kuutiolaskenta

Kuutiolaskenta, often translated as "cubing" in English, refers to the hobby of solving twisty puzzles, most famously the Rubik's Cube. While the Rubik's Cube is the quintessential example, the term encompasses a wide variety of similar mechanical puzzles with moving parts that can be rotated. These puzzles are typically three-dimensional and require a specific sequence of moves to return them to their solved state, where each face displays a single color.

The hobby involves not only solving the puzzles but also exploring different methods and algorithms. Beginners often start with layer-by-layer methods, gradually progressing to more advanced techniques like the Fridrich method (CFOP) for the 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube. Speedcubing is a competitive aspect of the hobby, where participants race against the clock to solve puzzles as quickly as possible. Competitions are organized by governing bodies like the World Cube Association, which sets rules and sanctions official events. Beyond the 3x3x3, cubing enthusiasts tackle puzzles of various dimensions, such as 2x2x2, 4x4x4, and even larger cubes, as well as shape-shifting variations like the Pyraminx and Megaminx. The practice of cubing is known to improve spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and fine motor control.