Created in 1974 in Hungary, the Rubik’s Cube has been a staple of the puzzle and toy world for many years. And this year at Baruch, it’s making a comeback. You’ve probably seen them – students in the cafeteria solving during lunch or free periods, competing against their friends or just trying to get their first solve. 

That’s where juniors Jayden Kong and Lucas Pai come in. They’ve started Baruch’s first ever Cubing Club.

From Friends to Founders

“Jayden and I, we became friends from Rubik’s cubing. It’s been the stuff that has bonded us and all of our friends ever since,” said Pai. 

After spending sophomore year cubing together, they decided to think bigger. 

“We wanted to share our hobby with others,” said Kong.

Both founders have some serious cubing experience, Kong has been cubing for over eight years and Pai for four. Both have been cubing competitively since their sophomore year. 

What Happens at the Cubing Club

The Cubing Club meets every other Thursday right after school in room 213, or otherwise known as Ms. Gomez’s room. Whether you’ve never touched a Rubik’s Cube or are already a fast solver, there’s room for you there. 

“For those that don’t know how to solve a cube, we want them to be able to learn how to solve their first cube,” said Pai, “at the same time, he continued, “for those that do know how to solve a Rubik’s Cube, we want to get them to a competitive level.”

Beginners will be coached in small groups led by Pai, Kong, Vice President Aidan Pu-Folkes and other experienced members. Meanwhile, more experienced cubers can get faster together and compete in mini competitions for prizes. 

For anyone who wants to take it to the next level, the club will help members join the World Cube Association (WCA), where you can compete officially and meet other cubers.

The Phone Ban Connection

So why is everyone so interested in Rubik’s Cubes this year? The founders have a pretty clear answer: the new phone ban.

“Oh, 100%. It’s kinda crazy, like, we don’t have anything to do anymore,” said Pai. 

Kong agreed, adding his own perspective, “People can’t be on their phones anymore, they want something to do, and you don’t need any wifi to solve a cube,” said Kong.

“People are really amazed and they’re like, yeah I want to do that too,” said Pai. 

Reasons Why You Should Join

Besides looking cool, cubing actually helps your brain. 

“It will train your cognitive function, will train your look ahead, and it will also help you with decision making,” said Pai. 

It is also a great way to meet new people. 

“I meet people with the same interests as me and I can connect with them,” said Kong.

The club’s goals are pretty ambitious too. Vice President Pu-Folkes wants to get everyone to be able to solve a cube in under 30 seconds and even to fundraise to take the club to the World Championships next year.

How to Join

Don’t worry if you’ve never solved a Rubik’s cube before. Just contact Pai or Kong at [email protected] or [email protected].

As Kong said, “Join the Rubik’s Cube club, 213”