Introduction
Solving a Pyraminx or triangle cube is much easier than solving a Rubik’s cube. You just need to understand the notations and the edges to solve it.
While solving any cube, algorithms play a major role. To understand that we have a few articles published on Rubik’s cube algorithms. You can learn cube solving easily by following them. You can also follow our YouTube channel where we publish videos on solving different types of cubes by experts.
In this article, we will be teaching you how to solve the Pyraminx cube step by step. All you need to do is follow these steps and learn some algorithms!
So, let's get started!
Learn the Terms
Understand the terminology. The individual pieces that comprise each Pyraminx face are referred to by three different names:
- Centerpieces are found in the center of each axial piece. There are four axial pieces, and each side has three centers. Centers do not move because they cannot switch positions to another type of piece.
- Edges: On each face, edge pieces are located to the left and right of the top centers, as well as between the bottom two centers.
- Tips: The tip pieces are the triangular pyramid's most outer points. These pieces can be moved independently and are not as important in solving the puzzle. These pieces, however, must still be twisted into the correct position to achieve the final solution.
Notations
- R: Represents the right side of the Pyraminx face you're looking at. When using this notation, the right must be turned clockwise.
- R': Once again, for the right part, but this time it must be turned anticlockwise.
- L: The letter L represents the left side of the Pyraminx face in front of you. When using this notation, the left part must be turned clockwise.
- L': Turning the left part anticlockwise is represented by L'.
- U: The upper or top part of the Pyraminx must be rotated clockwise.
- U': Represents rotating the upper part of the Pyraminx anticlockwise.
Step 1 - Solving The Tips
In this step, we will learn how to solve the tips of the Pyraminx or triangle cube. This is quite intuitive and it’s really easy.
Simply match the 3 tips. This is extremely easy and can be done in 1-2 seconds with practice.
Step 2 - Solving the Center
As a beginner, it is most common and highly recommended to start with a yellow-colored face. Although any color can be used to solve the Pyraminx, yellow is highly recommended because it is similar to the white face of the Rubik's cube.
Simply rotate the three layers (U, R, and L) until the inner colored pieces are yellow.
This is again, a very easy step. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do this step easily.
Once the centers are yellow. You can move on to the next step.
Step 3 – Solving The Edges
Now that we have the centers and tips solved we can move on to solving the rest of the puzzle.
The next step would be to solve the edge pieces of the yellow face. Turn the Pyraminx so that the yellow face is on the bottom side, which is now the Pyraminx's base.
Examine the Pyraminx's three different colored sides to find the unsolved yellow edge pieces.
Examine the other color on the same edge as the yellow. Check to see if the center below it is the same color as the other color. If it isn't, rotate the top piece clockwise or anticlockwise to align it with the matching color.
Here are 3 cases that you can use for this case-
- Case 1: If the yellow edge piece is to the left - U' L' U L
- Case 2: If the edge piece is to the right - U R U' R'
- Case 3: If the edge needs to be flipped - R U R' (Perform this algorithm and you'll get one of the two cases which we have already shared)
This step is a little bit harder than the first 2 steps, but it is still easy and once you know how to perform the moves correctly then you’ll be able to achieve this step with ease.
Step 4 - The Second Layer
The second layer is the last step! For this step, you'll have to memorize a set of algorithms for 5 cases.
After solving the first layer you'll get these 5 cases. Perform an algorithm according to the situation and you'll be able to solve the Pyraminx easily.
There are 5 cases of this situation.
- Case 1 - Clockwise Cycle - R’ U’ R U’ R’ U’ R
- Case 2 - Anti-clockwise cycle - L U L’ U L U L’
- Case 3 - Right blocks -L R U R’ U’ L’
- Case 4 - Left Blocks -L U R U’ R’ L
- Case 5 - Flip Case: R’ L R L’ U L’ U’ L
Everyone starts out as a beginner and one can onlybecome a master in cubingwith practice. My biggest advice would be to practice with focus and improving your finger tricks!
Learn how to Solve a Pyraminx -
About Author
Arush Singh
Arush Singh is a speedcuber from Bhiwadi with 2 National podiums and is currently ranked 2nd in India for Megaminx. He started cubing when he was 11 and it has been almost 5 years since his cubing journey started. Along with cubing, he also loves programming and art and is also fond of conducting research. He is currently a researcher at the New York Academy of Sciences and has been awarded by Google for his research in machine learning and biomechanics. He has attended 14 competitions and has won a total of 30 podiums with 13 gold medals. He was also top 50 in the world for Megaminx in 2019.
