Step 8 of 8
The rules, and what comes next
The goal
To know how an attempt works in competition, and where to go after your first solves.
How an attempt works under the WCA Regulations
B1aThere is no inspection: the time runs from the very start, and the memo counts towards the result.B1bYou bring your own blindfold.B3aYou may pick up the cube during the memo.B3bNo notes of any kind: DNF.B3cNo turns during the memo: DNF.B4a1Blindfold on but no move made yet? You may take it off and go back to the memo.B4cFrom your first move the judge makes sure there is a screen between you and the cube.B4dNo looking at the cube during the solve: DNF.B5aTo finish, let go of the cube and stop the timer.A1a1The default limit is 10 minutes an attempt, but the organisers may announce another.9b3The round format is best of 5. The WCA also keeps an average of 5, but it does not affect your place in the round.The Regulations as of April 1, 2026. Check the current version before a competition: the rules change. WCA Regulations, Article B
What comes next
M2A faster way for edges: the same idea with letters and setups, but the swap is one move, M2. The buffer is at the bottom front, the target at the top back. Four letters become special cases, and the parity formula is different. Many solvers keep M2 for edges and Old Pochmann for corners.
3-StyleThe method of the fastest solvers: one short sequence places two pieces at once and is worked out on the fly rather than learned. It takes time and persistence, so take it up only if you are serious.
According to J Perm, with practice an average under 2 minutes is quite realistic, and the best in the world average under 20 seconds.
You have finished the section
You know the whole method. What is left is practice: the more you solve, the faster the letters read and the stories come.