How to solve a 3×3 with CFOP

The standard speedcubing method: Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL. This page is the entry-level 4-look last layer — few algorithms, then practise each step in Cube Lab.

Before you start

If you cannot yet solve a 3×3, use the beginner method first. CFOP is the same cube with fewer moves once that recipe feels easy. Notation: cube notation reference.

Hold white on the bottom after the cross (unlike the beginner pages, which build white on top). Algorithms still assume a face is Front — do not turn the cube in your hands mid-algorithm.

4-look last layer, not full CFOP. Full OLL is 57 cases and full PLL is 21. Here you split OLL into two looks and PLL into two looks, so you only need a handful of algorithms.

Why CFOP

CFOP is the mainstream speed path: layers, strong lookahead, and the largest set of tutorials and case libraries. Prefer blocks, fewer rotations, and an M-slice finish? Compare with Roux (that page has a side-by-side table).

Most cubers learn CFOP after beginner because Cross and F2L reuse the same white-first intuition, then swap the slow beginner last layer for 4-look OLL/PLL.

CFOP overview

Fewer moves, faster times — four stages: Cross · F2L · OLL · PLL.

Cross → F2L (first two layers) → OLL (orient last layer) → PLL (permute last layer). 4-look last layer is two OLL steps plus two PLL steps.

1 · Cross — efficiently

Build the bottom white cross in about 4–8 moves by planning ahead during inspection.

Same white cross as the beginner method, but you plan the whole route before the timer starts. Trace all four white edges in your head: where each sits, which face turn brings it to D, and whether the side colour already matches.

A white plus that does not match the side centres is not finished — those edges will fight F2L. Prefer placing edges so their second colour lines up with the centre; daisy-on-top then flip to D is fine while learning, but aim for direct inserts as you get faster.

Most solvers then keep white on the bottom for F2L and the last layer. There is no set algorithm — inspection plus practice.

2 · F2L — pairing corner + edge

Insert the first two layers by pairing a corner and edge and placing them together.

The beginner method inserts corners, then middle-layer edges, separately. F2L builds a corner+edge pair and drops both into a slot at once — fewer moves, and you start looking at the next pair while the current one finishes.

The basic case: the pair is split in the top layer and the slot is empty. Algorithms below assume the front-right slot. Mirror them left or right depending on where the pair sits. AUF (U turns) to set up; do not rotate the whole cube mid-insert.

When the three basic inserts feel easy, use the F2L case library for recognition ideas and all 41 front-right cases — learning order and FAQ live there.

3 · OLL ① — yellow cross

Get a yellow + on top (orient the edges). Side colours do not matter yet.

Once F2L is done, orient the top edges first. The shape goes dot → L-shape → line → cross.

Apply one algorithm until the cross appears. Hold an L with its arms left and up, and a line horizontally.

Want the shorter OLL-only version? Use the OLL library — 2-Look on-ramp plus all 57 one-look cases with demos.

3 · OLL ② — yellow corners

Make the whole top yellow (orient the corners). 4-look uses Sune and Antisune.

From the yellow cross, orient the corners. Repeat and reposition as needed. Later, seven OLL corner cases finish this in one algorithm — you do not need those yet.

It will look scrambled in between. The first two layers may break and then come back. Do not stop mid-algorithm.

Need a focused drill page? The OLL library covers 2-Look OLL and the full 57-case set.

4 · PLL ① — corner positions

Move the top corners into place (3-corner cycle). The top stays yellow.

Use A-perm to cycle three corners. If one corner is already correct, work from it. If none is, apply it once and look again. For a diagonal swap, apply it twice.

Want the PLL-only version? Use the PLL library — 2-Look on-ramp plus all 21 one-look cases with demos.

4 · PLL ② — edge positions

Cycle the last edges. The cube is solved.

Two U-perm variants cover the 3-edge cycles. Finish with an AUF (a turn of the top) to align the sides.

Need a focused drill page? The PLL library covers 2-Look PLL and the full 21-case set.

Practice path

• Cross only: scramble, inspect, solve white cross under ~8 moves; ignore the rest.
• Add F2L with the three basic inserts; pause to name the pair before you turn.
• Add 2-look OLL, then 2-look PLL — untimed full solves until the holds are automatic.
• Timed solves once 4-look last layer needs no lookup. Then deepen with the F2L, OLL, and PLL libraries.

Stuck?

If a layer you already solved is a mess, you likely rotated the cube mid-algorithm. Undo to the last stage that still looks like the diagram, then retry that step in the trainer.

Need the first-solve recipe instead? How to solve a 3×3 (beginner). Prefer blocks and M-slice flow? Roux. Physical cube colours do not match? Scan all six faces in Cube Lab — that opens beginner steps or Fast solve, not CFOP.

After this page

When 4-look last layer is comfortable, add cases from the libraries: F2L first (biggest time save), then full PLL, then full OLL. Colour neutrality on the cross (any colour as D) comes later.