do not rotate your Skewb.
2. Look around your Skewb for the White, Orange and Green corner piece.
3. Using the video below and a little common sense, bring this corner to the top layer with the white sticker on the top face.
4. Locate the White, Orange and Blue corner.
5. Using your own knowledge of the Skewb and the video below, insert this Orange, White and Blue corner in the correct space (making sure the white side is on the top layer and you have created a pair of oranges).
6. Now, locate the White, Red and Blue corner piece.
7. Using the video below and common knowledge of your Skewb, place this corner piece in the correct space on the top layer (again, making sure that the white side is on the top and you have created a pair of blues).
8. Locate the last corner piece to be inserting into your top layer and bring it to the top face using the video below as reference.
If you are struggling to follow along with the text guide above then just watch this video guide. It's super simple to follow and designed for beginners. Once you have solved the white face we can move on to step 2.
Step 2
In step 2 we will be focusing on the center pieces of each face. Hopefully, to make this easier, you started with the white face as we did.
First of all, turn your Skewb over so that the White face which we completed in step 1 is on the bottom of the cube.
1. Note the colour of the center piece on the (what is now) top face. In my case, it's orange. Rotate your puzzle until the orange corners on the bottom layer face you (like the image below and obviously substituting orange with whatever colour your center piece is).
2. Hold your Skewb like the image above, making sure the top center piece matches the 2 bottom corners which are facing you (orange in the example above).
3. Perform the Algorithm: R' L R L' (This algorithm will switch the Front and Top centers).
4. The Orange center piece should have swapped with the Blue center piece.
5. Note the colour on the top of the Skewb again and rotate your puzzle until the bottom corners match the colour of the center piece on top.
6. Repeat steps 2 - 5 until all of your centers are in their correct places (as in the image below).
Note: If you started with the WHITE face as we did, you should have the YELLOW center on top - this is how we know we are done (providing your skewb has a standard colour scheme).
If you are struggling with any of the above steps, simply watch the video and hopefully you be well on your way to solving your Skewb. If you are having any issues that the video cannot solve then please get in contact with us or leave a comment below and we will look into re-wording or changing our guide.
Step 3
In step 2 we solved the centers of the Skewb. Now, in step 3 we are going to solve the last layer of the Skewb.
1. Make sure that if you followed us and solved the same layers and colours as us that you have the yellow center piece on the top layer still.
2. You will have 1 of 2 cases (or in some cases your Skewb will already be solved, in which case congratulations).
In this case we have 2 yellow corners already on the top layer and simply need to perform one algorithm to finish the last layer of our Skewb.
1. Hold the Skewb as shown above
2. Perform the Algorithm R' L R L' (x2)
3. Move on to case 2.
In this case we have NO yellow corners on our top layer and we need to perform 1 algorithm to rotate our 4 yellow corners onto the top layer and thus solving our skewb.
1. Hold the Skewb as shown above
2. Perform the Algorithm R' L R L' (x2)
If you are struggling with any of the above steps, simply watch the video and hopefully you be well on your way to solving your Skewb. If you are having any issues that the video cannot solve then please get in contact with us or leave a comment below and we will look into re-wording or changing our guide.
