There are numerous approaches to solving a Rubik’s Cube, each varying in complexity and suited for different skill levels, from speedcubers to beginners, and even for blindfolded solving. Many people find themselves stuck after completing the first face. This article will guide you through the easiest method to solve the cube: the beginner’s method.
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Contents
Solving the Rubik’s Cube: Step-by-Step
This method breaks down the Rubik’s Cube solution into layers. You’ll solve each layer by applying specific algorithms without disrupting the pieces already in place. For more detailed explanations and examples of each of the seven stages, you can visit the dedicated page for each step.
3. The Second Layer (F2L – First Two Layers)
Rubik’s Cube Solving Example
Watch this layer-by-layer method in action to understand the process. It starts by fixing the white edges and corners, then flips the cube to solve the second layer, and finally completes the yellow face. Press the Play button to start the animation.
Video Guide: Learn to Solve a Rubik’s Cube
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Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Using a video alongside this written guide is highly recommended for grasping the Rubik’s Cube solution. Visualizing each step clarifies the instructions and makes it easier to follow along. You can pause, rewind, and practice each step at your own pace.
Rubik’s Cube Notation and Terminology
Before starting, familiarizing yourself with basic cubing terminology is helpful. You’ll need to understand Rubik’s Cube notation, which is the set of letters representing different moves in algorithms:
F: Front, R: Right, U: Up, L: Left, D: Down, B: Back (though not used in this beginner’s method).
| Clockwise Rotations: | F R U L D |
|---|---|
| Counter-Clockwise Rotations (indicated by an apostrophe ‘): | F’ R’ U’ L’ D’ |
If you get stuck or confused, the Online Rubik’s Cube Solver Program can quickly help you fix your puzzle. Simply input your cube’s current state, and the program will provide the steps to solve it.
To track your solving times and improve, try the Online Rubik’s Cube Timer with useful features. For practice scrambles, use the Scramble Generator.
Step 1: Making the White Cross
Let’s start by solving the white face. The first goal is to create a white cross on the top face, aligning the white edge pieces with the correct side center colors. Try to achieve this step intuitively without initially reading the instructions to familiarize yourself with the cube’s movements.
Use this stage to explore the Rubik’s Cube and see how far you can progress independently. This step is relatively intuitive as you don’t need to worry about preserving already solved pieces. Practice moving the white edges into their correct positions while trying not to disturb those already placed.
If you need assistance, you can find animated algorithms and further guidance on forming the white cross here.
A correctly formed white cross with matching side colors.
An incorrect white cross where side colors don’t match.
Step 2: Solving the White Corners
In this step, we will position the white corner pieces to complete the first face. If you successfully completed the white cross without help, challenge yourself to solve the corners as well. If you prefer guidance, here’s a hint:
Rotate the bottom layer (D layer) to position a white corner piece directly underneath its intended location in the top layer (U layer). Then, perform one of the following algorithms based on the white sticker’s orientation on the corner piece. If a white corner is already in the correct position but incorrectly oriented, you’ll need to first move it out of place.
Detailed instructions on solving the white corners can be found here.
The white face is now completely solved.
Step 3: Completing the Second Layer (F2L)
Up to this point, the process has been relatively straightforward. Now, we’ll start using algorithms more extensively. Turn the cube upside down, so the solved white face is at the bottom, and focus on solving the middle layer.
In this stage, we complete the first two layers (F2L). We’ll use two symmetrical algorithms: the Left Algorithm and the Right Algorithm. These algorithms insert a top layer edge piece (Up-Front edge) into the middle layer without disrupting the solved white face. If no top layer edge pieces are positioned as shown in the images below, rotate the top layer until an edge piece matches one of the orientations. Then, apply the corresponding algorithm.
Left Algorithm: U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’
Right Algorithm: U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F
Incorrect edge orientation in the second layer. Algorithm needs to be applied twice.
The first two layers (F2L) are now solved.
If an edge piece is in the correct position in the second layer but oriented incorrectly, you’ll need to apply the algorithm twice. The first application will move the piece out, and the second will correctly insert it.
See these F2L algorithms in action and get more tips by clicking here.
Step 4: Forming the Yellow Cross on the Top Layer
Yellow cross formed on the top layer of the Rubik’s Cube.
Now we begin solving the last layer, starting with creating a yellow cross on the top face. At this stage, the precise positions of the yellow pieces are not important; we only focus on forming the cross shape.
You may encounter three possible patterns on the yellow face: a dot, an “L” shape, or a horizontal line. Use the following algorithm to transition between these states and ultimately form the yellow cross:
Algorithm: F R U R’ U’ F’
- Dot: If only the center yellow piece is visible, apply the algorithm three times.
- “L” Shape: If you see a yellow “L” shape, apply the algorithm twice, holding the cube as shown in the image below.
- Horizontal Line: If you have a horizontal yellow line, apply the algorithm once.
Visual guide showing how to solve the yellow cross from dot, L-shape, and line patterns.
For a more detailed explanation of forming the yellow cross, click here.
Step 5: Permuting the Yellow Edges
With the yellow cross completed, the next step is to correctly position the yellow edge pieces so they match the colors of the side center pieces. To swap the front and left yellow edge pieces, use this algorithm:
Algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 R’ U
Visual representation of swapping yellow edge pieces.
Yellow edges are now correctly positioned and aligned with center pieces.
You may need to apply this algorithm multiple times to correctly position all yellow edges.
Step 6: Positioning the Yellow Corners
Visual showing the permutation of three yellow corner pieces.
Only the yellow corner pieces on the last layer remain unsolved. First, we need to move them to their correct positions, regardless of their orientation.
Identify a corner piece that is already in its correct position. Position it at the front-right-top (FRU) corner. Then, apply the following algorithm to cycle the other three incorrect corner pieces as indicated in the image.
Algorithm: U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L
Applying this algorithm twice performs an inverse rotation of the corner pieces. If none of the yellow corners are in the correct position initially, execute the algorithm once to place at least one corner correctly.
Learn more about the permutation of last layer yellow corners here.
Step 7: Orienting the Yellow Corners (Final Step!)
All pieces are now in their correct positions. The final step is to orient the yellow corners to complete the Rubik’s Cube solution. This step is often considered the most confusing, so follow the instructions carefully.
Yellow corners are in the right positions but need to be oriented.
Congratulations! The Rubik’s Cube is now solved.
Hold the cube with an unsolved yellow corner at the front-right-top (FRU) position. Perform the algorithm below repeatedly (twice or four times) until this specific corner is correctly oriented:
Algorithm: R’ D’ R D
It will appear as if you are scrambling the cube, but don’t worry; this is normal. Keep applying the algorithm to the FRU corner until it is oriented correctly.
Once the FRU corner is solved, rotate only the top layer (U layer) to bring another unsolved yellow corner to the FRU position. Repeat the R’ D’ R D algorithm until this new corner is also oriented. Be careful not to rotate the middle or bottom layers between algorithms, and do not rotate the entire cube.
You are very close to solving the cube! This step often causes confusion, so patience is key. If these instructions are unclear, check out more examples here.
Repeat this process until your Rubik’s Cube is completely solved! 🙂
Is This Tutorial Too Difficult? Here Are Alternatives:
Explore another guide at Rubik’s Cube Tutorial or CubeSolve.com. Or, use the Online Rubik’s Cube Solver – input your scramble, and it will provide a step-by-step solution.
