Finger Tricks 101: How to Increase Your TPS (Turns Per Second)

Tuesday, 8 April 2014, 5:45 PM • Asif P •

The Secret to Speed: Understanding TPS

In the world of speedcubing, TPS stands for Turns Per Second. It is the raw measure of how fast you can execute moves on a Rubik's Cube. While knowing the best algorithms is crucial, the speed at which you execute them is what ultimately separates a sub-20 solver from a sub-10 pro. To achieve high TPS, you need to master "finger tricks"—specific ways of moving layers using only your fingertips rather than your entire hand.

1. The Foundation: The Home Grip

Before you can turn fast, you must hold the cube correctly. The "home grip" involves placing your thumbs on the front face (usually on the center piece or slightly below) and your middle, ring, and pinky fingers on the back. Your index fingers should be resting on the top of the back-side edges, ready to flick the top layer (U face).

A common mistake among beginners is gripping the cube too tightly with the whole palm. For best results, consider using a modern magnetic cube like the Cubelelo Drift 3M Plus v2, which uses MagLev technology to reduce friction, allowing your fingers to glide through moves with minimal effort.

Cubelelo Drift 3M Plus v2 3x3 (MagLev) Magnetic Speedcube (New 2024 Version)

2. Essential Finger Tricks for U and R Moves

Most algorithms rely heavily on the Up (U) and Right (R) layers. Here is how to optimize them:

U Moves: Use your index finger to flick the back corner of the top layer toward the center. Never use your whole hand to turn the U face.
U2 Moves: This is where the "double flick" comes in. Use your index finger followed immediately by your middle finger in one smooth motion. This is significantly faster than two separate index flicks.
R Moves: These are usually performed by a wrist turn, but the key is to keep your thumb in a position that allows you to transition into the next move without regripping.

For those looking for a competition-ready experience, the Cubelelo GAN 356 ME features a frosted surface that provides a great grip while allowing for these rapid-fire finger movements.

3. Minimizing Regrips

A "regrip" occurs whenever you have to shift your hand position to perform a move. Every regrip costs you precious fractions of a second. To increase your TPS, you must learn to execute algorithms "regrip-less." This often involves using your "push" moves (using your index finger to push a layer away from you) or using your pinky and ring fingers for D (down) layer turns while your thumbs stay planted on the front.

HELLOCUBE GAN 356 M 3x3 Magic Speed Cube Stickerless 3x3x3 Magnetic Cube Gans 356M(Standard Version with GES)

4. Hardware Matters: The Role of Magnets

You can have the fastest fingers in the world, but if your cube is prone to locking up or overshooting, your TPS will suffer. This is why magnetic cubes are essential. Magnets help pull the layers into alignment, allowing you to start your next move before the previous one is even 100% finished (a concept known as corner cutting).

A popular choice among speedcubers looking for a premium feel at a discounted price is the GAN 356 M. Its magnetic core ensures stability even during the most aggressive finger tricks, preventing the cube from deforming mid-solve.

5. How to Track and Improve Your TPS

Improving your TPS requires deliberate practice. Start by filming yourself solving the cube in slow motion to identify where you are regripping unnecessarily. You can also use technology to help. A smart cube, such as the GoCube Edge Full Pack, connects to your phone and tracks your TPS in real-time, providing a breakdown of your turns per second for each solve phase.

GoCube Edge Full Pack - Connected Smart Cube

Summary of Tips for Higher TPS

Keep your fingers close to the cube at all times.
Master the double flick for U2, D2, and F2 moves.
Use "lefty" moves to mirror your right-hand execution.
Practice algorithms slowly at first to ensure your finger tricks are fluid before speeding up.
Invest in a cube with good corner cutting to forgive slightly inaccurate turns.