Finger Tricks Guide

Speed Up Your Solves

💡 Key Insight: Finger tricks are about efficiency, not just speed. Learn them slowly and build muscle memory!

What Are Finger Tricks?

Finger tricks are efficient ways to execute cube moves using specific fingers. Instead of using your entire hand for each turn, you use individual fingers to make moves faster and smoother.

Benefits

  • Faster turning speed
  • Less hand repositioning
  • Reduced fatigue
  • Smoother algorithms
  • Better look-ahead

When to Learn

  • After learning beginner method
  • When comfortable with notation
  • Before transitioning to CFOP
  • When solves are under 60 seconds

Basic Finger Tricks

R Move (Right Face)

R (Clockwise)

Finger: Right index finger

Motion: Push the top of R face away from you

Tip: The cube should rotate in your left hand while your right index pushes

R' (Counterclockwise)

Finger: Right index finger

Motion: Pull the top of R face toward you

Tip: Use the same finger for both R and R' - just change direction

U Move (Upper Face)

U (Clockwise)

Finger: Left index finger

Motion: Push the left side of U face to the right

Alternative: Some cubers use right index to pull from the right side

U' (Counterclockwise)

Finger: Right index finger

Motion: Push the right side of U face to the left

Alternative: Left index can pull from the left side

F Move (Front Face)

F (Clockwise)

Finger: Right index finger

Motion: Push from the top-right corner downward

Note: Requires regripping - one of the slower moves

F' (Counterclockwise)

Finger: Left index finger

Motion: Push from the top-left corner downward

Tip: Try to minimize F moves in your solutions

D Move (Down Face)

D (Clockwise)

Finger: Right ring or middle finger

Motion: Push from underneath the cube

Tip: Keep wrists loose for easier D turns

D' (Counterclockwise)

Finger: Left ring or middle finger

Motion: Push from underneath on the left side

Note: D moves are slower - use them sparingly

Advanced Finger Tricks

Double Moves (U2, R2, etc.)

For 180-degree turns, use a flicking motion:

  • U2: Flick with index finger, letting the layer spin freely
  • R2: Push hard with index, allow momentum to complete turn
  • Tip: Practice until double moves are as fast as single moves

M Slice Moves

Middle layer moves (between R and L faces):

  • M: Ring fingers push toward you (same direction as L)
  • M': Ring fingers push away from you
  • M2: Strong flick with ring fingers
  • Practice: Used heavily in H and Z perms

Wide Moves (Rw, Uw, etc.)

Two-layer turns:

  • Rw: Turn R and M layers together (use whole hand)
  • Uw: Turn U and E layers together
  • Tip: Used in OLL parity (4x4) and some OLL cases

Algorithm-Specific Finger Tricks

Sexy Move: R U R' U'

Finger Pattern:

  1. R - Right index push
  2. U - Left index push
  3. R' - Right index pull
  4. U' - Right index push
This should flow as one smooth motion!

Sune: R U R' U R U2 R'

Finger Pattern:

  1. R - Right index push
  2. U - Left index push
  3. R' - Right index pull
  4. U - Left index push
  5. R - Right index push
  6. U2 - Left index flick (double)
  7. R' - Right index pull

T Perm: R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'

Key Points:

  • Start with right hand on R, left on U
  • The F is a right index push downward
  • R2 is a strong flick
  • End with left index for F'

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Using whole hand instead of fingers
  • ❌ Regripping unnecessarily
  • ❌ Tensing up - stay relaxed!
  • ❌ Looking at hands while turning
  • ❌ Rushing before building muscle memory

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Basic Triggers

Repeat these 20 times each day:

  • R U R' U' (Sexy move)
  • R' F R F' (Sledgehammer)
  • R U' R' (Insert trigger)

Exercise 2: Slow Solves

Do slow, deliberate solves focusing only on finger tricks. Don't worry about speed!

Exercise 3: Algorithm Drills

Practice one algorithm 50 times in a row, focusing on smooth finger movements.

Finger Trick Principles

⚡ Speed

Use fingers, not wrist/arm movements

🎯 Accuracy

Clean turns with proper finger tricks prevent misalignment

🔄 Efficiency

Minimize regrips and hand movements

Cube Setup Matters

Cube Tension & Lubrication

Good finger tricks require a well-maintained cube:

  • Moderate tension - not too loose or tight
  • Proper lubrication for smooth turning
  • Quality speedcube (not a toy cube)
  • Clean cube - remove dirt and old lube regularly

Pro Tips

  • Watch videos: YouTube has great slow-motion finger trick tutorials
  • Mirror world-class cubers: Study how they hold and turn
  • Be patient: Takes weeks to develop muscle memory
  • Stay relaxed: Tension slows you down
  • Practice daily: Even 10 minutes makes a difference
  • Focus on smoothness: Speed comes naturally with practice

Master Finger Tricks! ⚡

Good finger tricks are the foundation of speedcubing. Invest time learning them properly!

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