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 you
the easiest way to solve the cube using the beginners method.
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 can find a
separate page for each one of the seven stages if the description on this page is not enough.
To get started we recommend you to read the basic cubing terminology and you will need to
know the Rubiks Cube notation ie what the letters mean in the algorithms:
F: front, R: right, U: up, B: back, L: left, D: down.
(Counterclockwise rotations are marked with an apostrophe: F)
If you want to see how this cube solving method works or want to get further help then you
might find the online Rubiks Cube solver program interesting 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 generate random shuffles with the online puzzle 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 colour
of the center pieces. This step is quite intuitive, you can do it for sure with a little practice. Just
move the white edges to their places not messing up the ones already fixed.
If you have difficulties, you can get a little more help with animated algorithms about solving
the white cross on the Rubiks Cube 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 a single algorithm. If you dont have patience Ill give
you some clues. Move the white corner under the spot where its supposed to be, 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 the solution of the white corners here.

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 algorithms. We can turn
the white face to the bottom and in this step we will complete the first two layers (F2L). There are
two algorithms we use and they are symmetric. Theyre called the F2L Right and F2L
Left algorithms. These algorithms insert the Up-Front 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 another 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 F2L algorithms 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 colours 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 first image below.
2. In case of a horizontal line you just have to make the permutation once.

For further explication about forming a yellow cross on the Rubiks Cube 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 are 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 the permutation of last layer yellow corners here.

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, then
do 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 another 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 and never rotate the whole cube!
You are so close to the end so be careful because 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.

Repeat this until your Cube is solved

Is this tutorial too complicated for you?

You can read another solution guide about how to solve a Rubix Cube or go
to the Online Rubiks Cube Solver, insert the colours of your scrambled
puzzle and the program will calculate the steps for you.

Steps of the Beginners Rubiks Cube Solution:

1. White Edges

2. White Corners

3. Second Layer

4. Yellow Cross

5. Swap Yellow Edges

6. Position Yellow Corners

7. Orient Yellow Corners