The 13Z4 Method for 4x4x4 Cubes

Inspired by 4Z4 and based on LEOR

Overview

This is a 4x4x4 cube method intended for solvers who are used to Edge Orientation (EO) and/or Blockbuilding during solving, such as Roux and ZZ solvers.

Because of this, 13Z4 has similarities to both 4Z4 and Meyer.

Table of Contents


History

The method was first conceptualized by ThirteenFour in 2019 after seeing PapaSmurf's 4Z4 Tutorial.

At first, he attempted to learn and practice 4Z4 as is because he was a ZZ solver who used Hoya at the time. However, he struggled with the pseudo-cross and edge pairing steps, and so modified the method to fit his style. After a month of near-constant changes, the method more closely resembled LEOR than 4Z4, and so the method was deemed as new and renamed to 13Z4.

The method was first used in competition in 2019 with slower results compared to his usual Hoya solves. He has since practiced the method on-and-off with worse results until picking it back up on July 2024, where he has been getting sub-55 averages with the occasional sub-50 single.

This site is an attempt to document the method for other ZZ or 4x4 solvers to improve upon and encourage exploration. ThirteenFour does not claim that 13Z4 is an optimal method, but it is the method that best suits his style.

Steps

  1. L/R Centers
  2. Left Block
  3. Last 4 Centers (L4C)
  4. EOLine Edge (Oriented) in UL
  5. EO Edge Pairing on the M Slice
  6. EOLine
  7. Right Block + Phasing
  8. COLL
  9. EPLL

Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. Minimal Full-Cube Rotations
  2. Easier Parity Prediction

Cons

  1. Reduced Edge Pairing Ergonomics
  2. Longer Recognition Time

Algs

Example Solve


References and Links