Cube solving guides

Pick a cube size and a method. Each page is a written recipe with diagrams and algorithms — the same steps you can practise in Cube Lab.

Where to start

New to cubes? Open the 3×3 beginner method, or the shorter 2×2 if you only have a Pocket Cube. Skim cube notation if the letter codes look unfamiliar.

Already solve a 3×3? Choose CFOP for the common speed path, or Roux for blocks and M-slice flow. Big cubes use reduction: 4×4 or 5×5.

Speed methods and case libraries come after that first solve. F2L, OLL, and PLL pages assume you already know the CFOP overview.

Reference

Before any guide

Cube notation

Face turns U–B, prime and half turns, M/E/S slices, wide and big-cube notation, x/y/z rotations, and Cube Lab controls.

2×2 methods

First solve · 3 steps

2×2 beginner

White layer, yellow OLL with Sune/Antisune, then T- and Y-perm. The shortest path to a first solve.

Speed · 7 OLL + 5 PBL

2×2 Ortega

Same three stages as beginner, but with the full OCLL set and five PBL cases — ready for the timer.

By cube size

First cube · corners only

2×2 beginner

White layer, yellow orientation, then permutation. First solve usually takes 5–20 minutes.

Default first-solve recipe

3×3 beginner

Layer by layer: white cross through last edges. A handful of short algorithms, white on top.

After you can solve a 3×3

4×4 reduction

Build 2×2 centres, pair edges, then solve as a 3×3. Includes OLL and PLL parity.

Same idea as 4×4, odd cube

5×5 reduction

Fixed centres, three-piece edges, then a 3×3. OLL parity only — no PLL parity.

3×3 methods

Learn track · 7 steps

Beginner

The layer-by-layer method. Use this until a full solve feels obvious, then pick CFOP or Roux.

Speedcubing · 4-look last layer

CFOP

Cross, F2L, then 2-look OLL and 2-look PLL. White stays on the bottom after the cross.

Blocks · M-slice flow

Roux

First Block, Second Block, 2-look CMLL, then last six edges with M and U. An alternative to CFOP.

CFOP libraries

Drill pages for after the CFOP overview. Each case has a demo in Cube Lab.

After the cross · 41 cases

F2L

Pair each white corner with its edge and insert both. Front-right slot; mirror for the other three.

Orient last layer · 57 cases

OLL

2-look on-ramp, then the full one-look set. Finish F2L first so the top is the only unsolved face.

Permute last layer · 21 cases

PLL

2-look on-ramp, then the full one-look set. The last step of CFOP after the top face is yellow.

FAQ

Which guide should I start with?

If you have a 3×3, use the 3×3 beginner method. If you only have a Pocket Cube, use the 2×2 beginner page. Learn notation first if the letter codes look unfamiliar.

When should I learn CFOP or Roux?

After a full beginner solve feels obvious. CFOP is the common speed path; Roux is the block-building alternative.

What are the F2L, OLL, and PLL libraries for?

They deepen CFOP after the overview: pairing cases, then last-layer orientation and permutation, each with Cube Lab demos.

Can I practise these guides in the browser?

Yes. Every guide links into Cube Lab with the matching Learn or drill mode so you can watch algorithms on a 3D cube.