Have you heard of the hot new documentary on Netflix called The Speed Cubers?
Well if not, let me give you a quick refresher (without giving anything away) … it follows two rubiks cuber-solving champions and one of them is autistic. They can figure out the rubik’s cube within sheer SECONDS.
That’s the only teaser I’m going to give you. The heartfelt story is incredible so I do recommend watching it.
So let me get right into it …
I haven’t thought about this 3-D puzzle game since I was a kid. This documentary opened my eyes to the world of rubik’s cubes! These speed cubers will compete in competitions and memorize (on average) over 300 algorithm patterns to solve the puzzle within SECONDS. Unreal.
So this led me down the rubik’s cube rabbit hole …
Hence, how this post was born. 🙂 I wanted to share information about rubik’s cube for kids and breakdown the nitty gritty for you. I’m going to give you the ultimate highlights of what a rubik’s cube is, how to solve the math equation, what age to start playing this fantastic game, and more.
Most importantly, I feel children of all abilities have the opportunity to be exposed to the wonderful benefits of the rubik’s cube.
So without further ado, let’s dive in!
What is a Rubik’s Cube?
As I mentioned briefly before, it’s a 3-D combination puzzle game that came about over 40 years ago.
To give you an exact year, it was invented in 1974 by a brilliant Hungarian inventor and architect professor named Erno Rubik. He invented the cube to teach his architectural students.
After Erno invented his cube, it took him about a month to solve his own invention!
The 3-D puzzle is a cube made up of small colorful interlocking cubes (3 x 3 x 3) that can be manipulated by twisting the horizontal and vertical planes. The cube has six sides made up of nine squares on each side which are colored red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white.
To start, you will have a random shuffled mess of the cube colors. Then, rotate the sides until you get back to the original solved pattern of each side being the same color.
A lot of kiddos do love this fascinating puzzle game and it continues to be one of the world’s best-selling puzzle games of all time. As an adult myself, this seems overly complicated, I’m not going to lie.
So you’re probably wondering, when can my little one start enjoying the shuffled fun of a rubik’s cube?
What is the Recommended Age for a Rubik’s Cube?
As I’m writing this, Niah (from India) is the youngest cuber in the world. She is 3 years old and has solved 3 Rubik’s puzzles!
I’m sure the twisting and shuffling of the brightly colored cube would be a mesmerizing experience for a little one. Niah is a rare exception to solving the cube puzzle as most toddler’s purely enjoy the vibrant moving square.
If your child is teething or likes to put objects in their mouth, the rubik’s wouldn’t be a good toy option because the stickers can peel off the small squares.
There is a ‘speed cube carbon fiber sticker‘ that is said to be great for kids of ALL ages because it is made of non-toxic ABS material with colorful carbon fiber stickers that don’t fade and are long-lasting.
On the flip side, the recommended age based upon the manufacturer is 8 years old and up. Mostly, because they think a younger kid won’t be interested in the complexity of the game and understanding how the toy works. Plus, it’s not safe for children much younger than that because of the stickers that can peel off.
Now let’s dive right into the fun stuff on how to begin solving this ever-so-complicated brain-teaser …
Before You Solve a Rubik’s Cube, You Need to Know This!
There is a ‘layered method‘ to the cubic madness for beginners or even seasoned speed cubers.
Ok, so what does that mean?
There are different algorithms’s you can master based upon the number of layers a rubik’s cube has. On a personal note, I only thought there was 1 type of rubik’s cube but there are actually a variety you can get!
Let me explain …
- 2 x 2 cube … has six sides (of the colors we mentioned above; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, white) and is made up of 2 squares and 2 layers per side.
- 3 x 3 cube ….has six sides made up of 3 squares and 2 layers per side.
- 4 x 4 cube … has six sides made up of 4 squares and 4 layers per side. See where I’m going with this? 🙂
- 5 x 5 cube … has six sides made up of 5 squares and 5 layers per side.
So these are the most common ‘layered methods’, but the rubik’s can go past a 5 x 5.
Just know the cube will always have six sides it just depends on the number of squares and layers per side to know which method to solve!
So onto the BIG burning question ….
How in the Heck Do You Master a Rubik’s Cube?
There are several steps you will need to walk through on how to solve the complexity of a rubik’s cube.
Hopefully it won’t seem complex after this step by step guideline (which is a GREAT reference provided by www.speedcube.com.au).
Step #1. Master the first layer cross ==> For instructions, please click here <==
Step #2. Master the first layer corners ==> For instructions, please click here <==
Step #3. Now onto the second layer, let’s master that ==> For instructions, please click here <==
Step #4. Master the third layer cross ==> for instructions, please click here <=
Step #5. Master the third layer corners ==> for instructions, please click here <=
Rubik’s Cube Benefits
The brain-teaser game is a wonderful opportunity to sharpen the mind and improve hand-eye coordination.
So let’s dive right into the benefits your kiddo will be exposed to when trying to solve the puzzle:
- Improve concentration
- Process thoughts faster
- Improve finger dexterity and agility
- Learn to problem solve
- Improve memory
- Improve patience
- Keeps the mind active
As you can see, there are awesome benefits to playing with the rubik’s puzzle.
Final Takeaway
The rubik’s puzzle game is challenging, engaging, and down right FUN (if you have the patience for it).
A child of ALL abilities can enjoy the rubik’s cube in some shape or form.
Whether it’s for the tactile engagement of holding the vibrant colored square, moving it up, across, or down or to master the algorithm equation of solving the brain-teaser … it is an engaging activity to introduce your kiddo to.
In a nutshell, this toy speaks volumes as it continues to be one of the TOP selling toys since the 1980s and is worldwide staple in our toy industry.
==> Click here for the BEST current pricing or to learn more about Rubik’s Cube <==
Helpful Resource
One of my top recommendations for a simple book geared towards rubik’s cube for kids is the step-by-step guide “Rubik’s Cube Solution Book for Kids” (which you can see by clicking here). The instructions are made easy, it’s a very colorful read, and simple to follow.
I hope this post added value during your research efforts about the rubik’s cube.
If there are any other activities you would recommend or questions you may have, I’d love to hear your thoughts or feedback. Please comment below. On an end note, if you found this information helpful, please share the love to expose another fellow parent to the wonderful world of rubik’s cube. 🙂
I really do strive to make the content I create as helpful as possible for you…as a fellow parent looking out for their most precious gift. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for stopping by today!
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Oh Wow,
A truly fascinating read and an incredible story about the 3 year old. I never realised it is one of the best selling puzzles but after thinking about it I can completely believe that. Rubiks cube was around when i was about 11 or 12 which is some 40 years ago. I never ever managed to work this puzzle out so what these children are doing is amazing.
You have now inspired me to buy one especially with your instructions of how to solve.
Thanks
Thanks Imelda! I appreciate the kind words and so glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Hello,
I have a lot of good memories about the Rubik cubic: my friend’s mother bought it for my friend, and we both tried to solve it. (we didn’t). But, I will give you my story from the beginning: I grew up in the Soviet Union, and I didn’t have a lot of cool toys or games. So, when my friend’s mother brought home the Rubik Cubic, it was something magic for us. Many days we tried to solve it and finally, after a good month we did. We were very excited; we laugh; we wanted to do it again and again.
Many years later, when my youngest son was around six years old, I bought him the Rubik Cubic. He has ADHD, so it was perfect for concentration and improved patience. And, to my greatest surprise, my son solved it in 10 minutes! He loves the Rubik Cubic till now ( he is 24 ) but, I think he needs to give it to my grandson as a gift. I believe my grandson will love to play with it as my son and I did.
Excellent post, perfect explanation of how to solve it, and it is suitable for kids and adults!
Thank you again for the article; it is dropped me to my childhood memories….
Thank you so much for sharing! That is INCREDIBLE your son solved the rubik’s cube in several minutes! Unreal. The inventor of the rubik’s cube )Erno Rubik) took a month to crack the code of his own invention. What an amazing story. I appreciate your stopping by and commenting today. 🙂
I know that rubiks cubes are difficult for most people (me included) but I never knew there was so much more information on the subject! I also never thought of it as beneficial! This was the most mind blowing post I have read in a long while! Thank you for taking the time to write this post. I will now be purchasing a rubiks cube for my son!
Thank you so much for sharing Brianna! So glad you enjoyed the post and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. 🙂
The Rubik’s cube has always fascinated me. Mainly how it is mechanically constructed. I am not a mechanical engineer and it puzzles me how the miniature cubes are connected in such a way that they can all be rotated and still stay connected. One of these days I will have to get one and take it apart.
When I see kids solve the cube in seconds, I am amazed. A young friend told me that before he solved the cube he had to learn how to do it and memorize the moves. Then how is it possible for a kid who has no idea how the algorithm works and can still solve it?
I agree that this can be great therapy for a kid in helping them developing focusing skills. Maybe I will get the 2 x 2 version to solve first before I progress to the 3 x 3.
Cheers.
Edwin
Hey Edwin, thanks for sharing! Great question. Usually the guardian or parents will assist the child in solving the rubik’s cube (if they can’t understand or read the algorithm) until the master the sequence. Other times the child just solves it and memorizes their moves! Crazy right? It’s an incredible problem solving tool to keep our thinking stimulated.
Love this article! I have been a huge fan of the rubies cube and when I was in high school I had mastered how to solve one. Granted it was definitely not as fast as those so speed solving kids but it was really fun to know how to solve one. It was always fun to tell people to mix it all up and then solve it in front of them. Haha
That’s awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing Tony.
What a great gift for my grandson. He is 8-yrs old. Which of the cubes is best for him? With the book you mentioned, this would make a fun birthday package for him. With his parents limiting his screen time, hopefully it will appeal during the times he isn’t online.
I felt my patience was taxed the last time I picked one up, it has been a while since I have checked them out. Now with the hints given in your article, I am anxious to see how well I can do. It is OK to have my notes from the article nearby, isn’t it? With the fascination of electronics, finding something that might interest him is not easy. I will probably need to order an extra one for me. He loves competition.
Interesting read, thank you for the information.
.
Hey Sami! Thanks for your feedback (and great questions too). The most popular rubik’s cube for kids to get started with are the 3 x 3. Please feel free to keep these notes on hand to use anytime anywhere. Thanks again for stopping and sharing your thoughts with us. 🙂
Hi Lindsey, I’ve read your article “Rubik’s Cube for Kids | Tips, Benefits, and How to Solve”.
Thank you for sharing with us an interesting and excellent article.
I have learned a lot by reading your article and gained a lot of cognition about it.
You’ve given me a lot to think about on something as simple as a cube!
You did an useful and helpful article!
Good job! COngratulations!
Thank you for sharing Rosalia! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Hi Lindsey,
It is an interesting topic, since we know there are plenty of benefits for kids to play rubik’s cube but we never know when is the exactly timing to let them play it. Besides, the variety of rubik’s cube make it more suitable for younger kids. It is amazing to start training kid’s critical thinking skills and concentration at the young age. Comparing to the electronic gadgets, this would be a great casual game for them.
Thanks for sharing such informative article.
Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Great Read! Ive always wanted to be able to solve a rubiks cube. So to know that a 3 year old can solve one just blows my mind. I remember watching a video of a guy solving 3 of them while juggling them! Like what? Lol. I remember when I was a kid, I removed the colored stickers and put them back on to fool my brother that I had solved one. He was blown away, until the stickers started to fall off and I was busted. Haha.
Andrew
Haha that’s hilarious! I bet your brother was completely stumped. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hello there, training the brains and eyes would require a lot of work and truly you just want to do it and make progress, but you have to keep going constantly before you achieve that. Making use of a rubix cube is something I would love to try as an adult as it took me 3weeks to get my first cube done and since then I ran from it. I would love to exposed kids to it and see how good they become.
Congrats on solving the rubik’s cube! That’s tough to do. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hello Lindsey, this is a very interesting article on tips for kids to use on how to solve the Rubik’s cube and I have to say that it was a very good ride for me reading your article. I feel like it is good that kids are trying this days from a young age to do thing we did when we were teens and even when it comes to the Rubik’s cube, I was only able to solve it correctly twice in my life and maybe I should try it som other time again. All this same, this is a good article
Thanks for sharing Jay! That’s awesome you were able to solve a Rubik’s Cube.
Hello there! this is an amazing review you have got here. I am sure this quality information will be of great help to anyone who come across this post as it is to me. I am sure my daughter will be very happy by the time I share this post with her as shes has been trying to solve this puzzle thing for days now.
Thanks for sharing this with me!
Thanks for sharing Joy. 🙂
These things are so often overlooked and underestimated!
My eldest daughter had one a couple of years ago until my youngest daughter broke it but I think it’s time I bought a couple more now they’re a bit older.
But first I’ll have to test out your instructions and look super impressive when I’m inevitably asked for help lol.
On a serious note how are these in terms of helping with stress? I wonder if they could help in times of anxiety for example near exam times. Or maybe it wouldn’t help if they get frustrated whilst in that frame of mind…
You’ve given me a lot to think about on something as simple as a cube!
Kind Regards,
Tony
Thanks for sharing Tony! I think it would be a great stress outlet (depending on the person’s needs) to twist, turn, and move around the cube. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing with us an interesting and excellent article. The principal content of this article is about Rubik’s Cube for Kids. It is really pretty that you have demonstrated this topic so well in your article. I have learned a lot by reading your article and gained a lot of cognition about it. Of the points mentioned in your article, I like Rubik’s Cube Benefits. I used to play with this Rubik’s Cube as a kid and now my little boy is playing with it. From my experience, it is said that it helps children to concentrate which enhances their memory and endurance. On my son’s birthday, I gift it to him so that he can concentrate and develop his talents, the results of which I am slowly getting.
Finally, I read your article I made a mistake so I want to share about the article in my social media group so that everyone understands how important Rubik’s Cube is for kids and gives kids gifts
Thanks so much for sharing and I greatly appreciate you passing along the information to help others. 🙂