Learn to solve the 3x3 cube
Free step-by-step lessons for the 3x3 cube: notation, the beginner method layer by layer, and the road to CFOP, with an interactive 3D cube for every move.
Getting started
- How the 3x3 cube worksCentres, edges and corners. Learn the three kinds of piece on a 3x3 cube and why the centres never move. It's the key to every solving method.5 min
- Cube notation: how to read movesR, U, F, R', U2. Learn the letters every cube algorithm is written in, which way each turn goes, and how to undo a sequence.8 min
Beginner method
- Step 1: solve the white crossStep 1 of the beginner method for the 3x3 cube. Make a white cross with every edge matching its side centre, with a fix for each case.15 min
- Step 2: finish the first layer (white corners)Step 2 of the beginner method. Turn the cube over and place the four white corners with one short move you repeat: R U R' U'.15 min
- Step 3: solve the second layerStep 3 of the beginner method. Put the four middle-layer edges in with two mirror-image algorithms, plus a fix for an edge that's stuck or flipped.20 min
- Step 4: make the yellow crossStep 4 of the beginner method. One algorithm, F R U R' U' F', turns a yellow dot, L or line into a yellow cross on top of the cube.10 min
- Step 5: make the whole top yellowStep 5 of the beginner method. Twist the yellow corners up one at a time with R' D' R D, or learn Sune, the faster way.15 min
- Step 6: put the yellow corners in placeStep 6 of the beginner method. Find the "headlights", hold them at the back and use one algorithm to move the yellow corners to their places.15 min
- Step 7: put the yellow edges in place and finishThe last step of the beginner method. Cycle the top edges into place with one of two algorithms, and the cube is solved.15 min
Faster solving: CFOP
- Faster solving with CFOP Coming soonThe method most speedcubers use: cross, first two layers, orient and permute the last layer. A plan and the algorithms to learn.