RESOURCES
BEGINNER
There are lots of great beginner tutorials available on Youtube, one of the most popular being Badmephisto’s comprehensive video. I recently uploaded a beginner tutorial of my own as a trial run, you will find it on my youtube channel – feedback is appreciated, and will be used for future reference.
ADVANCED
Once you’re comfortable solving the cube with a beginner method, you may be interested in moving onto an advanced method. Drawing upon additional concepts and algorithms, these methods use significantly fewer moves, resulting in more efficient and faster solves.
Anthony describes the following as the “Big 3” speedcubing methods. All three are elegant methods in terms of both aesthetics and speed. Anthony solves the cube using the CFOP method, so the algorithms below correspond to that approach.
The most widely researched speedcubing method, CFOP has been used to set every Rubik’s Cube world record since 2003.
Roux has a steeper learning curve than CFOP, but top solvers have proven that it is a force to be reckoned with — its middle layer finish is both speedy and stylish.
ZZ is another up-and-coming method with a steep learning curve. The start of the solve is tricky, but the method’s endgame has amazing potential.
CFOP
The CFOP method was developed independently by multiple people in 1981, but didn’t become popular until the late 90s. The method gained traction after Jessica Fridrich published the method on her website in 1995, leading many to know it as the Fridrich method. CFOP has four major steps: solve a cross, complete the bottom two layers (F2L), form a solid color on top of the cube (OLL), and, finally, move the pieces of the top layer to their correct positions (PLL). Modern beginner methods use the same structure, making it the go-to stepping stone for most up-and-coming speedcubers.
F2L (First Two Layers)
# of cases: 42
F2L is the process of solving the bottom ⅔ of the cube. This process should be learnt intuitively, but these algorithms will help improve efficiency.
Once the bottom two layers are solved, the top is typically solved using OLL and PLL. Beginners should start with two-look OLL and PLL. Advanced solvers may incorporate extensions such as COLL and ZBLL.
Download PDFOLL (Orientation of the Last Layer)
# of cases: 57
OLL is the first last layer step of the CFOP method. These algorithms twist the pieces to form one solid color on top. The number of algorithms may appear daunting, but recognizing patterns and breaking the algorithms into chunks makes memorization easier. Many of these patterns are highlighted within the guide.
PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer)
# of cases: 21
PLL is the final step of the CFOP method. These algorithms reposition the pieces of the top layer, solving the cube. Anthony recommends beginning with the T and Y cases to solve the corners, and Ua, Ub, H, and Z cases to solve the edges.
ZBLL (Zborowski-Bruchem Last Layer)
# of cases: 493
ZBLL solves the given last layer positions in one step. This system orients the corners while simultaneously permuting both the corners and edges. These are the algorithms Anthony uses to solve the U, T, L, H, and Pi sets.
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