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Learn Cube

Your First Competition

So you want to compete. You’ve signed up on the WCA (World Cube Association) website. Now what?

The Vibe

Competitions are surprisingly chill. It’s 90% hanging out and 10% solving. Everyone is friendly. You will see 10-year-olds solving in 6 seconds. Do not be intimidated. They are the future; accept it.

The Rules (The Important Ones)

1. The Inspection

When you sit down, you get 15 seconds to look at the cube.

  • You can pick it up.
  • You cannot make any moves.
  • If you go over 15 seconds, you get a +2 second penalty.
  • If you go over 17 seconds, it’s a DNF (Did Not Finish).

2. The Timer (Stackmat)

You don’t use a keyboard. You use a touch-sensitive mat.

  1. Place both hands flat on the sensors (palms down).
  2. Wait for the light to go Green.
  3. Lift hands -> Solve -> Drop hands.
  4. DO NOT TOUCH THE CUBE after stopping the timer until the judge says okay.

3. The +2 Penalty

You get 2 seconds added to your time if:

  • You start the timer too early.
  • The cube is not fully solved (misaligned by more than 45 degrees) when you stop.

4. Flash Photography

Strictly banned. It blinds the competitors. Don’t be that person.

The Process

  1. Runner calls your name.
  2. You submit your cube to the Scrambling Table.
  3. You wait in the waiting area (nervously).
  4. Judge calls you to a station.
  5. Judge covers the cube, asks “Ready?“.
  6. You say “Yes”, they lift the cover. Inspection starts.
  7. You solve.
  8. You both sign the score sheet. CHECK THE TIME BEFORE SIGNING. Once you sign, it’s final.

Etiquette

  • Don’t talk to someone while they are solving.
  • Don’t scream if you get a bad time.
  • Do scream (politely) if you get a World Record.
  • Shower. Please. It’s a small room with lots of people.