How to solve the Rubiks Cube

For the Advanced method click here.There are many approaches on how to solve
the Rubiks Cube. All these methods have different levels of difficulties, for
speedcubers or beginners, even for solving the cube blindfolded. Usually
people can solve one face of the cube intuitively, after that they need some
help. In the following article Im going to show how can you solve the cube
with the beginners method the easiest way.
Demonstrating the layer-by-layer method
The method presented here divides the cube in layers and you can solve every layer one by one
applying the given algorithm not messing up the pieces already in place. You find a separate
page for each one of the seven stages if the description on this page is not enough.
To get started you need to know the Rubiks Cube notation ie what the letters mean in the
algorithms.
If you want to see how this cube solving method works or want to get further help then you might find
interesting the online Rubiks Cube solver program which uses similar steps. If you get stuck or
you dont understand something the software will help you. Just input the scramble of your puzzle
and the program will show you the steps leading to the solution.
To keep a record of your solution times try the online Rubiks Cube Stopwatch with graphical
interface and scramble generator. The timer calculates your statistics and it is a useful tool for
beginners and professionals too.

The Solution step by step

1. White cross

Bad white cross

Good white cross

Lets begin with the white face. First we have to make a white cross paying attention to the color of
the center pieces. This step is quite intuitive, you can do it for sure. Just move the white edges to
their places not messing up the ones already fixed.
If you dont get along, you can check a little more help with animated algorithms clicking
here.

2. White corners
In this step we have to arrange all the white corner pieces, so we finish the first face. This step is still
intuitive, you can do it without learning any algorithm. If you dont have patience I give you some
clue. Move the white corner below the spot its going to come, then do one of the three algorithms
according to the orientation of the piece, aka. in which direction the white sticker is facing. If the
white corner piece is where it belongs but turned wrong then first you have to pop it out.
For more details about this step check out a more itemized description.

White face solved

R D D R D R D R

F D F

R D R

3. Second layer
Until this point the procedure was intuitive, from now on we have to use some algorithms. In this step
we will solve the first two layers (F2L). There are two algorithms we use, symmetric to each other,
theyre called the F2L Right and F2L Leftalgorithms. These algorithms insert an edge piece from
the top layer in the middle layer not messing up the already solved white face.
If an edge piece is on its place in the second layer orienting wrong then we have to apply the
algorithm twice. First we must pop it out inserting an other one in its place.

F2L solved

Wrong orientation

Right: U R U R U F U F

Left: U L U L U F U F
See these permutations in action following this link.

4. Yellow cross

Yellow cross on the top

Now make a yellow cross on the top of the cube. It doesnt matter if the pieces are not on their final
places so we dont have to pay attention to the colors of the sides now. Just make a yellow cross on
the top, we will swap them in the next step.
We can get three possible patterns on the top. We can get from one to the other pattern with a single
algorithm as seen on the image: F R U R U F
1. If you have a yellow L shape youll have to apply the algorithm twice, holding
the cube in your hands as seen on the image.
2. In case of a horizontal line you just have to make the permutation once.

For further explication about this step please click here.

5. Yellow edges

Yellow edges done

Switch the edges

After making the yellow cross on the top of the cube you have to put the yellow edge pieces on their
right places where they belong. Switch the front and left yellow edges with the following algorithm:
R U R U R U U R U
There are situations when you have to apply this algorithm more than once.

6. Yellow corners on their places

Switch three corner pieces

Only the last layer corner pieces left. First we have to get them to the right spot, so dont worry about
the orientation in this step.
Find a piece which is already on the right place, move it to the right-front-top corner then apply the
following algorithm to switch (rotate) the three wrong pieces:
U R U L U R U L

Do this twice to do an inverse rotation of the pieces. If none of the yellow corners is on the right
place then do the algorithm once so one of them will go to the right spot.
Read more about this algorithm.

7. Orient Yellow corners

The cube is solved

Orient the corner pieces

Now all the pieces are on their right places you just have to orient the yellow corner pieces.
Hold the cube in your hand so the piece you want to orient is on the front-right-top corner, than to
the R D R D algorithm twice or four times until that specific piece is oriented well. It seems like
you messed up the whole cube but dont worry, it will be all right when all the corner pieces are
oriented.
After that with a U turn move an other yellow piece you want to orient to the front-right-top corner of
the cube and doR D R D again while this specific piece is ok. Be careful not to move the two
bottom layers between the algorithms.
So close to the end but still this is the step in this tutorial where most people get lost. If this
description doesnt make sense, check out a few examples clicking here.