-Shapeshifts
-Bandages
-Has defined layers
-Uses number as a main source of annotation
Along with being a special WCA puzzle, it also holds its own in the sea of all puzzles. It is one of the only (If not THE only) puzzles that NEVER requires a cube rotation. Also unlike other puzzles, the main way you'll get faster is by learning new algs. The only way to improve your times is to learn new algs, and perfect finger tricks for said algs. Because of this, squans are mainly seen as a bunch of algs, much like high level 2x2 (Although unlike 2x2, squans aren't universally hated). Because of this, not many people pick up squan, and I don't blame them. Squans are the only puzzles I know that can't initially be solved by pure determination. There are some fundamental functions of a squan that I personally didn't understand for the first week of squaning, which kept me from solving consistently. It's also really intimidating, I mean, look at this alg!
/(3,-3)/(-3,0)/(0,3)/(0,-3)/(0,3)/(0,-3)/
Now, with all of this crazy stuff, how can anyone be expected to learn squan? Well, I'm going to try to compile a few issues I had while trying to learn. Hopefully this will help you.
-There is a certain way you must hold it! You should hold it so that (Once cubeshape is attained) you can perform the move (1,0)/ and still maintain cubeshape. If you have cubeshape and you can't do this, flip the cube over and you'll be set.
- The way you hold the cube doesn't matter as long as you have a / layer on front, and the right layer on top (Referenced in previous note).
-Certain algs will require shapeshifting the puzzle. This shapeshifting does cause bandaging. If, somewhere in the alg, you try to make the next move and you can't, check the pieces to see if that move has been bandaged. If it has, then the alg is impossible, or you screwed up. You'll just need to solve it to where you were and try again.
-And if you're having trouble with the parity alg,
No one can help you.
Luckily for you Jimmy all dwarves get health care! Well, juice anyway...
-GIR