⚡
CFOP Method
Cross → F2L → OLL → PLL | ~85% of top 100 competitors | ~55 moves average
✚
Cross
Build a cross on the bottom layer matching all 4 edge colors to their centers.
- Plan in inspection (15 seconds)
- Target: under 8 moves
- Color neutrality for top-level
■
F2L — First Two Layers
Insert all 4 corner-edge pairs simultaneously, building the first two layers.
- 41 cases (learn intuitively first)
- Simultaneous tracking
- Target: under 12 moves per pair
●
OLL — Orient Last Layer
Orient all 9 yellow pieces so yellow faces up. 57 algorithms.
- 57 cases to learn
- Start with 2-look OLL (9 algs)
- Sune + Anti-Sune core
◆
PLL — Permute Last Layer
Move all last layer pieces into their final positions. 21 algorithms.
- 21 cases (start with 2-look: 6 algs)
- T Perm + U Perms first
- ~17% chance of PLL skip!
Recommended Learning Order
1
Beginner Method
Master layer-by-layer first. Get a consistent solve.
2
Intuitive F2L
Learn to pair corners and edges without algorithms. Watch solves.
3
2-Look OLL (9 algs)
Sune, Anti-Sune, and 7 edge orientation algs.
4
2-Look PLL (6 algs)
T, Y, U-a, U-b, Z, H perms.
5
Full OLL (57 algs)
Learn all cases, eliminating the second OLL look.
6
Full PLL (21 algs)
Learn remaining G, N, A, J, R perms.
7
Advanced Cross + F2L
Color neutrality, X-cross, advanced F2L pairs, look-ahead.
Start With These
The 6 algorithms that get you from beginner to sub-30.
Sune
OLL - corners only
R U R' U R U2 R'
Anti-Sune
OLL - corners only
R U2 R' U' R U' R'
T Perm
PLL - swap 2 edges + 2 corners
R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'
Ua Perm
PLL - cycle 3 edges
R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2
Ub Perm
PLL - cycle 3 edges (reverse)
R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'
H Perm
PLL - swap opposite edge pairs
M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2