Finger Tricks

If you turn the cube by grabbing the whole side with your entire hand and rotating your wrist 90 degrees… stop. We need to talk.

Speedcubing is 10% brain and 90% muscle memory. Here is how to handle your cube without looking like you’re opening a pickle jar.

The Home Grip

Thumbs on the front (F) face, middle/ring fingers on the back (B) face. This is your neutral stance. Be ready to strike.

The Triggers

The Index Flick (U and U’)

• U (Top Clockwise): Use your Right Index Finger to pull the top-right corner back.
• U’ (Top Counter-Clockwise): Use your Left Index Finger to pull the top-left corner back.

The Sexy Move (Trigger)

This is the bread and butter of cubing.

R

U

R'

U'

1. R: Turn right side up with wrist.
2. U: Flick top with Right Index.
3. R’: Turn right side down with wrist.
4. U’: Flick top with Left Index.

Practice this until you can do it without thinking. It should sound like one fluid motion: trrr-click.

Double Flicks (U2)

Need to turn the top twice? Don’t flick… pause… flick. Use your Index finger then your Middle finger in one rapid 1-2 combo.

• Right Index -> Right Middle = U2

The Ring Finger Drag (D)

The bottom layer is the neglected child of finger tricks. Use your Ring Finger (Left or Right) to push the bottom layer. It feels weird at first, like trying to wiggle your ears, but you’ll get used to it.

When to Regrip?

Ideally? Never. Realistically? When your fingers are twisted into a pretzel. Minimize regrips by using different fingers. If your right thumb is busy, use your left index. Adapt. Overcome.

Common Mistakes

1. The Wrist Turn: Turning U by rotating your whole hand. Slow.
2. The Table Slam: Solving so hard you slam the cube down. Breaks the table, breaks the cube, scares the cat.
3. The Death Grip: Holding the cube so tight the pieces can’t move. Relax. It’s a toy, not a grenade.