How to solve a 3x3 Rubik's Cube by CFOP Method :

The CFOP (Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL) method, also known as the Fridrich method, is one of the most popular methods for solving a Rubik's Cube efficiently. It was developed by Jessica Fridrich and has been widely adopted by speedcubers. The CFOP method is a layer-by-layer method that involves solving the cube in four main steps: cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL.

  1. Cross (CF): The first step in CFOP is to solve the cross on one face of the Rubik's Cube. The goal is to create a cross shape using edge pieces that match the center color of each face. This is typically done on the white face or any other face with an easily recognizable pattern. The cross can be solved intuitively or with specific algorithms. The aim is to solve the cross in as few moves as possible.
  2. First Two Layers (F2L): After solving the cross, the next step is to solve the first two layers (F2L). F2L involves pairing up the corner and edge pieces on the first two layers of the Rubik's Cube. The goal is to insert these pairs into their correct positions in one step. F2L is typically done without disrupting the cross already solved in the previous step. There are different F2L techniques and algorithms that can be used to solve these pairs efficiently.
  3. Orientation of the Last Layer (OLL): Once the first two layers are solved, the next step is to orient the pieces on the last layer (OLL). OLL involves manipulating the pieces on the last layer of the Rubik's Cube so that all the edges and corners are in their correct orientation. This step usually requires the use of specific algorithms for different cases. The aim is to bring the cube to a state where all the pieces on the last layer have a specific pattern.
  4. Permutation of the Last Layer (PLL): The final step in CFOP is the permutation of the last layer (PLL). PLL involves rearranging the pieces on the last layer to solve the Rubik's Cube completely. In this step, the goal is to place all the pieces in their correct positions. Similar to OLL, PLL requires the use of algorithms for different cases. These algorithms allow you to perform specific sequences of moves to bring the cube to a solved state.

By following the CFOP method, you break down the problem of solving a Rubik's Cube into smaller, manageable steps. This method allows for faster and more efficient solving times, especially when combined with practice and memorization of algorithms. While the CFOP method requires learning several algorithms, many speedcubers find it to be an effective approach for solving the Rubik's Cube quickly.


To solve the cross (CF) in the CFOP method, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a color: Select a color to be the cross color. This is typically the color of the center piece on one face of the Rubik's Cube.
  2. Find the edge pieces: Look for edge pieces that have the cross color on them. These edge pieces should be positioned in such a way that when the cross is solved, they will align with their corresponding center pieces.
  3. Solve the first edge: Locate an edge piece that matches the cross color and its corresponding center color. Position the edge piece so that it is in the correct orientation to be inserted into the cross.
  4. Insert the first edge: Move the edge piece to its correct position in relation to the cross. This can be done by rotating the necessary layers of the cube. Be careful not to disturb the other solved pieces.
  5. Repeat for the remaining edges: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining three edge pieces. Look for the edge pieces that match the cross color and their corresponding center colors. Solve them one by one, inserting them into their correct positions in the cross.
  6. Optimize the cross: After solving all four edges, you may need to adjust the orientation of the cross pieces to ensure they align perfectly with their corresponding centers. Rotate the necessary layers to achieve the desired alignment.

Tips:

  • Look ahead: While solving the cross, try to plan ahead and anticipate the movements needed to solve the next edge. This will help you solve the cross more efficiently.
  • Practice: Solving the cross quickly and efficiently takes practice. By repeatedly solving the cube and focusing on improving your cross-solving skills, you'll become faster over time.
  • Learn algorithms: Some specific algorithms can help you solve the cross more efficiently, especially when encountering certain patterns or situations. Consider learning and memorizing these algorithms to improve your solving speed.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will become more proficient at solving the cross quickly and move on to the next steps of the CFOP method.

Formulas of CFOP Method to Solve Rubik's Cube

To solve the First Two Layers (F2L) in the CFOP method, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the F2L pair: Look for a corner piece and an adjacent edge piece that need to be paired up and inserted into their correct positions on the first two layers. These pieces should share a common color.
  2. Separate the F2L pair: If the corner and edge pieces are already paired up, skip to step 4. Otherwise, if the corner and edge pieces are in different layers or not aligned properly, you need to separate them by moving the layers as necessary.
  3. Align and insert the F2L pair: Position the corner and edge pieces so that they can be easily paired up and inserted into their correct positions. Depending on the situation, you may need to rotate the necessary layers or perform specific algorithms to align the pieces properly. Once they are aligned, insert them into their correct positions by moving the layers accordingly.
  4. Repeat for the remaining F2L pairs: Once the first F2L pair is inserted, look for the next unsolved F2L pair and repeat steps 1 to 3. Continue solving each F2L pair one by one until all four pairs are inserted into their correct positions.

Tips:

  • Look for efficiency: When solving F2L pairs, try to plan ahead and anticipate the movements needed to insert the next pair. Look for opportunities to solve multiple pairs in one sequence of moves, minimizing unnecessary cube rotations.
  • Practice lookahead: As you become more comfortable with F2L, focus on improving your lookahead skills. Look ahead to identify the next F2L pair while you are solving the current one. This will help you solve F2L more quickly and smoothly.
  • Learn F2L algorithms: While F2L can often be solved intuitively, there are certain situations that can be solved more efficiently with specific algorithms. Consider learning and memorizing F2L algorithms to improve your solving speed.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will become more proficient at solving the F2L pairs quickly and move on to the next steps of the CFOP method.


To solve the Orientation of the Last Layer (OLL) in the CFOP method, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the OLL case: There are 57 possible OLL cases, each representing a different pattern on the last layer of the Rubik's Cube. The first step is to identify which OLL case your cube is in. Familiarize yourself with the different OLL cases and their corresponding algorithms.
  2. Orient the last layer edges: The goal of OLL is to orient all the edges on the last layer so that they are in their correct position and have the correct orientation. Depending on the OLL case, you may need to perform a specific algorithm or sequence of moves to achieve the desired orientation.
  3. Orient the last layer corners: Once the edges are oriented, you need to orient the corners of the last layer. Again, depending on the OLL case, you may need to use a specific algorithm or sequence of moves to orient the corners correctly.
  4. Optimize the OLL execution: After solving the OLL, you can optimize your execution by using finger tricks and efficient algorithms. Finger tricks involve using specific finger movements to execute the algorithms quickly and smoothly. Practice these finger tricks to improve your OLL solving speed.

Tips:

  • Learn and memorize OLL algorithms: There are specific algorithms for each OLL case. It's important to learn and memorize these algorithms to solve OLL more efficiently. Break down the algorithms into smaller, manageable parts to make them easier to remember.
  • Practice algorithm recognition: Develop your ability to quickly recognize the OLL cases by studying their patterns and practicing their algorithms. This will help you solve OLL faster as you become more familiar with the different cases.
  • Focus on lookahead: As you become more experienced with OLL, work on improving your lookahead skills. Look ahead to anticipate the next steps, including the F2L pairs and the OLL case, while you are solving the current step. This will help you transition smoothly from one step to the next.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will become more proficient at solving the OLL cases quickly and move on to the final step of the CFOP method, which is the Permutation of the Last Layer (PLL).


To solve the Permutation of the Last Layer (PLL) in the CFOP method, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the PLL case: There are 21 possible PLL cases, each representing a different pattern on the last layer of the Rubik's Cube. The first step is to identify which PLL case your cube is in. Familiarize yourself with the different PLL cases and their corresponding algorithms.
  2. Position the last layer corners: The first part of PLL involves positioning the corners of the last layer into their correct positions. Depending on the PLL case, you may need to perform a specific algorithm or sequence of moves to move the corners to their correct locations.
  3. Permute the last layer edges: After the corners are positioned correctly, the next step is to permute the edges of the last layer. This involves rearranging the edges into their correct positions. Depending on the PLL case, you may need to perform a specific algorithm or sequence of moves to achieve the desired permutation.
  4. Optimize the PLL execution: After solving the PLL, you can optimize your execution by using finger tricks and efficient algorithms. Practice these finger tricks to execute the algorithms quickly and smoothly.

Tips:

  • Learn and memorize PLL algorithms: There are specific algorithms for each PLL case. It's important to learn and memorize these algorithms to solve PLL more efficiently. Break down the algorithms into smaller, manageable parts to make them easier to remember.
  • Practice algorithm recognition: Develop your ability to quickly recognize the PLL cases by studying their patterns and practicing their algorithms. This will help you solve PLL faster as you become more familiar with the different cases.
  • Focus on lookahead: As you become more experienced with PLL, work on improving your lookahead skills. Look ahead to anticipate the next steps, including the F2L pairs, OLL, and PLL cases, while you are solving the current step. This will help you transition smoothly from one step to the next.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will become more proficient at solving the PLL cases quickly, completing the CFOP method, and solving the Rubik's Cube entirely.