Definition:Singmaster Notation

Definition

Singmaster notation is a technique for denoting the moves that can be made on a Rubik's cube.

Let the cube be facing the user with the $U$ and $D$ faces horizontal and the $F$ face towards the user.

In the following, clockwise denotes rotation of a layer of the cube in the direction of the clock as though that face were towards the user.

$U$: turns the up face one quarter turn clockwise.

$D$: turns the down face one quarter turn clockwise.

$L$: turns the left face one quarter turn clockwise.

$R$: turns the right face one quarter turn clockwise.

$F$: turns the front face one quarter turn clockwise.

$B$: turns the back face one quarter turn clockwise.

Appending a $'$ symbol to one of the letters denotes a turn of that layer one quarter turn anticlockwise.

Appending a $2$ to one of the letters denotes a half turn of that layer.

Also denoted as

Some sources use $X^{-1}$ instead of $X'$.

Some sources use $X^2$ instead of $X2$.

Source of Name

This entry was named for David Breyer Singmaster.

Sources

• 2008: David Joyner: Adventures in Group Theory (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Elementary, my dear Watson: $\S 1.2$: Elements, my dear Watson