This page provides information for learning the ZZ method. ZZ is a modern method for speed solving the Rubik's Cube, originally proposed by Zbigniew Zborowski in 2006.[1] Michal Hordecki's ZZ Page provides a good background and description of the ZZ method for those who aren't already familiar with it.[2]
Interpretation of the algorithms presented here requires familiarity with standard cube notation.
If you're new to ZZ, the stripped down beginner version shows only the topics required to get you started.
[ beginner version | full version ]
Contents
EOLine
This stage orients all edges on the cube (EO) while simultaneously placing the DF and DB edges (Line). This reduces the cube to the <L,R,U> group, meaning the rest of the cube can be solved by turning only the L, R and U faces.
EOLine takes an average of ~6.127 moves and a maximum of 9 moves,[2] but is without doubt the most difficult part of the ZZ method. For this reason, it is often divided into two sub-stages: (1) Edge orientation followed by (2) placement of the line edges. Also known as "EO+Line".
Contents
- Edge Orientation Detection
- Edge Orientation Strategy
- Edge Orientation Cases
- Combining the EO and Line Phases
- Optimising EOLine
- Fingertricks and Looking Ahead Into F2L
- Example EOLine Solves
F2L - The First Two Layers
This stage completes the first two layers by building two 1x2x3 blocks on either side of the Line made in the previous stage. Because all edges are now oriented it is possible to complete this stage using just R, U and L moves.
Contents
- Basic Block Building Strategy
- 1x2x2 Blocks
- 1x1x2 Blocks
- Algorithms for Special Cases
- D-layer 1x1x2s
- Corner Already Placed
- Edge Already Placed
- Connected Cubies
- Badly Connected Blocks
- Multiblocking
- Openslotting
- ZZF2L Lookahead / General Tips
LL - The Last Layer
Because edge orientation is solved during EOLine and preserved during F2L,
the last layer edges will always be oriented. This provides great number of
options, ranging from a simple 20 algorithm 2-look system, all the
way up to a 1-look system with up to 493 algorithms to learn.
Contents
Example Solves
These YouTube links below show examples of ZZ in action:- 3x3x3 17.58s Lodz Open 2011 - by Zbigniew Zborowski
- 8.13 OH single - by Phil Yu
- 11.90 ZZ2h 10 of 12 - by Phil Yu
- 9.95s ZZ solve - by Sam Hanna
- 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube 15.06 average - by Mateusz Kurek
- Two ZZ Solves - 14.37, 15.91 - by yurivish
- 15.82 ZZ solve - by nnitay6669
- 16.73 Avg of 12, with reconstructions - by Conrad Rider
Click here for some detailed ZZ walkthroughs...
References & Resources
- Zbigniew Zborowski's polish ZZ page (applet warning!)
- Michal Hordecki's ZZ Page
- speedsolving.com: ZZ/ZB Home Thread
- speedsolving.com: ZZ Speedcubing Method
- speedsolving.com: ZZ Cubers
- speedsolving.com wiki: ZZ Method
- speedsolving.com: New method?
- YouTube: EOLine tutorial
- YouTube: ZZ method tutorial
- Bernard Helmstetter's Move Count Statistics
- Cube Explorer
- Johannes's Online Solver
- Lucas Garron's Algorithm Animator
- ZZF2L Move Count Analysis (by Lars Vandenbergh)
- speedsolving.com: ZZF2L Move Count
List of Terms
- bad edge A misoriented edge
- D-Face The lower surface of the cube
- D-Layer The lower 1x3x3 block of cubies
- DB The down-back edge
- DF The down-front edge
- EO Edge Orientation
- EO+Line Edge Orientation followed by Line placement
- EOLine Edge Orientation and Line placement executed as a single step
- F2L First Two Layers: The lower 2x3x3 block of the cube
- HTM Half Turn Metric: Defines a quarter or half turn of any face as a single move
- line edges The DF and DB edges. When placed they form a line on the D-face
- LL Last Layer: The U-layer
- mid-slice The middle horizontal layer of the cube, sandwiched between the U and D layers (also known as the E-slice)
- ZZ Zbigniew Zborowski: A Polish speedcuber and original proposer of the ZZ method
Last updated: 27th January 2013