11 Cool 3x3 Speed Cube Patterns With Notations

The Rubik's Cube, invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974, has sold over 350 million units worldwide. Initially known as the Magic Cube, it gained popularity after being licensed to Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980. Featuring six faces covered in solid colors, the cube challenges players to align each face with a single color.

Despite its complexity, mastering Rubik's Cube patterns doesn't require solving the cube entirely. By following simple instructions, you can create impressive designs and astound your friends without ever fully solving the puzzle.

A Rubik’s Cube pattern is a design-like looking order of colors.

Well! You don't have to worry anymore. Without even solving a cube you can get to form some really cool 3x3 patterns and impress your friends.. like me 😉

Before starting you should know the notations on the 3x3 cube. Here are important notations you should consider while forming patterns and solving 3x3 cube.

U D F B L R..

and we are ready to go.

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Cool 3x3 Speed Cube Patterns With Notations

1. Checkerboard -

This is the most common pattern and this makes every side of cube looks like X

2. Cube in a cube pattern -

Looks like a cube is in a cube!

3. Cube in a Cube in a Cube -

Looks like 2 cubes in a cube! 

4. Anaconda -

Small L on all sides

5. Cross -

Plus on all sides! 

6. Superflip -

Flips all edges 

7. Black Mamba -

L and Lines

8. Plus-Minus -

Except 2 sides, every side has + and - symbol

9. Green Mamba -

Lines on all sides

10. Four Centers Swap -

Swaps 4 center pieces 

11. CheckerBoard In Cube -

Cube in A cube + Checkerboard pattern combined together

The above are some cool basic patterns that might interest you and impress others!

You may have a question in your mind that when we do the different moves, how does a pattern form?

The patterns form by preserving and inserting some pieces into some specific spots/positions.

While you preserve a piece, it may move; but when the algorithm ends, it comes back to its place.

Now,

What is inserting?

Inserting is moving some specific pieces to some specific areas without disturbing the preserved piece.

An easy pattern Checker Board "U2 D2 F2 B2 L2 R2” is formed just by inserting the edges and preserving the corners!

You can make your own pattern too!

It's simple. Just think of a new and good pattern. Then move around the pieces that you wanted to insert/preserve and yay!

You are done!

Now that you have learnt about preserving and inserting to form different patterns, go ahead and guess what is a Rubik's cube mosaic?

About Author

Atharva Bhat

Atharva R. Bhattan 11-year-old from Bengaluru started his cubing journey when he was just 7. He is ranked 14 in India for 3x3 Blindfolded. He has a collection of over 700 puzzles. He loves making Rubik's cube mosaic and its animation videos. He also has a Guinness World Record in solving three rotating puzzle cubes using hands and feet. He has participated in 28 WCA competitions in 2 countries and won 12 podiums with 4 gold medals.