How to solve 3×3

 

 

 

Today, you’ll learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube! Before you read this, go to the Notation page. You’ll need to know the notation to understand the solution.

 

Step 1: The White Cross

 

Just match up edges with white to both of their centers. You may need to move other edges out of the way. For example, if you’re trying to put the blue-white edge piece in your cross, you need to match it up with both the white center and the blue center.

 

Step 2: The White Corners

 

Very similar to Step 1, just with white corners. Remember, match the corner up with both edges!

 

Step 3: The Second Layer

 

First, TURN OVER YOUR CUBE.

For this, you will need two algorithms. (All pieces involved will be edges not containing yellow or white)

 

If you need to move an edge into a spot directly to the left, put it directly above the center that matches the non-top color (for example, if you want to insert the blue-orange edge, and the blue isn’t on the top, put that edge above the blue center), then do Ui Li U L, then resolve the white side.

If you need to move an edge to the right, it’s the same as to the left, except do this algorithm: U R Ui Ri, then resolve white.

If there are no edges to insert, use either algorithm to eject an edge from the middle layer.

 

Step 4: Get all the Yellow on Top

This is called “OLL” by speedcubers, but I’ll simplify it for you.

Part 1:

Don’t worry about the corners for now.

1. If you have a cross, move on to Part 2.

2. If you have a yellow “J”, put it in the top-left, then do F R U Ri Ui R U Ri Ui Fi.

3. If you have a yellow “line”, put it horizontal, then do F R U Ri Ui Fi.

4. If you have just a yellow “dot”, do either of these algorithms to get either case 2 or 3, then do the corresponding algorithm.

Part 2:

Now, you need to care about the corners.

You need only one algorithm: R U Ri U R U2 Ri, or “Sune” for short.

1. If you have no corners on the top, do Sune once to get either case 2 or 3.
2. If you have one corner on the top, put that corner in the bottom left and do Sune.
3. If you have two corners, put those on the right, and do Sune.
4. If you have four corners on top, go to the next step.

Three corners on top in this part is illegal, and you would have to reassemble your cube.

 

Step 5: Solve it!

This is called “PLL” by speedcubers, but I’m simplifying it again.

Part 1:

1. If you have 2 corners sharing a color other than yellow next to each other, match them with the non-yellow center shared between them, then do Ri F Ri B2 R Fi Ri B2 R2 Ui.

2. If you don’t, do the above algorithm, and you will have case 1.

Part 2:

1. If you have another solved side, other than yellow or white, put that in the back (keeping yellow on top), then do F2 (U or Ui) Mi U2 M (U or Ui) F2. (The second U or Ui will be the same as the choice you make for the first one.)
2. If you don’t, do the above algorithm, and you will have case 1.

In case 1, after you put the non-yellow or -white solved side in the back, the unsolved edges (and there almost always will be unsolved edges) will have to cycle either clockwise or counterclockwise. If clockwise, do F2 U Mi U2 M U F2. If counterclockwise, do F2 Ui Mi U2 M Ui F2.

And you’re done!