CFOP introduction
The speedcubers' method: 4 steps, and what changes compared to the beginner method.
Already able to solve the cube? Well done! CFOP (also called the Fridrich method) is the method used by the vast majority of speedcubers. It keeps the layer-by-layer idea of the beginner method, but merges steps to use far fewer moves.
The 4 steps:
- Cross: the white cross, built directly on the bottom in as few moves as possible.
- F2L (First Two Layers): place a white corner and its matching middle edge at the same time. This step replaces the white corners and the second layer.
- OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer): the whole yellow face.
- PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer): put the last-layer pieces in their place.
In this path you learn the two-look version of OLL and PLL: each is done with two short algorithms instead of one. There are only 16 algorithms to remember, and that is already enough to get under a minute, then aim for 30 seconds.
New moves
CFOP uses a few extra moves:
- y: turn the whole cube, in the same direction as U (y’ the other way).
- r and f: turn two layers at once (the face and the middle slice next to it).
- M: turn only the middle slice, between L and R, in the same direction as L.
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Tips
- Don't learn everything at once: master one step until it becomes automatic, then move on to the next.
- Time yourself now with the beginner method: that starting time will let you measure your progress.