Journey
CFOP method (Fridrich)
The speedcubers' full method, in 4 steps: the white cross, the first two layers by corner-edge pairs (F2L, 41 cases), then the last layer with two algorithms, one for the yellow face (OLL, 57 cases) and one to place the pieces (PLL, 21 cases). More algorithms to learn than the beginner method, but far fewer moves to solve the cube. To get there in stages, start with 2-look CFOP.
The 4 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 2F2L (first two layers)
Finish the first two layers by placing together, for each of the four slots, the white corner and the edge that goes above it. Keep the white cross at the bottom; for each pair, turn the whole cube so its slot is at the front right: its corner shows white and the colours of the front and right centres, its edge these two colours. Find where both pieces are and apply the matching case. A piece stuck in another slot is first taken out to the top by inserting any top piece in its place.
- Step 3OLL (yellow face)
Make the whole top face yellow with a single algorithm, without breaking the first two layers. Look at where the yellow of each top piece is, on top and on the sides, and find the matching case by turning U. The sides of the last layer will be placed in the next step.
- Step 4PLL (last layer)
Place the last-layer pieces with a single algorithm: the top stays yellow, only the pieces move. Look for headlights (two corners of the same colour on one side), full rows and corner-edge blocks, then find the matching case. After the algorithm, a last turn of U lines the layer up if needed: your cube is solved.