Challenge #004: Solving Original 3×3 Rubik’s Cube in less than 60 seconds (1 minute)

GOAL:
The goal of this challenge #004 is to solve the Rubik’s Cube (www.rubiks.com) in less than 60 Seconds.

DESCRIPTION:
The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most famous puzzles since its creation in 1974. It was invented by Hungarian Sculptor Ernő Rubik. It is a cube made of 26 smaller cubes, 9 on each face, the central one is replaced by a patented rotating mechanism. The world record is set to less than 6 seconds,(Under 4 seconds by the CS3 robot), but according to most specialists, it can be solved in under a minute, after learning a basic routine and some practice. Another reason why I have set this challenge time to under a minute, is because the American actor Will Smith has managed to solve it in 55 seconds at a french TV show few years ago.

ACHIEVEMENT EXPECTED:
In order to succeed, you will have to purchase a 3×3 rubik’s Cube that can be found at your local toys reseller, or online at http://www.rubiks.com for 15£ or so. You can also find plenty second hand for cheaper, borrow it from a friend, or even start practicing with online apps. You will probably need to learn one of the many methods/algorithms available, and practice for a few weeks before you get there.

Theoretically, you would have to use a proper Speedsolving timer, in order to get accurate time. But if you don’t consider to break a world record, a simple timer will be fine. Once you are ready for the record, get the help from a friend or two for the timer and video recording (A smartphone would be fine for this). Once you have published that video online, you can consider it a success and choose another LethargicDog 256 Geek Challenge.

Have fun, and good luck !
Pascal