WCA inspection rules: 15 seconds, +2 and DNF

How long it lasts

You have strictly less than 15 seconds to inspect the cube and start the solve (A3a1). Inspection starts when you confirm you're ready and the judge uncovers the cube (A3b2).

The judge's calls

• At 8 seconds the judge calls "8 SECONDS" (A3b3).
• At 12 seconds the judge calls "12 SECONDS" (A3b4).
• The judge stops timing inspection as soon as you lift your hands and start the timer (A3b5).

What you may do

• Pick up the cube and rotate it to see every side (A3c).
• If a face wasn't fully aligned when the cover came off, you may align it, within the limits of regulation 10f (A3c2).
• On Clock you may change the pins (A3c1+).

What you may not do

• Apply moves or intentionally change the alignment of a layer. The penalty is disqualification of the attempt: DNF (A3c1).
• "Test" the timer: if you start it and stop it, that already counts as stopping the solve, even within 15 seconds (A3c3++).

At the end of inspection

• You place the cube on the mat in any orientation, fully on the mat and not resting on the timer. Otherwise: +2 (A3d).
• You put your fingers on the timer's sensors, palms facing down, on the side closer to you. Otherwise: +2 (A4b).
• You must not be touching the cube while starting. If you are: +2 (A4b1).

The clock decides: +2 and DNF

1. You start before 15 seconds: no penalty.
2. You start between 15 and 17 seconds: +2 (A4d1). If inspection took exactly 15.00, it's also +2 (A4d1+).
3. You reach 17 seconds without starting: DNF (A4d2). Exactly 17.00 is also a DNF (A4d2+).

Events without inspection

• Blindfolded events (3BLD, 4BLD, 5BLD) have no inspection: the solve starts at the same time as the attempt, and memorisation is part of your time (B1a). Multi-Blind follows the same rules (H1).
• FMC doesn't either: the judge hands out the scramble, calls "GO" and you have 60 minutes to find and write your solution (E2a, E2b).

How to use your 15 seconds

Most cubers use inspection to plan the whole cross and, if there's time left, track the first F2L pair. Practise with inspection on from the start: if you get used to unlimited time at home, the 8-second call at your first competition will catch you off guard.

How to practise it on Kruxmind

• The Timer has WCA inspection: 15 seconds, voice calls at 8 and 12, and the +2 or DNF is applied automatically with the same limits as the Regulations.
• In blindfolded events and FMC the Timer uses no inspection, as the Regulations require.
• If you practise without looking at the screen, turn on vibration: one buzz at 8 seconds and two at 12.
• For a quick refresher, the Inspection entry in the dictionary; and if you get penalised at a competition, the Ao5 and Ao12 guide explains how a +2 or DNF counts in your average.