Alternate method for 3x3 Last Layer (Start of CFOP) | INTERMEDIATE

 

This page explains an alternate method to solve the last layer of the Rubik’s cube, which forms the foundation of the last two steps of the CFOP speedsolving method, 

The algorithms for this method is longer than the beginner method, BUT they are less repetitive, so you will solve the cube in less moves and ultimately be faster.

At an advanced level you can orientate the last layer (OLL), then permutate the last layer (PLL). This means you can solve the entire last layer with only two algorithms!

For this guide however we will solve the last layer in a couple of steps, but it will give you the correct foundation to learn the algorithms to solve it in two steps.

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STEP 4a - COMPLETE THE THIRD LAYER CROSS

  1. Turn the cube over (white is now on the bottom and yellow on top).
  2. You should find that there is 0, 2 or 4 yellow edge pieces pieces facing upward. Ignore the corners for now.  
  3. Perform the algorithm below to get to the yellow cross. Make sure the Yellow side is orientated as shown in the image.

 Step4a Orientate Last Layer Cross

For this method you only need to orientate the cross.  It doesn’t matter of the side colours don’t match.  This will be done in the last step.


STEP 4b - Orientate the Last Layer Corners

In this step we will orientate the last layer corners so that the yellow side is completely yellow. You will have either 0, 1 or 2 corners with yellow facing upwards.

A) If you have ONE corner with yellow facing upwards then hold the cube so that that one corner is in the top, left front position (see Image A below). 

B) If you have 2 corners or 0 corners facing up then hold the cube so that there is a yellow side facing left in the top, left front position (see Image B below).

Step4b Orientate Last Layer Corners

Perform these steps until you have a complete yellow face. You may have to do it up to three times depending on what case you have.  Between each step make sure you are holding the cube as per A or B instructions above
The diagram below shows you the cases that you will go through to complete orientating the last layer when using only the “Sune” algorithm. 
Sune Steps

STEP 5a - Permutate Last Layer Corners

  1. In this step we will move the Last Layer corners in the correct position (permutate) by swapping two adjacent corners.
  2. If you have no adjacent corners with matching side colours (“headlights”) then hold your cube with yellow at the top and any colour facing you and perform the steps below. After this you should have two adjacent corners with matching colours (“headlights”)
  3. If you have “headlights” then hold your cube so that the “headlights” are at the back and perform the algorithm below.

Step5a

Once you have completed this step the cube should look as follow:

Step5a_result

 


STEP 5b - Permutate Last Layer Edges

  1. In this step we will move the Last Layer edges in the correct position (permutate) by rotating 3 edges either clockwise or anti-clockwise.
  2. If you have a side with all three colours matching then place that “bar” at the back.
  3. If you have no “bar” then you need to perform the algorithm from any side with yellow is at the top first. This will give you a “bar”. Hold your cube Place that “bar” at the back and perform the algorithm again to swap your edges.

 Step5b Permutate Last Layer Edges

 

3x3 CFOP Algorithms

f2l Algorithms

F2L | First Two Layers

OLL Algorithms

OLL | Orientating Last Layer

PLL Algorithms

PLL | Permuting Last Layer