3×3 · Beginner guide

Solve your first 3×3

Solve the white cross, the white layer, the middle layer, then the yellow layer. Find your current stage below; open the case that matches your cube.

Beginner guide ↓Choose your 3×3 method

All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.

Your route to a solved cube

Check your cube against these seven goals. Start at the first goal you have not reached.

1. Daisy → white cross
Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.
Keep: Centers set the face colors
2. White corners
The whole white layer, including the side bottom rows, matches the centers.
Keep: Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.
3. Middle edges
The bottom two layers match their side centers; yellow edges remain on U.
Keep: The whole white layer, including the side bottom rows, matches the centers.
4. Yellow cross
All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
Keep: The bottom two layers match their side centers; yellow edges remain on U.
5. Match yellow edges
The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.
Keep: All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
6. Place yellow corners
Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.
Keep: The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.
7. Orient the final corners
All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.
Keep: Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.

Centers name the faces; edges have two colors and corners three. Side colors in the pictures can differ from your cube: follow your centers. E means the middle layer.

Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.

A letter turns that face clockwise when looking directly at it; prime reverses it and 2 means half a turn. Lowercase x/y turns the whole cube.

Other stickers can differ. Match the selected piece, its sticker direction and the target centers; the example does not choose moves for your cube.

3×3 cube notation ↓

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

These outlines are guide marks, not extra stickers or moves. Follow the marked piece as it moves toward the dashed slot. U, D, F, B, L and R name the faces. Changing the camera does not change how you hold the cube.

1 / 7

Daisy → white cross

Before starting: Centers name the faces; edges have two colors and corners three. Side colors in the pictures can differ from your cube: follow your centers. E means the middle layer.

Keep yellow on U. Lift white edges into empty U slots: a white sticker on D needs a side half-turn; from E, use its adjacent side; if white points sideways in U or D, first move the edge to E. Turn U to make room before lifting the next edge. For each petal, turn U until its other color matches a side center, then turn that side twice to send white down.

Whole-step goal

Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.

Recognize → practise → check

A: build petals on top. B: match each side color, then lower that petal to the white cross.

Four petals ready to lowerFour petals ready to lower. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Four petals ready to lower. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
Each petal’s side color is already matched to its center in this example. Lower the front petal with F2, then the right with R2, back with B2 and left with L2. On your cube, align each petal with U before its side half-turn.
F2 R2 B2 L2
Check this case
Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Middle front-right, white facing frontMiddle front-right, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Middle front-right, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
The marked edge is at front-right in the middle, with white facing you. The top-right petal slot is free. Turn R once to lift it; stop with white facing up.
R
Check this case
The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Middle back-right, white facing backMiddle back-right, white facing back. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Middle back-right, white facing back. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
The marked edge is at back-right in the middle, with white facing back. Leave the top-right petal slot free. Turn R' once. The back camera is only a view, not a regrip.
R'
Check this case
The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Bottom front edge, white facing downBottom front edge, white facing down. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Bottom front edge, white facing down. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
The marked edge is at bottom-front with white facing down. Leave the top-front petal slot free, then turn F2 to lift white to the top.
F2
Check this case
The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Bottom front edge, white facing frontBottom front edge, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Bottom front edge, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
White faces front on the bottom-front edge. F' brings it into the middle, R raises it with white up, and U moves it to the front petal position. Pause after each move to compare.
F' R U
Check this case
The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Top petal needs side-center alignmentTop petal needs side-center alignment. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top petal needs side-center alignment. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
White already faces up but the side color is not above its matching center. U places this red-white petal at front. Check red against the front center, then lower with F2.
U F2
Check this case
The marked white edge is now in the white cross with its side color matched; other cross edges may remain.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Top front edge, white facing frontTop front edge, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top front edge, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
White faces front on the top-front edge. F moves it into the middle, R raises it with white up, and U moves the petal to the front. Do not try to flip a single edge in place.
F R U
Check this case
The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Petal slot is occupiedPetal slot is occupied. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Petal slot is occupied. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
The top-front petal slot is occupied. U moves that existing petal away. F then lifts the front-left middle edge into the freed slot. Preserve the petals already made.
U F
Check this case
The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

An edge has two colors. If the cross already meets this goal, skip Daisy. If a petal is displaced, rebuild it before lowering it.

2 / 7

White corners

Before starting: Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.

Keep white down. Find a white corner on U; turn U until its other two colors sit above their matching centers. Hold that target at front-right. Repeat the complete R U R' U' trigger until white faces D and both side colors match. Repeat for each corner.

Whole-step goal

The whole white layer, including the side bottom rows, matches the centers.

Recognize → practise → check

Top corner, white facing rightTop corner, white facing right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top corner, white facing right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The top front-right corner’s other two colors match the front and right centers. White faces right: one complete R U R' U' inserts it in this example.
R U R' U'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Bottom corner, white facing rightBottom corner, white facing right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Bottom corner, white facing right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The corner is in its correct bottom slot but white faces right. One complete trigger lifts it to the top; the next complete trigger inserts it with white down. Check after each four-move group.
R U R' U' R U R' U'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Top corner, white facing upTop corner, white facing up. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top corner, white facing up. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The aligned top front-right corner has white facing up. Repeat the complete trigger three times in this example, checking the corner after each full group.
R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Bottom corner, white facing frontBottom corner, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Bottom corner, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The corner is in its correct bottom slot but white faces front. One trigger lifts it to the top with white up; three more complete triggers insert it correctly.
R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Top corner, white facing frontTop corner, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top corner, white facing front. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The aligned top front-right corner has white facing front. Repeat the complete trigger five times in this example. The corner alternates between top and bottom: check only after complete groups.
R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

White corner in a wrong bottom slotWhite corner in a wrong bottom slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
White corner in a wrong bottom slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The white-green-orange corner is wrongly in front-right, whose centers are red and green. One trigger ejects it. Turn the whole cube with y to put its orange-green slot at front-right, use U' to align the corner, then one trigger inserts it. y' returns the view. Do not insert it into the old red-green slot.
R U R' U' y U' R U R' U' y'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Hold the target slot at front-right; align the selected top piece by its other colors before inserting.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
The whole white layer, including the side bottom rows, matches the centers.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

White may face U, F or R. If a white corner is stuck in a wrong D slot, hold it at front-right, do one complete trigger to lift it, then realign U before inserting.

3 / 7

Middle edges

Before starting: The whole white layer, including the side bottom rows, matches the centers.

Find an edge on U without yellow. Match its front sticker to F center by turning U. If its top color matches R, use the right insertion; if it matches L, use the left insertion. Keep white down and finish the entire sequence.

Whole-step goal

The bottom two layers match their side centers; yellow edges remain on U.

Recognize → practise → check

Top edge belongs on the rightTop edge belongs on the right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top edge belongs on the right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The edge has no yellow. Its front color matches the front center and its top color matches the right center. Use the right insertion once; finish all eight moves.
U R U' R' U' F' U F
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Top edge belongs on the leftTop edge belongs on the left. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Top edge belongs on the left. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The edge has no yellow. Its front color matches the front center and its top color matches the left center. Use the left insertion once; finish all eight moves.
U' L' U L U F U' F'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Middle edge is in the wrong slotMiddle edge is in the wrong slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Middle edge is in the wrong slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The marked red-green edge is stuck in back-left and front-right also needs correction. The first right insertion clears front-right. y2 brings the wrong back-left slot to front-right; another right insertion ejects the marked edge. y2 returns the target red-green slot to front-right, then the final insertion puts that edge into it. Recheck the top edge’s colors at each boundary.
U R U' R' U' F' U F y2 U R U' R' U' F' U F y2 U R U' R' U' F' U F
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Middle edge is flippedMiddle edge is flipped. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Middle edge is flipped. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
The red-green edge is in front-right with reversed stickers. A right insertion ejects it to the top. U2 aligns red with the front center; the second right insertion puts it back correctly.
U R U' R' U' F' U F U2 U R U' R' U' F' U F
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

No eligible edge on topNo eligible edge on top. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
No eligible edge on top. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Compare the piece’s other colors to the centers around its intended slot. Only use this example when those colors and the illustrated orientation match.
Do
Every top edge contains yellow, while the back-right middle edge is wrong. y brings that slot to front-right. A right insertion ejects the wrong edge; U2 aligns it, then another right insertion returns it. y' restores the original holding direction.
y U R U' R' U' F' U F U2 U R U' R' U' F' U F y'
Check this case
This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Hold the target slot at front-right; align the selected top piece by its other colors before inserting.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
The bottom two layers match their side centers; yellow edges remain on U.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

If an edge is flipped or in the wrong middle slot, insert any U edge into that slot to eject it. If no eligible edge remains on U, eject a wrong middle edge first, align it and reinsert.

4 / 7

Yellow cross

Before starting: The bottom two layers match their side centers; yellow edges remain on U.

Ignore the corners. With yellow up, use F R U R' U' F'. Hold a line left-to-right; hold an L at back-left. From a dot, do the sequence once, then turn U to hold the new L at back-left. Recheck and repeat until the cross appears.

Whole-step goal

All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.

Recognize → practise → check

Yellow line from left to rightYellow line from left to right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Yellow line from left to right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Yellow line from left to right.
Do
Hold the two yellow edges left-to-right. Do the complete cross sequence once. Ignore the corner stickers.
F R U R' U' F'
Check this case
All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Yellow L at back-leftYellow L at back-left. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Yellow L at back-left. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Yellow L at back-left.
Do
The two yellow edges form an L at back-left. Do the cross sequence once to make a horizontal line; compare, then do it once more for the cross.
F R U R' U' F' F R U R' U' F'
Check this case
All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Yellow cross already formedYellow cross already formed. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Yellow cross already formed. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
All four yellow edge stickers face up. Do no cross algorithm; move to matching the side colors.
Check this case
All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
Repeat or continue
Go to step 5; the side edge colors may still be unmatched.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Yellow dot: no yellow edges upYellow dot: no yellow edges up. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Yellow dot: no yellow edges up. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
No yellow edge faces up. Do the six-move cross sequence once. The resulting L is at front-right: U2 holds it at back-left. Do the sequence to get a horizontal line, then once more for the cross.
F R U R' U' F' U2 F R U R' U' F' F R U R' U' F'
Check this case
All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

After each sequence, recognize the new shape and adjust U. Skip if a cross already exists. One or three yellow edges facing up needs another careful check of all four edges before suspecting an invalid cube.

5 / 7

Match yellow edges

Before starting: All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.

Turn U to find the most matching side colors. If all four match, skip. For two adjacent matches, hold them at back and right. For opposite matches, start with either pair. Use R U R' U R U2 R' U; turn U to check, then repeat with the adjacent pair at back-right if needed.

Whole-step goal

The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.

Recognize → practise → check

Two matching edges at back and rightTwo matching edges at back and right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Two matching edges at back and right. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. Two matching edges at back and right.
Do
After U alignment, the matching pair is at back and right. Keep that holding direction and do the eight-move edge sequence once; check all four side centers.
R U R' U R U2 R' U
Check this case
The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Two matching edges opposite each otherTwo matching edges opposite each other. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Two matching edges opposite each other. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
The matching pair is opposite. Do the edge sequence once, then U' aligns the new pair. y' puts the adjacent matches at back and right. Do the sequence again; y restores the view. On your cube, recognize the pair again before choosing U or y.
R U R' U R U2 R' U U' y' R U R' U R U2 R' U y
Check this case
The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

Count edges rather than corners. Compare all four sides after U alignment; a single matching edge in the current view does not mean the cube is invalid.

6 / 7

Place yellow corners

Before starting: The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.

Compare all three colors of each U corner with the surrounding centers; yellow need not face up. If one corner belongs in its current slot, hold it at front-right. If none does, start anywhere. Use U R U' L' U R' U' L, recheck, and place the correct corner at front-right before repeating.

Whole-step goal

Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.

Recognize → practise → check

One corner in its correct slotOne corner in its correct slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
One corner in its correct slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right. One corner in its correct slot.
Do
The front-right corner belongs here by all three colors, even if yellow does not face up. Keep it at front-right and do the corner-position sequence once. Compare the other three corner color sets.
U R U' L' U R' U' L
Check this case
Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

No corner in its correct slotNo corner in its correct slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
No corner in its correct slot. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
No top corner belongs to its slot. Do the corner-position sequence once. One corner is now correct at back-right: y places it at front-right. Do the sequence again; y' restores the view. Do not align U alone here.
U R U' L' U R' U' L y U R U' L' U R' U' L y'
Check this case
Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Hold white down and yellow up; F faces you and R is on your right.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

Do not turn U by itself after matching the edges. Change the whole holding direction with y to put the correct corner at front-right. If all corners are placed, skip this step.

7 / 7

Orient the final corners

Before starting: Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.

Read this whole step first. Turn the whole cube over with x2 so yellow is down. At D front-right, repeat complete R U R' U' triggers until that corner has yellow on D. Turn only D to bring the next unsolved corner into front-right. Keep the same front throughout. After all corners are oriented, align D to the centers; turn the whole cube back if desired.

Whole-step goal

All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.

Recognize → practise → check

Two yellow corners need turningTwo yellow corners need turning. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Two yellow corners need turning. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Turn the whole cube over: yellow down, same front for every corner.
Do
Turn the whole cube with x2 once. Orient the first bottom front-right corner with two complete triggers. D brings the next twisted corner there; four complete triggers orient it. The remaining D turns skip two already oriented corners and align the layer. x2 returns yellow up.
x2 R U R' U' R U R' U' D R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' D D D x2
Check this case
All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.
Repeat or continue
If any face fails the final check, review all complete triggers and final D alignment; do not rotate the whole cube between corners.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Three yellow corners need turningThree yellow corners need turning. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Three yellow corners need turning. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Turn the whole cube over: yellow down, same front for every corner.
Do
Turn over with x2. At bottom front-right, use two complete triggers per twisted corner, with D only between corners. After the third, the last D passes the already oriented corner and aligns the layer. x2 returns yellow up.
x2 R U R' U' R U R' U' D R U R' U' R U R' U' D R U R' U' R U R' U' D D x2
Check this case
All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.
Repeat or continue
If any face fails the final check, review all complete triggers and final D alignment; do not rotate the whole cube between corners.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Four yellow corners need turningFour yellow corners need turning. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Four yellow corners need turning. The solid outline marks the piece to inspect; the dashed outline marks its target.
Hold and align
Turn the whole cube over: yellow down, same front for every corner.
Do
Turn over with x2. The four bottom front-right corners take two, four, two and four complete triggers in this example. Use D only to bring the next corner. After the fourth D alignment, x2 returns yellow up. Keep the same front throughout.
x2 R U R' U' R U R' U' D R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' D R U R' U' R U R' U' D R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' D x2
Check this case
All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.
Repeat or continue
If any face fails the final check, review all complete triggers and final D alignment; do not rotate the whole cube between corners.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Already at this step’s goalAlready at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.Open this case ↓

Recognize
Already at this step’s goal. Compare the outlined piece with this input.
Hold and align
Turn the whole cube over: yellow down, same front for every corner.
Do
Already at this step’s goal
Check this case
All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.
Repeat or continue
Repeat with the next unsolved piece. Only move to the next step when the whole-step goal is true.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

If you get stuck

The other layers look scrambled while you work: continue through all corners to restore them. Never rotate the whole cube between corners and never omit the fourth trigger move. If one twisted corner remains, recheck every complete trigger and D alignment before suspecting an invalid cube.

Complete example solve

This is a legal scramble built for the lesson, not a random competition scramble or your cube. Follow one stage at a time; each picture records a checked checkpoint.

Recreate this example (optional)

x2 D' D' D' U R U' R' U R U' R' U R U' R' U R U' R' D' U R U' R' U R U' R' x2 y L' U R U' L U R' U' y' L' U R U' L U R' U' y' U' R U2 R' U' R U' R' y U U' R U2 R' U' R U' R' F U R U' R' F' F U R U' R' F' U2 F U R U' R' F' y2 F U F' U' L' U' L U y2 F' U' F U R U R' U' y' U R U' R' y' U R U' R' U R U' R' U R U' R' U R U' R' U R U' R' y' U R U' R' U R U' R' U R U' R' y' U R U' R' L2 B2 R2 F2 F2

1. Daisy → white cross

Lift a petalThe front white edge is below, white facing down; its top petal slot is free.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: The marked white edge is now a petal around the yellow center. This is not the white cross yet.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Lower a matched petalThe red-white petal now matches the red front center.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: This petal is now one matched white cross edge. Check the remaining petals before moving on.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Lower a matched petalThe green-white petal matches the green right center.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: This petal is now one matched white cross edge. Check the remaining petals before moving on.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Lower a matched petalThe orange-white petal matches the orange back center.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: This petal is now one matched white cross edge. Check the remaining petals before moving on.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Lower a matched petalThe blue-white petal matches the blue left center.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: This petal is now one matched white cross edge. Check the remaining petals before moving on.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Four white edges around the white D center; every side color matches its center.

2. White corners

Insert an edge or cornerThe white-red-green corner is aligned above front-right, white facing right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U'

Check the result: This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionThat corner is inserted. The next target is currently at back-right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Insert an edge or cornerThe white-green-orange corner is now above front-right, white facing up.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U'

Check the result: This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionThat corner is inserted. Turn to the next unsolved side.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Insert an edge or cornerThe white-orange-blue corner is aligned above front-right, white facing front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U'

Check the result: This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionThat corner is inserted. Turn to the remaining white corner.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Insert an edge or cornerThe white-blue-red corner is aligned above front-right, white facing right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U'

Check the result: This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionAll white corners are inserted. Return the original front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

The whole white layer, including the side bottom rows, matches the centers.

3. Middle edges

Insert an edge or cornerThe red-green edge is aligned on top-front; its top color belongs on the right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

U R U' R' U' F' U F

Check the result: This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionThe opposite middle slot is still empty. Bring it to the front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Insert an edge or cornerThe orange-green edge is aligned on top-front; its top color belongs on the left.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

U' L' U L U F U' F'

Check the result: This piece is in its target slot; other pieces may still need work.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionBoth middle insertions are complete. Return the red front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

The bottom two layers match their side centers; yellow edges remain on U.

4. Yellow cross

Build yellow crossNo yellow edge faces up: start from the dot.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

F R U R' U' F'

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Align a layerThe new L is at front-right. Place it at back-left.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new position with the after picture, then read the next decision before continuing.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Build yellow crossThe L is now held at back-left.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

F R U R' U' F'

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Build yellow crossThe yellow edges now form a horizontal line.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

F R U R' U' F'

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

All four U edge stickers are yellow; the side colors need not match yet.

5. Match yellow edges

Match yellow edgesThe two matching yellow edges are opposite.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U R U2 R' U

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Align a layerAfter the first sequence, align U to find the adjacent matching pair.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new position with the after picture, then read the next decision before continuing.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionThe adjacent pair is not yet at back-right. Change the whole holding direction.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Match yellow edgesThe matching pair is now at back and right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U R U2 R' U

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionAll yellow edges match. Return the red front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

The yellow cross and all four side edge colors match the centers.

6. Place yellow corners

Place yellow cornersNo yellow corner has the right set of three colors for its slot.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

U R U' L' U R' U' L

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionOne corner is now correctly placed at back-right. Bring it to front-right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Place yellow cornersThe front-right corner is correctly placed. Keep it fixed while cycling the other three.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

U R U' L' U R' U' L

Check the result: Compare the yellow edges or corner color sets with the after picture. The next action explains the new case.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionAll yellow corners are placed. Return the original front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Each yellow corner belongs to its slot by all three colors; yellow edges remain matched.

7. Orient the final corners

Change holding directionTwo yellow corners are twisted. Turn the cube over once to work on the bottom.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Orient yellow cornerThe bottom front-right corner has yellow facing right.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U' R U R' U'

Check the result: This corner’s yellow sticker now faces down. The upper layers will recover after the remaining corners and final D alignment.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Align a layerThis corner now has yellow down. Bring the next twisted corner here.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new position with the after picture, then read the next decision before continuing.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Orient yellow cornerThe next bottom front-right corner has yellow facing front.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U'

Check the result: This corner’s yellow sticker now faces down. The upper layers will recover after the remaining corners and final D alignment.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Align a layerThe second twisted corner is oriented. Move to inspect the next one.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new position with the after picture, then read the next decision before continuing.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Align a layerThis corner already has yellow down. Skip it with D.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new position with the after picture, then read the next decision before continuing.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Align a layerThe last corner already has yellow down. D also aligns all side colors.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new position with the after picture, then read the next decision before continuing.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

Change holding directionEvery face is uniform. Return yellow to the top if desired.Open this case ↓

Current move group: Apply only the sequence below, finishing each group; keep the front shown in this action.

Check the result: Compare the new front and centers. This changes the holding direction, not which pieces are solved.

Small inner square: piece to follow
Dashed outline: destination slot

Before

After

All six faces are uniform and every sticker matches its face center.

Learn CFOP next →

3×3 cube notation

A letter turns that face clockwise when looking directly at it; prime reverses it and 2 means half a turn. Lowercase x/y turns the whole cube.

R: R — turn the right face 90° clockwise.
L: L — turn the left face 90° clockwise.
U: U — turn the upper face 90° clockwise.
D: D — turn the lower face 90° clockwise.
F: F — turn the front face 90° clockwise.
B: B — turn the back face 90° clockwise.
R': R' — turn the right face 90° counterclockwise.
U2: U2 — turn the upper face 180°.
x2: x2 — turn the whole cube in the direction of R 180°.
y: y — turn the whole cube in the direction of U 90° clockwise.
y2: y2 — turn the whole cube in the direction of U 180°.