Rubik's Cube 3x3 - Networking with the Community

The best teacher under ideal circumstances is going to be someone who can explain ideas and answer questions in person. Not everyone is so privileged, and the next best alternative is involvement in a group or forum online. There are enthusiasts of all levels there, and many of them are seeking answers just like you are. Personalized answers for specific questions have a real positive impact when learning to solve the cube.

Is asking questions the only positive result from joining the cubing community? At first, is probably will be. Suddenly you'll find yourself educated in your new hobby, and be helping others who are picking up a cube for the first time. The groups and forums also have a wealth of information, which makes refining old skills and developing new ideas easier than ever. Do you enjoy discussing ideas in real time? I'll provide a link to the most popular chat room for speedsolving!

Speedsolving.com is the pinnacle of cubing forums available right now. Great depth of resource, vibrant activity, and enthusiastic members:

http://www.speedsolving.com/forum/forum.php

The World Cubing Association is the main officiating body of cubing competitions. Their forums are also extremely active. It is also a great place for rules/regulations clarifications:

http://worldcubeassociation.org/forum/

The community has to thank the Yahoo! “Speedsolvingrubikscube” group for bringing everyone together in the beginning. Started by Chris Hardwick, this group is a landmark!

Yahoo! Group: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/speedsolvingrubikscube/

What I am providing is a an internet relay chat (IRC), and it functions 24/7. To the best of my knowledge this is the best option for a cubing chat room. Remember that sometimes cubers are idle, but remain in the room. Don't be disappointed if you don't receive a response immediately!

IRC Rubik's Chat: http://www.strangepuzzle.com/chat.php

This is by all means optional, but consider creating your own speedsolving alter ego (I chose “Cubefactor”). You may want to create an email address related to your new identity. Trust me when I say, you don't want emails and alerts from your hobby to take over your personal email address!

My sincerest appreciation for taking the time to read my Hub! If need any help plugging into the cubing community, please let me know. Comments and questions are always welcome. If you are interested in learning to solve the cube and haven't done it yet, refer to my guide on “Finding a Beginner's Solution”.

Rubik's Cube 3x3 - Finding a Beginner's Solution

Rubik's Cube 3x3 - Psychological Barriers and Addiction?!