Rubik's Competition 2020

Several weeks ago Henry had the opportunity to participate in the Rubik's Houston Winter Open.  It has been a few years since he last competed and so it was good to be back with all these speed cubers.  As a mom it's fun to see some of the same kids who are now a lot older, as well as all the little guys who are just starting out.  :)

This time Henry participated in the 3x3 and 4x4 - setting a new personal best average on 3x3 of 17.89 seconds.  We were also fortunate to see several new national and world records being set by Max Park.  Max set a new 3x3 national world record average with 5.59 seconds. He also set the 5x5 world record single time with 34.92 seconds, the 6x6 world record single with 1:09.51, the new world record average for 6x6 with 1:15.9, AND the 7x7 world record single with 1:46.57.  Y'all, this was incredible COOL to witness!

Rubik's competition days are a lot of fun - we get to hang out with other cubers and their families and cheer everyone on. Cubing is an unusual hobby, and Henry loves the chance to be in the same room with so many other like minded (mostly) boys.  Since we're there all day I brought my homeschool planning stuff and was pleasantly surprised to sit down next to another Classical Conversations homeschooling mom.  :)

Here's a peek at our day.

a quick warm up before the timer uncovers the scrambled cube

examining the cube before the timer starts

mid 4x4 solve

the room full of speed cubers

The lady in the white dress is Max Parks' mom - she brought along her crochet project.
I can only imagine how many competitions she attends! 

Henry and alllll his cubes.  Most competitors bring their cubes and do some trading.

getting ready to reveal the scrambled cube

examining it before beginning the solve

One of his 3x3 times.  They do 5 solves and average them. 

Max Park after his 3x3 solve

The gangs all here! :)