How to Solve a Pyraminx (Triangle Rubik’s Cube): Step-by-Step Guide

How do you solve a Pyraminx?

You solve a Pyraminx in four logical steps: align the tips, match the centers, solve the bottom layer edges, and fix the top layer. Most beginners can master the Pyraminx (also called the Triangle Rubik's Cube) in under an hour because it relies more on intuition than complex memorization. 

Quick Summary of the Method

Here are the boiled down steps that we’ll use to solve the Pyraminx:

1. The Tips: Match the corners to the center (Intuitive)

2. The Centers: Solve the bottom face centers, usually yellow (Intuitive)

3. First Layer: Insert bottom edges R U’ R' or L' U L

4. Second Layer: Solve the remaining edges, there are multiple cases and algorithms, but all are very easy!

Getting Started: Terms and Notations

Before we start, you need to know what you are holding. The Pyraminx has three types of pieces:

• Tips: The small rotatable pointy corners. They don't affect the solve, we just twist them to match.
• Centers: The pieces directly under the tips. These define the color of the face.
• Edges: The pieces sitting between the centers. These are the main pieces we need to solve. 
  

Understand the terminology. The individual pieces that comprise each Pyraminx face are referred to by three different names:

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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. However, a pyramid cube solver ensures that these pieces are twisted into the correct position to achieve the final solution.

Basic Notation Key:

R / R' = Right side Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise

L / L' = Left side Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise

U / U' = Top (Up) side Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise

B / B' = Back side Clockwise / Counter-Clockwise

Step 1: How to Solve the Tips

This is the easiest part of the entire puzzle.

1. Look at the four pointed tips.

2. Rotate them until the color matches the center piece directly attached to them.

3. Do this for all four tips.

Why do this before anything else? You can do this at the end as well but it is generally better to learn with the tips solved as It gets the clutter out of the way so you can focus on the real puzzle.

Step 2: How to Match the Centers

Now we need to form the "skeleton" of the puzzle. We usually start with the yellow face.

1. Find the three corners that have a yellow sticker.

2. Turn the faces so that all three yellow centers are on the same face.

3. It should look like the "Mitsubishi" logo or a radioactive symbol (three yellow centers pointing inward).

Step 3: How to Solve the First Layer Edges

Now that our centers are set, we need to fill in the gaps with the correct yellow edges. hold the Pyraminx so the yellow face is on the bottom

• Scenario A: The edge is on the right and the yellow sticker is on the right layer facing you: U' R' U' R'

• Scenario B: The edge is on the left if the target piece is on the left layer facing you: U' L' U L

• Scenario C: The edge is "flipped" in the slot: Perform R U R' to take it out, then insert it correctly using Scenario A or B.

Repeat this until the entire bottom Yellow layer is solved and complete.

Step 4: How to Solve the Second Layer (Final Step)

Rotate the puzzle so Yellow is still on the bottom. Look at the top layer (usually the Red/Green/Blue edges). You will face one of five cases.

There are 5 cases of this situation. 

•  Two edges are in the right place but flipped backward: R' L R L' U L' U' L

• Case 2: Clockwise Cycle (Edges need to move Left) - The edges need to rotate clockwise to find their correct spot: R' U' R U' R' U' R
  
  
• Case 3: Counter-Clockwise Cycle (Edges need to move Right) - The edges need to rotate anti-clockwise. L U L' U L U L'
  
  
• Case 4: Right Bar L U R U' R' L’
  
• Case 5: Left Bar R’ U’ L’ U L R
  
  
  Once you execute the correct algorithm, your Pyraminx is solved! 
  
  

FAQ

Q1: Is the Pyraminx easier than a Rubik’s Cube? 

Yes, significantly. It has fewer pieces, moves faster, and requires fewer algorithms to memorize. It is often the first puzzle recommended after the 3x3.

Q2: What is the best Pyraminx for beginners? 

We recommend the Drift Pyraminx M or the GAN Pyraminx Magnetic. Both are magnetic, and turn very smoothly. Choose the Drift Pyraminx, non magnetic for a budget pick.

Q3: Can I solve it without algorithms? 

You can solve the first 75% (tips, centers, and first layer) intuitively. However, the last layer would require memorizing at least 2 or 3 algorithms to move the final pieces.

Q4: How fast can I get at Pyraminx? 

With just one week of practice using this method, you can easily average under 20 seconds. Top-level speedsolvers do it in under 2 seconds!

Q5: What should I learn after the Pyraminx? 

If you enjoyed the shape, try the Megaminx (12 sides). If you liked the WEIRD turning style, try the Skewb.