Uwe Mèffert, a German puzzle designer, invented the Pyraminx in the 1970s. Unlike the traditional 3x3x3 Rubik’s cube, which has 43 quintillion possible permutations, the Pyraminx has just 933,120 distinct possibilities, making it significantly easier to solve.

But don’t be fooled by its simple geometry, the puzzle is a tough solve for beginners who are just starting out with Rubik’s cubes, and it is quite popular among intermediate and fast solvers. Being one of the quickest events in the competition’s hosted by the World Cube Association (WCA), Simon Kellum (USA) currently holds the world record for solving the Pyraminx in 0.73 seconds.

Terminologies in the Pyraminx

The Pyraminx is a four-sided puzzle with nine pieces (3 points, 3 centers, and 3 edges) on each side. However, in order to better understand the puzzle, we must first learn about the individual components of the puzzle.

Tips

The Pyraminx contains four tips at the apex of the puzzle, each of which may rotate independently around its axis without altering the position of other puzzle pieces. Though they may not appear to be particularly vital, they are critical for determining the proper orientations for the other pieces.

Centers

The Pyraminx has 12 center’s (three on each side). The centers are fixed; however, they tend to swap positions with other centers. Aligning them allows the solver to use a reference point to solve the rest of the puzzle.

Edges

A two-colored edge piece is situated on each side, adjacent to the center and between two tips. The Pyraminx contains a total of six edge pieces.

A two-colored edge piece is situated on each side, adjacent to the center and between two tips. The Pyraminx contains a total of six edge pieces.

Notations in the Pyraminx

The Pyraminx requires three notations to solve:

1. R&R’-Notation

R (Right): Rotate the Pyraminx’s right layer clockwise along its center.

R’ (Right Prime): Rotate the Pyraminx’s right layer counterclockwise along its center.

2. L&L’-Notation

L (Left): Rotate the Pyraminx’s left layer counter clockwise along its center.

L’ (Left Prime): Rotate the Pyraminx’s left layer clockwise along its center.

3. U&U’-Upper

U (Upper): Rotate the Pyraminx’s upper layer clockwise along its center.

U’ (Upper Prime): Rotate the Pyraminx’s upper layer counter clockwise along its center.

These notations serve as the foundation for understanding and executing algorithms for solving the Pyraminx.

How to Solve Pyraminx Cube?

Before we start learning the Pyraminx, we must first choose a colour. You can choose any colour and stick to it for convenience during the learning process; but, after learning, you may become colour neutral by solving any side on the Pyraminx. To hold the Pyraminx puzzle, use a corner on top for convenience.  This will provide good visibility when you begin solving the challenge.

Step 1: Solving the Tips / Corners

Solving the tips is really straightforward and easy to learn. Here, the goal is for all of the yellow tips to match on one side. This may be done by rotating each tip so that the yellow corners match.

Note: One may wonder why it matters to solve the tips first? The only components in the puzzle that can rotate on their own and without interacting with other pieces are the tips. Additionally, by solving   the tips, we can see where each center goes.

Step 2: Solving the Centers

We can begin solving the centers now that we are aware of where each center is located. Matching the tips with the center is the first step in solving the centers, which is quite simple. Depending on which way the center is, you can accomplish this by turning the tips and matching it with the center by performing a R or L’ move.

Note: Instead of solving the tips first, what would happen if we solved the centers first? Yes, we can solve it in this manner, but it’s best for beginners to start with the tips. Because there is a reason why, occasionally we may find that the centers are solved but the tips do not match! The centers are able to exchange positions with other centers, as was indicated in the Terminology section. As a result, tips are the only parts that are really permanent and show where the centers should go.

Step 3: Solving the Edges

Although solving the edges is relatively intuitive, there are three possible scenarios.

Case 1: Right side edge

Use the algorithm U R U’ R’ if the yellow piece is on the right side of the middle layer.

Case 2: Left side edge

Use the algorithm U’ L’ U L if the yellow piece is on the left side of the middle layer.

Case 3: Edge flip

Use the algorithm R U R’ U’ L’ U L if the yellow piece needs to be flipped while it is in the right position.

Special Case: Edge piece positioned incorrectly

We have to first remove the yellow edge from the yellow side if it is in the incorrect position. You can accomplish this by using the R U R’ algorithm. Next, use Case 1 or Case 2 to solve it.

Step 4: Solving the Middle Layer

You can align the final tip with the appropriate centers before starting the middle layer. We may come across any one of the following 5 scenarios:

Case 1

Flipping 2 edges – R’ L R L’ U L’ U’ L

Case 2

Clockwise rotation of 3 edges with 2 edge flip – L U R U’ R’ L’

Case 3

Counter clockwise rotation of 3 edges with 2 edge flip – L R U R’ U’ L’

Case 4

Clockwise rotation of 3 edges – R’ U’ R U’ R’ U’ R

Case 5

Counter clockwise rotation of 3 edges – L U L’ U L U L’

Congratulations you have solved the Pyraminx!!!!

Conclusion

“Every expert was once a beginner,” so practice persistently and with dedication, and you will quickly become an expert at this puzzle. You would have solved the Pyraminx and gained a thorough grasp of the puzzle’s operation at the end of this guide. However, you can review the instructions in the guide again if you’re still having difficulties, or you can email us at rubikverse@gmail.com for assistance.

In summary solving the Pyraminx follows Tips  Centers  Edges  Middle Layer

You can explore advanced techniques such as L4E and V-first for some fast solves if you’ve learned the beginner’s method well and want to improve your timings.

Please share this article with your cuber friends who are having trouble with the Pyraminx and leave your insightful feedback if you found it helpful. Additionally, you can use our website to access online NxNxN cube solvers. (PS: All puzzles from 2×2 to 10×10 have some incredible pattern guides inside the cube solves.)