The Blindfolded Method Showdown: Which One Is Right for You?

Hey everyone! Have you ever watched a blindfolded cuber and thought, "How is that even possible?" The secret isn't magic; it's a mix of an incredible memory, a good system, and, most importantly, the right method.

When you solve a cube blindfolded, you're not just memorizing a series of moves. You're memorizing where each piece is and where it needs to go, then executing a sequence of swaps to solve the cube without ever looking at it again. The method you choose determines how you perform those swaps.

There are three main methods for the 3x3: Old Pochmann (OP), M2, and 3-Style. Let's break down the differences and help you find your perfect match.

1. The Beginner's Best Friend: Old Pochmann (OP)

Think of Old Pochmann as your first step into the world of blindfolded solving. It's widely considered the most straightforward and easiest method to learn.

How it works: The core idea is to solve the cube one piece at a time. You pick a "buffer" piece—a fixed location on the cube—and then repeatedly swap the piece that belongs in that buffer with its correct destination. The great thing is that it uses algorithms you might already know from regular solving, like the T-Perm for edges and the Y-Perm for corners.

Old Pochmann blindfold method step by step tutorial
Old Pochmann focuses on solving one piece at a time using simple swaps.

The catch: While simple, OP is very inefficient. The move count can easily be over 200 per solve, which makes it a slow method, especially for competitions. But for getting that first successful blind solve, it's perfect.

2. The Smart Upgrade: The M2 Method

Once you've mastered Old Pochmann, the next logical step is often the M2 method. M2 isn't a full method on its own; it's a clever hybrid that's designed to make solving the edges much faster.

How it works: With the M2-OP hybrid, you continue to solve corners using Old Pochmann, but you switch to the M2 method for edges. The M2 algorithm, which involves a simple middle slice turn, is much shorter and more efficient than the T-Perms and J-Perms used in the Old Pochmann edge method.

The catch: The setup moves can be a bit trickier, and the M2 turn affects the cube's orientation in a way that requires you to be more aware of your solve. But the speed increase is definitely worth the effort for an intermediate solver.

3. The Grandmaster's Method: 3-Style

This is the method for anyone who wants to push the limits of speed. 3-Style is what the top competitive cubers use.

How it works: Instead of solving one piece at a time, 3-Style uses commutators—specialized algorithms that can solve three pieces at once. Each algorithm solves two pieces while leaving the third one in the buffer, which dramatically cuts down on the number of moves needed. A 3-Style solve can be as short as 70–80 moves, compared to over 200 for Old Pochmann.

The catch: To truly master 3-Style, you need to learn hundreds of algorithms—potentially up to 800! But don't let that scare you. For most people, a more intuitive approach is possible, and the huge library of algorithms is only necessary for those chasing world records.

So, Which Method Should You Choose?

The best method is the one that fits your goals:

  • Old Pochmann (OP): Best for absolute beginners. Very easy to learn and guarantees your first blindfolded solve, but inefficient (200+ moves).
  • M2-OP Hybrid: Perfect for intermediate cubers. It makes edge solving significantly faster, but setup moves require more attention.
  • 3-Style: The choice of elite competitors. Extremely efficient (70–80 moves), but requires learning hundreds of algorithms.

Final Thoughts

My advice? Start with Old Pochmann. Focus on getting that first successful solve. Once you're comfortable, switch to the M2-OP hybrid to get faster. If you fall in love with the challenge and want to compete, then, and only then, should you consider the immense but rewarding journey of 3-Style.

Happy cubing! 🎉

Published on 2025-08-16