Step 3 / 7

The second layer

Insert the 4 edges of the middle layer.

Goal of this step

Together, the first two layers are called “F2L” (First Two Layers). All that’s left is placing the 4 middle edges.

How to: find an edge on the top layer with no yellow. Turn U until its front color lines up with the front center (it forms an upside-down “T”). Then look at its top color: if it matches the right center, the edge goes right; if it matches the left center, it goes left. If needed, turn the whole cube (yellow on top) to bring that edge to the front: the algorithms below are always done with the edge in front of you.

Cases and algorithms

The edge goes to the right.
Algorithm :U R U' R' U' F' U F
The edge goes to the left.
Algorithm :U' L' U L U F U' F'

Tips

  • The edges to insert have no yellow. An edge with yellow belongs to the last layer: ignore it for now.
  • If an edge is already in the middle layer but in the wrong spot, insert any edge in its place to pop it out.