What Is Speedcubing? A Beginner’s Guide to the World of Fast Rubik’s Cube Solving
If you’ve ever seen someone solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 10 seconds and thought, “How is that even possible?” – welcome to speedcubing.
In this guide, we’ll explain what speedcubing is, how it works, the gear people use (including brands like GAN and MoYu), and how you can get started with your first speed cube.
What Is Speedcubing?
Speedcubing is the sport of solving twisty puzzles – most famously the 3×3 Rubik’s Cube – as fast as possible.
Speedcubers:
- Use advanced solving methods (like CFOP, Roux, or ZZ).
- Practise finger tricks to turn the cube quickly and efficiently.
- Rely on high-performance speed cubes from specialist brands such as GAN, MoYu, QiYi, YJ and others.
What started as a casual toy in the 1980s has grown into a global competitive scene, with official competitions, world rankings, and solves now regularly under 5 seconds for top cubers.
How Speedcubing Competitions Work
Most official competitions are run under the World Cube Association (WCA). Events include not just 3×3, but also:
- 2×2, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, 7×7 cubes
- One-handed solving
- Blindfolded solving
- Puzzles like Pyraminx, Megaminx, Skewb and more
In a standard 3×3 event:
- The cube is scrambled using a randomised algorithm.
- The competitor inspects the cube for up to 15 seconds.
- When ready, they start the Stackmat timer, solve the cube, then stop the timer by placing both hands back on the pad.
Times are usually recorded as:
- Single – your best solve.
- Average of 5 – 5 solves, with best and worst removed and the remaining three averaged.
Why Regular Rubik’s Cubes Aren’t Great for Speedcubing
The classic Rubik’s Cube you find in supermarkets is great for casual play, but it’s not designed for high-speed solving.
Typical problems with standard cubes:
- Stiff turning – you have to use your whole hand instead of quick finger tricks.
- Lock-ups – pieces catch when layers aren’t perfectly aligned.
- Popping – pieces can fly out if you turn too fast.
- No way to adjust tension or customise the feel.
That’s where modern speed cubes come in.
What Makes a Cube a “Speedcube”?
Speed cubes are engineered specifically for fast, controlled turning.
1. Smooth, Low-Friction Mechanism
Internal pieces are rounded and designed to glide past each other, giving you:
- Less friction
- Faster turning
- Fewer lock-ups
2. Corner-Cutting
Corner-cutting means the cube can still complete a turn even if the layers aren’t perfectly aligned. Good speed cubes can cut large angles, which is essential when you’re spamming turns at 8–10 moves per second.
3. Adjustable Tensions & Springs
Most modern cubes let you:
- Tighten or loosen the cube with a screwdriver or adjustment tool.
- Fine-tune the feel for either speed, control or a balance of both.
4. Magnetic Positioning
Almost all serious speedcubers now use magnetic cubes:
- Small magnets inside the pieces help each turn “snap” into place.
- This makes the cube feel more stable at high speeds.
- Brands like GAN and MoYu offer cubes with adjustable magnet strength, so you can dial in exactly how strong you want the clicky feel to be.
Top Speedcubing Brands: GAN, MoYu and More
If you’re new to speedcubing, the brand names alone can be confusing. Here’s a quick overview of the big names you’ll see on Cube Master.
GAN – Premium, High-Tech Speedcubes
GAN is known for:
- Ultra-lightweight, high-end flagships.
- Innovative features like numerical IPG tensioning, adjustable magnets, and honeycomb surfaces for smoother lubrication.
- Popular models among serious speedcubers, especially for 3×3 main cubes.
GAN cubes are ideal if you want a top-of-the-line, competition-ready feel right out of the box.
MoYu – Performance and Value Across the Range
MoYu is another giant in the speedcube world, with famous sub-brands such as WeiLong and RS lines.
MoYu offers:
- Flagship cubes that rival the best on the market.
- Excellent mid-range options that are perfect for beginners who want pro-level performance without paying flagship prices.
- A huge variety of puzzles beyond 3×3: 4×4, 5×5, Pyraminx, Skewb, Megaminx and more.
If you’re building a collection of speedcubes and twisty puzzles, MoYu is a fantastic place to start.
Other Notable Brands
While GAN and MoYu are two of the biggest names, you’ll also encounter:
- QiYi / X-Man Design – known for excellent value and strong competition cubes in multiple events.
- YJ / MGC line – very popular in 4×4, 5×5 and other big cubes.
- Dayan – an early pioneer in speedcubing, still loved by some cubers.
At Cube Master, we focus on stocking proven cubes from these top brands so you’re never stuck with a slow, outdated puzzle.
How Do People Get So Fast? (Methods & Training)
Speedcubers don’t just turn the cube randomly. They use efficient solving methods with carefully learned algorithms.
CFOP (Fridrich Method)
The most popular method for 3×3 speedsolving is CFOP:
- Cross – solve a cross on one face.
- F2L (First Two Layers) – pair up corner + edge pieces and insert them together.
- OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer) – orient all last-layer pieces so the final face is one colour.
- PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) – move those pieces into their correct positions.
Top cubers may know hundreds of algorithms, but beginners can start with a subset and gradually add more.
Roux, ZZ and Other Methods
Some speedcubers prefer:
- Roux – a block-building method with fewer rotations.
- ZZ – optimises edge orientation early for smoother turning later.
Each method has its own fanbase and pros/cons, but all benefit from a good speedcube that can handle fast, precise turning.
Getting Started with Speedcubing
If you’re ready to move from casual turning to real speedcubing, here’s a simple step-by-step plan:
- Get a proper speed cube
- Choose a magnetic 3×3 from brands like GAN or MoYu.
- Look for terms like “magnetic”, “stickerless”, “corner-cutting”.
- Learn a beginner’s method
- Start with a simple layer-by-layer approach.
- Once you can reliably solve, progress to CFOP.
- Use online resources
- YouTube tutorials, cube timer apps, and algorithm trainers make learning easier than ever.
- Practise regularly
- Track your times.
- Aim to cut your average from 1 minute, to 30 seconds, to under 20, and beyond.
- Join the community
- Visit local or regional competitions.
- Even if you’re not “fast” yet, WCA events are beginner-friendly and a great way to meet other cubers.
Why Buy Your Speedcubes from Cube Master?
At Cube Master, we’re not just another toy shop – we’re focused on high-performance puzzles:
- Curated selection of GAN, MoYu and other top brands.
- Cubes chosen specifically for speedcubers, from beginner-friendly to flagship models.
- A growing range of puzzle cubes, lubricants, timers and accessories so you can build your full speedcubing setup in one place.
Whether you’re learning your first solve or chasing a new personal best, the right cube makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Speedcubing Is for Everyone
Speedcubing is the perfect mix of:
- Brain training
- Hand-eye coordination
- Community and competition
All you need to get started is:
- One good speedcube, and
- A little bit of curiosity.
Ready to try it yourself?
Explore our range of GAN, MoYu and other pro-grade speed cubes at Cube Master and start mastering every move today.
