5x5 Speedcubing

Introduction:

The most common method of solving the 5x5 is Reduction. This consists of reducing the 5x5 into a bigger 3x3. This is done by making 6 3x3 block centers on each side. Then pairing up 3 edges to form a tredge whilst keeping the centers in tact. If necessary you will need to execute a parity algorithm, which will be latter discussed (video). The last step is to solve the reduced 5x5 like a 3x3. Keeping that in mind you should be able to solve a 3x3 before you attempt any larger cube such as the 5x5.

Step 1: Centers

Here i explain how to solve the 5x5 centers by creating 3x3 blocks in the center of each side.



Step 2: Edges (With parity)

Here I explain how to solve the 5x5 edges by using what is commonly known as the "Big Cubes Method" founded by Frank Morris himself!



Step 3: 3x3 Stage

This step is pretty staright forward. Since you know how to solve a 3x3 it will be as easy as that. Just in case your unsure, the tredges on the 5x5 represent the edges on a 3x3, the 3x3 block centers on the 5x5 represent center pieces on a 3x3, and lastly the corners on the 5x5 represent corners on the 3x3.

After Notes:

Now that you can solve a 5x5, i encourage you to go out and practice solving it over and over until you get the hang of it, and then start timing yourself to see where you stand with the rest of the world.

There is another type of edge reduction called "AvG Edges" which was invented by Arnaud van Galen from the Netherlands. Heres a text tutorial written by him: http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1447 Also keep in mind both types of edge reduction use the same centers method.

Have fun!

Example Solve:

John Phung: 5x5 Solve (1:41.72)

Created by Levi Reichelt.