The first time Rajouri Garden resident Aryan Chhabra (19) tried solving a Rubik’s Cube —he now owns more than 205 cubes—was when he was 13. Gurugram-based Kunal Oak (22), on the other hand, was introduced to cubing while on a bus ride back home from school in 2013. Apart from a passion for cubing, the commonality between Chhabra and Oak is that they have both broken records in the world of speedcubing—the former solved a Rubik’s Cube in 4.91 seconds and was declared the fastest solver in the country in 2019 while the latter is a seven time national record holder in the game.
Invented by Hungarian architect, Erno Rubik, the 3-D combination puzzle (now called the Rubik’s Cube) was, and remains, a plaything for children. For most children (or even adults) solving a cube usually starts as a vague attempt to challenge oneself; they often quit after struggling for the first few minutes. However, some curious minds end up taking this challenge a step further, trying to decode the combinations, methodology, and later, scramble the Cube in less than no time. This often gives rise to an interest in the practice of speedcubing, a sport where the competitor tries to solve combination puzzles as soon as possible.
The curious world of puzzles
For those unfamiliar with this intricate (and intriguing) world, the cube would mean a simple Rubik’s Cube. However, speedcubers solve a variety of combination puzzles based on layers. For instance, the 3x3x3 cube (Rubik’s Cube) has three layers. Similarly, other cube variants come in combinations such as 2×2×2, 4×4×4, 5×5×5, 6×6×6, and 7×7×7. That apart, these puzzles are also developed in several shapes including the Pyraminx, a triangular puzzle; Megaminx, a 12-sided puzzle; among others. A few speedcubers enjoy enhancing the challenge. To do so, they attempt to solve these cubes while blindfolded. The idea, no matter what the variant or style, is to solve the puzzle in less time.
Solving the cube has several benefits. Apart from being an activity that provides instant gratification, the cube helps improve the cognitive functioning of the brain. “When a child is introduced to cubing, they are working with the left side of their brain, which improves their cognitive skills. When you use two hands, you are literally using your two brains,” explains Karishma Mehra from Greater Kailash, a practising psychologist and the director of Delhi Cube Association (DCA), an organisation that seeks to bring cubers in Delhi under the same umbrella and promotes the sport of speedcubing.
All about practise
In the 2006 drama movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardener (Will Smith), a homeless man and a mathematics genius, is repeatedly seen solving a Rubik’s Cube. Similarly, in the 2016 thriller-drama Snowden, which is based on the life of former computer intelligence consultant Edward Snowden, the viewer will see the protagonist constantly trying to solve the cube using minimal moves. The cube has, for long, been considered a symbol of intelligence, and in most pop culture instances, the object represents greater-than-usual acumen. However, solving a cube is less about one’s intellect and has more to do with learning algorithms and building muscle memory.
Algorithms used to solve cubes—these can be compared to an operation on the puzzle that is conducted to reorient every piece in a specific way—are key to one’s speedcubing journey. While there are uncountable algorithms one can look at, speedcubers learn a few of these and practise them repeatedly. “Most people don’t learn these algorithms mentally. They perform it over and over again by reading the algorithm. Eventually, it gets ingrained in their muscle memory,” shares Oak, a recent computer science graduate of St Stephen’s College. Furthermore, like any other sport, discipline and regular practise is what helps the practitioner evolve. “It isn’t just about intelligence. Yes, you need to have some understanding but it all comes down to practice, especially in the beginning,” shares Shivam Bansal (22) from Agra, who set a Guinness World Record for the most Rubik’s Cubes solved while blindfolded at the Delhi Monsoon Open 2018.
Building a network
There are several organised global tournaments—DCA organises championships in the country from time to time—wherein speedcubers get a chance to meet and learn from each other. Talking about how competitive the time-bound sport is, Bansal comments, “There are times when people learn over a thousand algorithms to save a second [in order to win].” However, patrons affirm that the community is an inspiring space where one can learn how to hone their skills. “There is rivalry but not enmity between players. We motivate each other to solve the cube in less time. In my head, I want to win but I don’t want the other to lose and that makes all the difference,” comments Chhabra.
Though it is still an unrecognised sport in India, Mehra mentions that speedcubing is gradually gaining popularity among children. “In 2014, there were like two or three competitions held in India annually. Last year, there was at least one competition every month,” Bansal points out. Chhabra feels that cubing has started trending post the pandemic. “The craze for cubing spiked during the pandemic; a lot of parents reached out to me to know how to help their child practise cubing,” he concludes.
MASTER THE CUBE
While one may feel interested in learning the cube and seeking a coach for the same, Chhabra and Oak - both cubing coaches - suggest that one must exploit free resources such as YouTube and later connect with a certified coach in case they are looking to sharpen their speedcubing prowess.
The Delhi Cube Association also conducts classes for children to learn the cube - it starts at Rs 3,000 for a level (along with a few pro-bono opportunities). "To be a top level speedcuber, one needs to have some intuition, one can’t be spoon-fed everything right from the start," says Oak.
BENDING GENDER NORMS
Cubing continues to be a male dominated sport. Suhani Sharma (14), a national record holder in 4x4x4 Rubik’s cube fee from Chandigarh, points out how female cubers in an event are always in single digits. "The speed cubing community is exceptionally supportive. I have met some great people but female participation is still low," she says.
Shedding light on the reason, East Delhi-based speedcubing champion, Komal Gupta (28) - she won the 'Speedcubing Female prize' at the Red Bull Rubik's Cube World Cup in 2019 - shares, "In my first ever championship, there were just two other women competing. There is a misconception that women are not good at mathematics. Often, girls themselves feel that since it is a puzzle, they will not be able to solve it. More girls are entering the speedcubing space. In the future, we will see a shift."
LIFE SKILLS FROM SPEEDCUBING
Speedcubing teaches your perseverance. When you learn a new method, you are slow with it. But if you stick to it, you will improve , something one can translate in their life.
-Shivam Bansal
Earlier when I’d lose a competition, I felt that it's the end of the world. But it wasn’t. So I have learnt that you need to keep pushing. There is no failure in life. It’s about learning something and doing better the next time.
-Aryan Chhabra
Speedcubing teaches you discipline. It's a very objective sport, learning how to take losses and failures. If you ever face defeat take that as a motivational outcome and better yourself.
-Kunal Oak