How to solve a 4x4 cube?

We solve a 4x4 cube using the reduction method. First, we solve the four center pieces on each face. Next, we pair the edge pieces so the puzzle behaves like a 3x3 cube. We then finish it with standard 3x3 solving methods, using a parity algorithm if a 4x4-specific parity case appears.

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4x4 Guide of GANCUBE

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Notation

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x y z:

whole cube rotation

Adding [T]:

turning two layers of the corresponding side

Adding [M]:

turning the internal layer of the corresponding side

Adding [']:

90 degree turn counter clockwise

Adding [2]:

180 degree turn clockwise

Adding ['2]:

180 degree turn counter clockwise

Steps Of Solving A 4x4x4 Cube

In this tutorial we will introduce the 'Reduction method' which will require us to first solve the center pieces and turn the edge pieces to form an equivalent to the 3x3x3 cube. Then we will be able quickly solve the cube using the methods for solving the 3x3x3 cube.

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1. Solve the center pieces

by aligning the 4 center pieces of each colour and positioning them in the orders

STEP 1:

Solve the center pieces of the yellow face.

STEP 2:

Solve the center pieces of the white face.

STEP 3:

Solve the center pieces of the remaining faces one by one.

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*Hints

For big cubes with even number of layers, the center pieces are not fixed on certain sides. You need to memorize the relative positions of the different colours.

In the case of GAN460 this is top-yellow, down- white, left-orange, right- red, front-blue, back- green.

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2.Turn The Edge Pieces

to pair them up

STEP 1:

Start with any pair of edge pieces (we take red/blue edges as example below). Take the right side edge slots (marked in grey below) as working slots. Use algorithm 3 to line up the edge pieces.

STEP 2:

Flip the cube when the 4 edges on the top side are all paired up. Repeat step 1 for the unsolved edges (now flipped to top side) until the remaining 4 edges are all paired up.

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If the last 2 edge pairs can not be solved, apply algorithm 4.

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3.Solve the cube like the 3x3x3 cube, and deal with parities.

Now your 4x4x4 cube should look like a 3x3x3 cube. Use the 3x3x3 methods to solve it until you encounter a parity case.

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In case of parity situations, use the algorithms below.

Two scenarios as shown below might happen when making the cross on the top side. Use algorithm 5 to handle it.

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When solving the top face, if you entcounter the scenario where 2 opposite edges can not be solved, apply algorithm 6 once to solve it.

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In the emergence of any of the 3 scenarios shown on the right, apply algorithm 6 once in any direction, then continue to solve the cube using 3x3x3 methods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What method do we use to solve a 4x4 cube?

We use the reduction method. We solve the centers and pair the edges first, then reduce the remaining solve to a standard 3x3 process.

Why is solving a 4x4 different from solving a 3x3?

A 4x4 does not have fixed center pieces like a 3x3, and its individual edge pieces must be paired before we can solve it using standard 3x3 methods.

What is 4x4 parity?

Parity is a special case that can appear during the final stages of a 4x4 solve and cannot be resolved with ordinary 3x3 algorithms. When it appears, we use a dedicated parity algorithm.