Skewb Advanced Techniques
Take your Skewb solving from beginner to competitive level. This guide covers Sarah's Intermediate method, which upgrades the beginner method by solving all remaining centers in a single step, plus advanced algorithms and speed solving strategies used by top Skewb solvers.
Notation Reminder
The Skewb turns around corners rather than faces:
- R = Right front corner clockwise R' = counter-clockwise
- L = Left front corner clockwise L' = counter-clockwise
- U = Upper right front corner clockwise U' = counter-clockwise
- B = Back right corner clockwise B' = counter-clockwise
Hold the Skewb with white center on the bottom for all steps.
Sarah's Intermediate Method
Sarah's Beginner Method solves the Skewb in 3 steps: first face, then centers, then last layer corners. The Intermediate upgrade combines the center and corner steps, solving all 5 remaining centers in ONE algorithm after the first face is complete.
Overview
| Step | Beginner | Intermediate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solve one face | Solve one face (same) |
| 2 | Position centers | Solve all 5 centers in one step |
| 3 | Orient last layer corners | Orient last layer corners (same) |
The key improvement is Step 2: instead of using the Sledgehammer repeatedly to position centers one at a time, you learn a set of algorithms that solve all centers simultaneously.
Step 1: Solve One Face
Build a complete white face on the bottom — all 4 corners around the white center must be in place with white facing down, and adjacent side colors must match. This step is identical to the beginner method.
Sledgehammer: R' L R L'
Use the Sledgehammer with setup moves to place each white corner. This step should be fast and intuitive with practice.
Step 2: Solve All 5 Centers (One-Look)
After the first face is solved, look at the 5 remaining centers (top + 4 sides) and identify which case you have. Apply a single algorithm to solve all of them at once.
There are several cases depending on how many centers are in the correct position:
Case 1: Adjacent 4-Cycle
Four centers need to cycle. The top center is correct, but the 4 side centers need to rotate.
Algorithm: R' L R L' R' L R L' (Double Sledgehammer)
Case 2: Opposite 2-Swap
Two opposite side centers need to swap.
Algorithm: R L' R' L R L' R' L (Inverse Double Sledgehammer)
Case 3: Adjacent 2-Swap
Two adjacent side centers need to swap. Set up so the two swapping centers are on the front and right.
Algorithm: R' L R L' U R' L R L' U'
Case 4: Top-Side Swap + Cycle
The top center needs to swap with a side center, and the remaining side centers cycle.
Algorithm: U R' L R L' U'
Case 5: Triple Cycle
Three centers need to cycle (top stays, 3 sides rotate). Set up so the stationary side center is at the back.
Algorithm: R' L R L' (Single Sledgehammer — with correct setup)
Tips:
- Learn to identify center cases quickly by checking the top center first, then scanning the 4 sides.
- Many of these are Sledgehammer variations — if you know the Sledgehammer well, these algorithms feel natural.
- Practice recognition by scrambling the Skewb, solving the first face, and identifying the center case before executing.
Step 3: Orient Last Layer Corners
After solving all centers, the last layer corners may still need to be twisted. This step is the same as the beginner method.
All 4 corners need clockwise twist
Algorithm: R L' R' L R L' R' L
All 4 corners need counter-clockwise twist
Algorithm: L' R L R' L' R L R'
2 corners need twisting (adjacent)
Set up so the two unsolved corners are at the front. Use U to position them, apply the algorithm, then undo U.
Algorithm: U R L' R' L R L' R' L U'
2 corners need twisting (diagonal)
Algorithm: R L' R' L U R L' R' L U'
Advanced Algorithms
Beyond the Intermediate method, here are additional algorithms that handle less common cases more efficiently.
Z-Perm Equivalent
When two pairs of corners need to swap (like a Z-shape pattern):
Algorithm: R' L R L' U R' L R L' U R' L R L'
Pi Case
The top face shows a Pi pattern — two adjacent corners oriented, two not:
Algorithm: R B' R' B R B' R' B
Corner Setup and Orientation
When a corner needs reorientation, use setup moves to conjugate a Sledgehammer cycle that twists it into place:
Algorithm: U R' L R L' R' L R L' U'
Fast Opposite Center Swap
A more efficient algorithm for swapping two opposite centers:
Algorithm: B R' B' R B R' B' R
Triple Corner Orientation
Three corners need twisting (one stays correct):
Algorithm: L' R L R' U L' R L R' U'
Adjacent Corner Swap
Two adjacent corners need to swap positions (not just twist):
Algorithm: R' L R L' U' R' L R L' U
One-Look Solving Concepts
The ultimate goal in competitive Skewb solving is to predict the last layer while still solving the first face.
Predicting Last Layer
During Step 1, as you build the white face, pay attention to the top-layer centers and corners. With practice, you can identify the Step 2 and Step 3 cases before finishing Step 1.
- Watch the top center — does it move into the correct position as you insert the last white corner?
- Track side centers — notice which side centers are already correct.
- Plan the full solve — advanced solvers can plan the entire solve during inspection.
Influencing Last Layer
When you have multiple ways to insert the last white corner, choose the insertion that gives you an easier Step 2 case:
- If two insertions both solve the corner, pick the one that positions more centers correctly.
- Sometimes a slightly longer Step 1 leads to a skip in Step 2 or Step 3.
Speed Solving Tips
Grip and Turning
- Hold the Skewb with fingertips on the corners — you turn corners, not faces.
- Use your index finger and thumb on each hand to grip opposite corners.
- Practice smooth, controlled corner turns — the Skewb rewards precision over raw speed.
- Minimize regrips — try to execute the full Sledgehammer without changing your grip.
Color Neutrality
Color neutrality on the Skewb means you can start with any face as your first face, not just white. This is extremely powerful:
- With color neutrality, you have 6 possible first faces to choose from.
- Pick the face that is closest to being solved — sometimes 2-3 corners are already in place.
- Color neutrality is almost mandatory for sub-4-second solving.
How to practice:
- Start by being neutral between 2 opposite colors (e.g., white and yellow).
- Gradually add more starting colors until you can start with any face.
- During inspection, quickly scan all 6 faces and pick the easiest.
Inspection Planning
The Skewb has only 14 visible pieces (6 centers + 8 corners), making full-solve planning realistic:
- Always plan the first face completely during inspection.
- Identify the center case before you start solving.
- Advanced: plan through Step 2 — know which algorithm you will use before touching the puzzle.
Practice Routine
- First face drills — scramble and solve only the first face, aiming for under 2 seconds.
- Center recognition — after solving the first face, identify the center case as fast as possible without executing it.
- Full solves — sets of 12 timed solves, tracking your average of 5 and average of 12.
- Algorithm drilling — practice each center and corner algorithm 20 times in a row for muscle memory.
- Color neutral practice — force yourself to start with a different color each solve.
With Sarah's Intermediate method and dedicated practice, sub-5-second Skewb averages are within reach. The Skewb is one of the most planning-friendly puzzles in speedcubing — the fewer pieces mean you can predict more during inspection. Focus on recognition speed and smooth turning, and you will see rapid improvement.