How to solve a 2×2 with Ortega

A speed method for the Pocket Cube: one solved layer, seven OLL algorithms, then five PBL algorithms. Same three stages as the beginner guide — but every last-layer case has a fixed recipe.

Before you start

Ortega is the usual 2×2 step after your first solve. If you have not finished a 2×2 yet, use the 2×2 beginner method first — the first layer is identical.

Turn notation: cube notation reference. The OLL and PBL algorithms on this page use outer faces only (U D L R F B) — no wide r / Rw.

Three stages. (1) First layer · (2) OLL — orient the top yellow · (3) PBL — permute both layers at once. Twelve algorithms total for a full speed solve (7 + 5).

Why Ortega

Beginner 2×2 uses Sune/Antisune until yellow appears, then T or Y for permutation — you hunt for a trigger. Ortega keeps the same three stages but gives every last-layer case a fixed name and algorithm, so recognition replaces trial-and-error. That is the path toward timer solves and later CLL.

Ortega overview

Same shape as beginner layer-by-layer; more algorithms, fewer moves on average.

Next step after Ortega feels easy: learn CLL (one-look last layer, 42 cases) — out of scope for this page.

Step 1 · First layer

Four corners on one face, side colours matching around the layer — same as the beginner guide.

Pick white as the first face. Insert each remaining white corner from below with the front-right insert. Match side colours around the layer; there is no centre to aim at.

Step 2 · OLL (7 cases)

Flip the cube (white down). Orient all four top corners so the whole U face is yellow.

Same seven cases as 3×3 OCLL (OLL #21–#27 in Cube Lab). Recognise the pattern, apply one algorithm, AUF with U if needed, repeat until the top is solid yellow.

Recognition order: learn Sune and Antisune first (you already know them from beginner). Then add the visual shapes — H (two opposite pairs), Pi, U / headlights, T / chameleon, L / bowtie. Name the shape before you turn.

Practice random Ortega cases in Cube Lab

Each case above opens that step in Cube Lab with ▶ Demo. Or start from the OLL overview.

Step 3 · PBL (5 cases)

Permute Both Layers — fix corner positions while keeping the first layer solved. Five cases cover every finish.

After OLL, scan the side colours of both layers. Headlights and bars tell you which PBL you have — do not guess between T and Y.

Adjacent swap

Two corners need to swap and they are next to each other. Hold matching side colours (“headlights”) on the back.

Diagonal swap

Opposite corners swap — no headlights pair.

H, Bar A, Bar B

Three bar/headlight patterns that are not simple adjacent or diagonal swaps.

Each case above opens that PBL step with ▶ Demo. Or start from the PBL overview.

Practice path

• First layer only until side colours always match around the face.
• Drill Sune / Antisune, then add one new OLL shape per session.
• Learn adjacent and diagonal PBL before H / Bar A / Bar B.
• Use random Ortega drills in Cube Lab; timed solves once you recognise without peeking.

Random Ortega drill in Cube Lab

Stuck?

Beginner vs Ortega: same first layer and same three stages. Beginner uses only Sune/Antisune for OLL and T/Y for permutation; Ortega names all seven OLL and five PBL cases so you never hunt for a trigger.

If the first layer breaks mid-OLL, finish the algorithm before judging. Wrong hold is the usual cause of a case that “never works”.

Walk the full Ortega track in Cube Lab: open Ortega Learn.

First solve path: 2×2 beginner guide. Notation: notation reference. Bigger cube: 3×3 beginner.

After this page

When Ortega feels automatic, look up CLL (42 one-look last-layer cases). Colour neutrality on the first layer (any colour as your “white”) shortens inspection earlier. For 3×3 speed, start the CFOP overview.