Journey
Beginner method
Solve the cube layer by layer, in 7 steps: the white cross and the first-face corners, the middle-layer edges, then the last, yellow layer. Each step shows you its goal, the cases you may meet and the algorithm for each, animated by the virtual cube while you do it on your own cube.
The 7 steps
- Step 1Cross
Make a white cross on the bottom face, each edge lined up with the centre of its side. Hold the cube yellow on top, then for each white edge, turn the whole cube so that the centre of its other colour is in front, and apply the matching basic situation. An edge stuck in the middle with white in front, or misplaced at the bottom, first goes back up to the top (R U R' from the middle right, L' U' L from the middle left, F2 from the bottom): it then becomes a basic situation.
- Step 2First layer corners
Complete the white bottom face by placing its four corners, each lined up with the centres of its sides, without breaking the cross. For each corner, turn the whole cube so that its place is at the bottom front right, and apply the matching basic situation. A corner stuck at the bottom in another place first goes back up: bring that place to the front right, do R U R', then take the corner from the top.
- Step 3Middle layer edges
Place the four middle-layer edges, each between the two centres of its colours, without breaking the first layer. For each top edge without yellow, turn the whole cube so that the centre of its side colour is in front, and apply the matching basic situation. An edge stuck in another middle place first goes back up: bring that place to the front right, do the "On top, goes right" algorithm, then take the edge from the top.
- Step 4Yellow cross
Make a yellow cross on the top face. Only the top matters: the side colours of the edges will be placed later. The first two layers stay intact.
- Step 5Yellow face orientation
Make the whole top face yellow by twisting the four corners in place, without breaking the yellow cross or the first two layers. A single algorithm is enough: repeat it, following the case you get, until the top is fully yellow. The sides of the last layer will be placed afterwards.
- Step 6Corner placement
Place the four top corners so their colours match the side centres. The top stays yellow; the top edges may move, they will be placed in the last step. If the corners are already in the right order, just turn U to line them up with the centres.
- Step 7Edge placement
Place the four top edges to finish the cube. The corners are already placed: to match the case orientation, turn the whole cube, never the top face. A single algorithm is enough, repeated following the case you get.