How to Solve QiYi Windmill Cube

What Is a QiYi Windmill Cube?

The QiYi Windmill Cube is a 3x3 shape mod that morphs into a windmill shape when scrambled. It has “supercube” properties—center orientation matters—and comes in various sizes, from standard 3x3 up to 9x9. Understanding this foundation is key to mastering all windmill variations.

Example solved and scrambled windmill cubes:

Core Method: How to Solve QiYi Windmill Cube (3x3)

1. Understand Piece Nomenclature

The windmill cube’s unique shape requires recognizing edges, corners, and centers by shape as well as color.

2. Notation

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Standard cubing notation applies: R, L, U, D, F, B (and primes for counterclockwise moves).

3. Solving Steps

Step 1: Make the White/Reference Cross

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Align edge pieces with their centers.
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Edges must match center piece orientation and shape.
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Double-check orientation, as incorrect center orientation leads to parity issues later.

Step 2: Insert First Layer Corners

Position all corners with the correct orientation—use R’ D’ R D to insert corners.

Step 3: Solve the Second Layer

Use selection algorithms to place the second layer's edges. Algorithms are similar to classic 3x3 but extra attention is needed for piece orientation.

Step 4: Solve the Last Layer

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Create the Yellow Cross: F R U R’ U’ F’ (repeat depending on pattern)
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Permute Corners: Use standard PLL/OLL algorithms, but be aware of shape mods possibly hiding correct orientation.
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Fix centers if necessary with dedicated center-rotation algorithms.

Detailed Numbered Instructions (3x3 Windmill Cube)

1.
Create the Cross:

2.
Find white edges.
3.
Align with respective center shape/color.
4.
Only move edges when orientation matches.
1.
Complete the First Layer:

2.
Insert corners using R’ D’ R D until solved.
1.
Second Layer Edges:

2.
Use U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F or its mirror, as needed.
3.
Edge shape can be misleading—focus on position, not just color.
1.
OL/PLL (Last Layer):

2.
F R U R’ U’ F’ to create the cross.
3.
Sune Algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 R’ for corner orientation.
4.
Use L’ U R U’ L U R’ U’ for permutation.

How to solve QiYi Windmill Cube video:

Unique Challenges: Parity and Supercube Features

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Center Orientation Parity: If the cube appears almost solved but isn’t, check the orientation of the four colored centers. Dedicated algorithms are available to rotate centers without disturbing the rest of the cube: - Rotate center: [example algorithm needed for model, see advanced guides]
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Piece Identification: Always analyze both shape and color, especially in higher-order windmill cubes.

Table: Common Algorithms Used (3x3 Windmill Cube)

Step	Algorithm	Purpose
First Layer Corners	R’ D’ R D	Insert corners
Second Layer Edges (Up)	U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F	Edges slanted upward
Second Layer Edges (Down)	U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’	Edges slanted downward
Last Layer Cross	F R U R’ U’ F’	Create last layer cross
Last Layer Corners	R U R’ U R U2 R’	Orient corners (“Sune”)
Center Rotation	(Special) e.g., M’ U M U2 M’ U M	Fix rotated center (see supercube notes)

Windmill Cubes from 2x2 to 9x9—Comprehensive Guide

2x2 Windmill Cube

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Solving method: Nearly identical to a 2x2 Rubik’s Cube, but with shape-modded pieces.
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Steps:

1.
Complete the reference layer (often “white”).
2.
Position last layer corners.
3.
Orient corners using R’ D’ R D.

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Video guide:

4x4 Windmill Cube

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Reduction method: First, solve centers, then pair edges like a standard 4x4, then solve as a 3x3, accounting for parity.
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Parity is common (e.g., two edges swapped or orientation issues). Use 4x4 parity algorithms.
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Notable parity fix:
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Video tutorial:
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Image: Higher-order windmill variants

5x5 Windmill Cube

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Solve centers → pair edges → reduce to 3x3 shape mod, using the same logic as above. Parity errors may appear and need correction.

6x6 to 9x9 Windmill Cubes

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General Strategy: - Solve all centers. - Pair all edge groups. - Reduce to a 3x3 windmill shape mod, paying special attention to parity. - Higher likelihood of edge pairing parity (e.g., single edge flipped or 2-swapped).
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Sample video tutorials for big cubes: 6x6+ Windmill methods:
9x9 Windmill pattern (visual, not solve):
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Further higher order illustration:

Table: Key Differences by Cube Size

Cube	Core Method (after centers/edges)	Parity Issues	Level of Difficulty
2x2 Windmill	2x2 beginner method	None	Easiest
3x3 Windmill	3x3 layer-by-layer or CFOP	Center orientation	Easy-Moderate
4x4 Windmill	Reduction (to 3x3)	Edge, corner parity	Moderate
5x5 Windmill	Reduction (to 3x3)	Edge grouping parity	Moderate-Hard
6x6–9x9	Centers → Edges → 3x3 logic	Various, frequent	Advanced, meticulous

Advanced Tips and FAQ

Q: What makes the QiYi Windmill Cube hard?

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The shape-shifting and center orientation add new challenges, especially for those used to standard cubes.

Q: Which algorithms must I learn?

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All standard 3x3 algorithms are applicable, plus a couple for center orientation—see tables above for reference.

Q: How do I deal with windmill cube parity on larger cubes (4x4+)?

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Use 4x4 and higher parity fixes as for standard cubes. Check YouTube for visual guides on each size.

Essential YouTube Tutorials for All Windmill Cubes

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QiYi Windmill Cube Beginner Solve:
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Step-by-Step 3x3 Windmill:
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4x4 Windmill Cube Full Tutorial:
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5x5, 6x6, 7x7 Windmill Cube Patterns \& Solving:

Troubleshooting Table: Common Windmill Cube Problems

Problem	Solution
Unsolved center	Center-orientation algorithm
Two edges swapped	Parity fix for 4x4+
Shape does not return	Double-check layer alignments
Corner twist	Use corner-twist algorithm

Conclusion

Solving the QiYi Windmill Cube, from 2x2 up to 9x9, is a thrilling challenge that deepens cubing skills. With this exhaustive, step-by-step article, you can confidently approach every windmill puzzle. Utilize the included images, numbered and tabular guides, and video references for maximum clarity. Keep practicing and enjoy the unique satisfaction of mastering every windmill cube variant!