A practical starter library

Rubik's Cube Algorithms

Learn selected CFOP patterns by watching the pieces move. Pause, replay, or step through each formula in 3D.

What is CFOP?

CFOP stands for Cross, First Two Layers, Orientation of the Last Layer, Permutation of the Last Layer. It is a common path from a reliable beginner solve toward faster, more predictable solves. You do not need to memorize a full advanced library at once. Start by recognizing one last-layer shape, learn its short sequence, and practice it until you can spot the case without stopping.

Every 3D example below starts at a case the sequence can solve and ends with a solved cube. Open an example, rotate the view, and advance one move at a time. If the letters are new, keep the notation guide nearby. The orientation of the real cube matters: rotate its top face or your grip to match a case before using its algorithm.

Beginner OLL

OLL points the last-layer stickers upward. These are a selected starter set: two ways to form the last-layer cross and five useful corner sequences. Begin with the cross, then learn Sune and Anti-Sune before adding another corner shape. A different angle of the same case may only require a U turn before the algorithm.

L-shape cross

Hold the yellow L at the back-left of the top face.

Watch the movesF R U R' U' F'

Line cross

Keep the two yellow top edges horizontal.

Watch the movesF U R U' R' F'

Sune

A classic right-hand corner orientation pattern.

Watch the movesR U R' U R U2 R'

Anti-Sune

The mirror-like partner to Sune.

Watch the movesR U2 R' U' R U' R'

Headlights

Look for two matching corner stickers on one side.

Watch the movesR2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'

T shape

See how a familiar right-hand trigger joins an F turn.

Watch the movesR U R' U' R' F R F'

Pi shape

Practice the repeated half turns slowly first.

Watch the movesR U2 R2 U' R2 U' R2 U2 R

Beginner PLL

PLL moves already oriented last-layer pieces into their final places. For a first speedcubing set, the U permutations cycle edges while the T, J, and Y permutations give useful corner-and-edge patterns. Check both the top and side colors before choosing a case. After a PLL algorithm, a final U turn may still be needed to align the sides.

Ua permutation

Cycle three top-layer edges in one direction.

Watch the movesR U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

Ub permutation

Cycle the three edges in the opposite direction.

Watch the movesR2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'

T permutation

Swap one pair of corners and one pair of edges.

Watch the movesR U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'

Jb permutation

Watch the paired block travel along the top.

Watch the movesR U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U'

Y permutation

A useful diagonal-corner case to recognize.

Watch the movesF R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F'

Want More?

Dedicated F2L, OLL, and PLL case libraries are planned for the next version. For now, use these interactive starters, then return to the beginner method whenever a step is unfamiliar. Your own cube can always go straight to the solver.