Guide
Learn to solve the cube, and to solve it well
Practical advice to go from “I know a method” to “I solve without thinking”: how to read and remember an algorithm, where to start with CFOP, how to recognise a case at a glance, and how to organise your practice. Each page stands on its own; the suggested order goes from the general to the specific.
Part 1
The basics
What to know before tackling a method: reading notation, learning an algorithm, knowing when to move on to CFOP.
- Cube notation: how to read itR, U', F2, r, M, x, y: what each letter means, how to hold the cube while reading an algorithm, and the traps that ruin a perfectly correct algorithm.
- Learning an algorithm and making it stickBreak it into triggers, understand what it does, drill it slowly, then review it at intervals: a method for learning a cube algorithm that lasts.
- From the beginner method to CFOPWhen to leave the layer-by-layer method, what CFOP really changes, and a transition order that saves you from relearning everything in one go.
Part 2
The CFOP method
The four steps of the speedcubers' method, and how to approach each one without drowning in algorithms.
- CFOP: overview and learning orderThe four steps of the Fridrich method, how many cases each one has, what actually saves you time on a solve, and the order in which to learn it all.
- The cross: planning it and solving it on the bottomSolve the white cross on the bottom without looking at it, plan it during inspection, aim for eight moves at most and flow straight into the first pair.
- F2L: pairs, intuitive firstUnderstand F2L without algorithms: build a corner-edge pair on top, insert it in three moves, cut down on rotations and look ahead to the next pair.
- OLL: from 2-look to all 57 casesOrient the yellow face in one algorithm: start with 10 algorithms (2-look OLL), then learn all 57 cases by shape family, in an order that pays off.
- PLL: from 2-look to all 21 casesPermute the last layer in one algorithm: six algorithms to start with (2-look PLL), then all 21 cases by frequency, with the algorithms used in the app.
Part 3
Recognising cases
Spotting the right case at a glance: where to look, which clues to remember, and how to practise.
- Recognising a case: the general methodSpot the right case at a glance: where to look, which clues to keep, why you compare stickers with each other, and how to train your recognition.
- F2L recognition: sorting the 41 casesSort the 41 F2L cases into a few families by where the corner and edge sit, learn where to look, and spot the cases you solve the long way round.
- OLL recognition: all 57 cases at a glanceRecognise an OLL case at a glance: count the yellow edges on top, then read the shape of the corners. The shape families and how to tell look-alikes apart.
- PLL recognition: all 21 cases from two sidesRecognise any PLL from two sides: count the headlights, spot the bars and blocks, and tell apart the cases people mix up (J, G, R, U, N perms).
Part 4
Getting better
Organising your learning, avoiding the classic mistakes and gaining fluency.
- A learning plan for every CFOP algorithmHow many algorithms per week, in what order, how to run a session and review: a plan over several months to learn CFOP without losing motivation.
- Common mistakes that hold you back, and how to fix themThe classic mistakes when learning CFOP: too many algorithms too soon, watching your fingers, rotating the cube, timing too early. And the fix for each.
- Fluency: fingertricks, look-ahead and timingTurning with your fingers instead of your wrist, looking for the next pair during the insert, and knowing when to time yourself: what makes a solve fluent.