Mastering the Megaminx: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

So you have mastered the 3x3 Rubik's Cube, and now are you looking for your next challenge? Here is the Megaminx. Looking at this 12-sided dodecahedron-shaped puzzle might feel a bit intimidating. However, there is a secret: if you can solve a 3x3 cube, you are already 80% of the way to solving a Megaminx!

What is a Megaminx?

The Megaminx is a star-shaped puzzle with 12 sides. Although it looks complex, it works similarly to a standard 3x3 cube. The main difference is that instead of four sides and corners on each face, the Megaminx has five. This guide will lead you through the layer-by-layer method, which is suitable for beginners.

Step 1: The White Star

Just like the cross on the 3x3, we start by making a star on the white side. Find the white edge pieces and match them with the white center and their corresponding side centers. Since it's a dodecahedron, you'll be looking for five edge pieces instead of four.

Step 2: The First Layer Corners

Next, we need to add the five white corner pieces. Find a corner piece with white color, bring it directly above the slot where it should go, and then use the following algorithm until it is correctly placed:

• R U R' U' (The Sexy Move)

Step 3: The Second Layer Edges (F2L)

Next, we fill in the edges that go directly above our white corners. This is similar to the F2L stage in 3x3. Find an edge piece that doesn't have the top face color (usually grey) and use the following algorithm:

• To insert to the right: U R U' R' U' F' U F
• To insert to the left: U' L' U L U F U' F'

Step 4: Building the Rest (S2L)

This is where the Megaminx takes the most time. You need to create "mini-stars" on each of the side faces (purple, green, red, blue, yellow) and repeat the process of matching corners and edges. The logic is similar to the first layer, just applied to the various colors in the middle of the puzzle.

Step 5: The Grey Star (Top Layer)

Once you reach the final side (usually grey), you must make a star. If you have a 'dot', a 'V' shape, or a 'line' of grey edges, use this 3x3 algorithm to flip the edges:

• F R U R' U' F'

Repeat this until a star is formed with all five grey edges facing upwards.

Step 6: Permute the Grey Edges

Now, we need to match the grey edges with the side centers. Use the Sune algorithm to swap adjacent edges:

• R U R' U R U2 R'

You may need to do this several times until all five points of the star match the side faces.

Step 7: Position the Grey Corners

We need to move the grey corners into their correct positions (even if they are oriented incorrectly). Find one corner that is already in the correct position and place it in the front-right (front-right). Use this sequence to move the other corners:

• U R U' L' U R' U' L

Step 8: Orient the Grey Corners

Finally, we twist the corners to complete the puzzle. Warning: Be very careful here, as it will look like the rest of the cube is getting scrambled!

• Hold the Megaminx with the grey side on top.
• Bring a corner that needs to be twisted to the front-right.
• Repeat R' D' R D until that corner is oriented correctly.
• Only turn the top layer (U) to bring the next corner to the front-right.
• Repeat the process until the entire Megaminx is solved!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now solved one of the most famous puzzles in the speedcubing world. Megaminx requires patience, but once you understand the layer-by-layer method, it becomes very enjoyable. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be ready to learn faster 4-look last layer techniques!