Fridrich F2L: Going Slow and Looking Ahead

This is a tutorial on Going Slow and Looking Ahead in the F2L part of the Fridrich method. In this tutorial, I will talk about what Looking Ahead exactly is, how it's useful, and how to practice getting better at it.

Looking Ahead in F2L is one of the most important techniques in getting faster at the First Two Layers. In order to average under 20 seconds, it is imperative that you become very good at this skill. It will still help you in reaching sub 15 seconds times and even faster than that too. I cannot stress enough how important Going Slow and Looking Ahead will help you.

It is recommended that you average under 25 seconds for your F2L (F2L + Cross) before you attempt learning about Looking Ahead. If your F2L isn't under 25 seconds it really shouldn't be hard to get to that speed with some practice. I would also highly recommend looking at Badmephisto's F2L videos, even if you already average under 25 seconds for F2L. He talks about very important basic tips in getting faster at F2L that is definetly worth watching.

Badmephisto's F2L videos:
Advanced F2L Techniques: http://tinyurl.com/5nv6vg
Tips for practicing F2L:http://tinyurl.com/ntzcpg
My thought process while doing F2L - One step stop: http://tinyurl.com/llrlmb
My thought process while solving the cube: http://tinyurl.com/lcz9eh

Other Looking Ahead Advice:
Dan Knights (bottom of page):
http://csel.cs.colorado.edu/~knightsd/

Macky:
http://www.cubefreak.net/Fridrich/F2L.html

Online Metronome:
http://www.metronomeonline.com/
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I. Introduction: 0:01 - 1:30

II. What makes your F2L slow (pauses) 1:30 - 2:39
A. Example F2L solve: 1:59 - 2:39

III. Slower w/ fewer pauses is better: 3:09 - 5:05
A. Proof: 3:45
1. Fast solve with lots of pauses: 3:55 - 4:25
2. Slow solve with few pauses: 4:25 - 5:05

IV. How to Look Ahead: 5:05 - 6:16
A. Looking Ahead explanation: 5:20-5:27
1. Example F2L solve: 5:27 - 6:16

V. Practicing Looking Ahead: 6:16 - 9:22
A. Dan Knight's Advice: 6:16 - 7:44
1. Quote: 6:26
2. Example F2L solve: 6:39 - 7:44
B. Metronome: 7:44 - 9:22
1. Example F2L Solve: 8:30 - 9:03

VI. Conclusion: 9:22
A. Looking Ahead Summary: 9:32 - 9:56
B. Sites w/ Looking Ahead Tips: 10:19 - 10:26
C. Closing Comments: 10:26 - 10:38

Category:

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• PcwizCube
• Pcwiz

[magicswimmer1]

What cube does he use??

[pcwizcube]

@magicswimmer1 Are you talking about me? If so, in this video I am using a Cube4you DIY. My main speedcube now though, is DaYan ZhanChi. Hope that helps!

[D4rkFang]

going to try this, at 40 atm, just started intuitive f2l and I'm behind on 40 :(

[pcwizcube]

@D4rkFang Yeah starting out is hard but with lots of practice you'll improve lots! :D

[CuberPortugues]

I have a question.

when I started using the metronome I really sucked at it. I started with 50 bips per minute or so. Now, 1 month later I am at 144 bips per minute.

But when I am trying to do a "real solve" I cant perform Look ahead simply because I am allways thinking in doing the F2L algs fast. So my times round 25 seconds or so. I know I shouldnt do this, but I cant make it better.

Probably every sub 15 speedcubers had this problem. What can I do?

Need help :P

[pcwizcube]

@CuberPortugues [Comment Part 4] But yeah they probably hate practicing slowly and doing other "unexciting" training techniques to improve their times.

I hope that helps somewhat and sorry if this response was too long. :D

[BrawlToOwn]

i really like the metronome idea, nice video dude

[AszianCuber]

Thanks for the video!!

Great help

[D4rkFang]

@xxoxia I can occasionally now, I can sub 30 if im in the mood, still cabt practice like my PLLs, they're easy to practice and can probably sub2 them if I tried to

[xxoxia]

@D4rkFang - You really don't NEED to look ahead until you're around sub 30. I remember getting down to 25 ish, before needing to look ahead. You can get faster without it at 40. Just work more on your cross and F2L as far as what your doing.

[D4rkFang]

@pcwizcube im on 67 now with little stops xD just been 1-2 hrs hehe :p