About the author

James G. Nourse

Jim is in the Department of Chemistry at Stanford University in California.

He insists that the problem of solving Rubik's Cube is very similar to the daily problems he faces in Chemistry.

Jim bought a cube as a 1980 Christmas gift for someone and became so enthralled with it that he kept it for himself. At the time, many of his colleagues were working unsuccessfully on solving the cube. He felt very certain that he was uniquely qualified to solve the enigma of Rubik's Cube because of his academic background. (Jim is a group-theory mathematician as well as holding a doctorate in Chemistry studying molecular stucture and movement of particles.)

During that Christmas vacation he began writing his simplified solution to the cube. His cube is battered and worn from the many hours of twisting and twirling.

He presently uses his cube as a pacifier. He says it beats drinking or nail biting.

Gives a brief history of the puzzle, describes clear and concise steps for solving it, and suggests other games to play with the cube

Is Rubik's Cube TM driving you bonkers?

Then this is what you've been waiting for.

Unlike other solutions, this solution is both easy to follow and is deliberately presented without reference to the colors on the faces of the cube.(Take a closer look, all cubes are not colored alike!)

Try it with just a few hints (pages 21-23) or with the quick and complete, step-by-step solution which follows (pages 31-53).

Amaze your friends! Master that infernal cube once and for all!