Step 4: make the yellow cross
The bottom two layers are done. Keep yellow on top. In this step we only care about the four edges on top having yellow facing up. They don't have to match the sides yet, and the corners don't matter.
Find your shape
Look only at the middle sticker of each edge on the top face, ignoring the corners. You'll see one of four shapes:
- a dot: just the centre is yellow
- an L: two neighbouring edges are yellow
- a line: two opposite edges are yellow
- a cross: already done; go to the next step
There is no case with one or three edges up. If you see that, a piece was put in wrong. See Flipped edge.
One algorithm for every shape
F R U R' U' F'
Front clockwise, then the move from the first layer (R U R' U'), then front back anticlockwise.
Line: hold it left to right
F R U R' U' F'
L: hold it at the back-left
The two yellow edges point back and left, like the hands of a clock at nine o'clock. The algorithm turns the L into a line. Then do it once more.
F R U R' U' F'
Dot: do it, then follow the L
- Do the algorithm once. You get an L at the front-right.
- Turn the top twice (
U2) so the L is at the back-left. - Carry on as for the L.
F R U R' U' F' U2 F R U R' U' F' F R U R' U' F'
Common mistakes
- Holding the L wrong. It must point to the back and left. Any other way round and the algorithm gives you a dot or another L.
- Holding the line front to back. It must run left to right.
- Worrying about the corners. Their yellow stickers can face anywhere for now.