Rubiks Cube/Fridrich Method

Overview

What is it

The Fridrich Method, also known as CFOP (Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL), is a widely-used speedcubing method for solving the 3x3 Rubik's Cube. It was developed by Jessica Fridrich, a Czech speedcuber and professor, who popularized the method in the 1990s. The method builds on the layer-by-layer approach but replaces the inefficient middle-layer edge insertion with a single "First Two Layers" (F2L) step that simultaneously pairs and inserts corner-edge pairs.

CFOP is the dominant method in competitive speedcubing, used by the majority of world-class solvers including many former world record holders.

The four steps are:

1. Cross — Solve a cross of four edge pieces on one face (typically the bottom).
2. F2L (First Two Layers) — Pair each corner piece with its corresponding edge piece in the top layer, then insert the completed pair into its correct slot. This solves both the first and second layers at once.
3. OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer) — Use algorithms to orient all pieces of the last layer so that the top face is a single solid color.
4. PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) — Use algorithms to permute (rearrange) the pieces of the last layer without disturbing their orientation.

Why

I am learning the Fridrich Method in an attempt to improve my cube time to be faster than 1 minute (my current plateau using the beginner's method, a.k.a. the Layer Method).

The Layer Method, while intuitive, requires many repetitive moves:

• Solving corners and edges of the second layer separately means inserting 4 corners, then 4 edges — each requiring a multi-step algorithm.
• The last layer requires multiple looks and algorithms applied sequentially.

CFOP eliminates much of this redundancy:

• F2L solves first and second layers simultaneously, roughly halving the move count for the first two layers.
• OLL and PLL are each (eventually) a single look and a single algorithm, compared to the 4+ looks of the beginner last layer.

Solution Algorithm Steps

The Fridrich Method relies more heavily on algorithms to make the solve faster. The steps are similar to the layer-by-layer method, but with some differences. The steps:

1. Form the white cross on the bottom
2. Combine the 4 corner/edge pairs to simultaneously solve the first and second layers
3. Apply OLL (orient last layer) algorithms
4. Apply PLL (permute last layer) algorithms

Step 1: The Cross

The cross is solved on the bottom face (not the top). This is a critical difference from many beginner tutorials that build a "daisy" on top. Solving cross on bottom allows you to immediately begin scanning for F2L pairs without rotating the cube.

Key principles:

• Hold the cross color center on the bottom (typically white).
• Insert each edge piece directly into its correct position relative to the side centers.
• Aim to solve the cross in 8 moves or fewer.
• Use the 15-second inspection time before a timed solve to plan the entire cross (or at minimum the first 2-3 edges).

A solved cross means all four cross edges match both the bottom center and their respective side centers.

Step 2: First Two Layers (F2L)

F2L is the most important step for improving speed and where the largest time gains are made. Instead of inserting corners first and then edges (as in the beginner method), you:

1. Find a corner piece that belongs in the first layer (it will have the cross color).
2. Find the matching edge piece that pairs with it (shares the same two non-cross colors).
3. Bring both pieces into the top layer.
4. Pair them together using one of a small set of intuitive maneuvers.
5. Insert the completed pair into its correct slot.

There are 41 basic F2L cases (including symmetries). However, F2L can be learned intuitively — understanding how pieces move rather than memorizing algorithms for every case. Intuitive F2L is strongly recommended as a starting point.

F2L is typically the longest step in a solve. At the sub-1 minute level, F2L alone may take 30–40 seconds. Improving F2L through practice and lookahead is the single most effective way to drop your times.

Step 3: Orient Last Layer (OLL)

OLL orients all pieces on the last layer so that the top face is a single solid color (for a white cross, this means making the yellow face all yellow). The pieces are not yet in their final positions — they only face the right way.

OLL is learned in two stages:

Stage	Number of Algorithms	Description
2-Look OLL	10 algorithms (3 for edges + 7 for corners)	Orient edges first (3 cases: dot, L-shape, line), then orient corners (7 cases: cross already formed). This is the recommended starting point.
Full OLL	57 algorithms	A single algorithm for every possible orientation case. This is a long-term goal, not needed for sub-1 minute.

For the sub-1 minute goal, 2-Look OLL is sufficient. Learn to recognize the three edge-orientation cases and the seven corner-orientation cases quickly.

Step 4: Permute Last Layer (PLL)

PLL rearranges the pieces of the last layer into their correct positions without disturbing orientation. After PLL, the cube is solved.

PLL is also learned in two stages:

Stage	Number of Algorithms	Description
2-Look PLL	6 algorithms (2 for corners + 4 for edges)	Permute corners first (2 cases: adjacent swap, diagonal swap), then permute edges (4 cases: Ua, Ub, Z, H perms). This is the recommended starting point.
Full PLL	21 algorithms	A single algorithm for every possible permutation case. Worth learning gradually after achieving sub-1 minute.

For the sub-1 minute goal, 2-Look PLL is sufficient.

Algorithm Summary

Component	Algorithms for Sub-1 min	Algorithms for Advanced
Cross	0 (intuitive)	0 (intuitive, but planned fully in inspection)
F2L	0–10 (intuitive + a few hard cases)	41 (algorithmic for every case)
OLL	10 (2-look)	57 (full OLL)
PLL	6 (2-look)	21 (full PLL)
Total	~16 algorithms	~119 algorithms

Implementation Strategy: Breaking the 1-Minute Barrier

The transition from the Layer Method to CFOP and from 90+ second solves to consistent sub-1 minute solves can be broken into phases. Expect the process to take 2–6 weeks of regular practice.

Phase 0: Hardware and Fundamentals (Week 1)

Before diving into CFOP, ensure the fundamentals are solid:

• Get a speedcube: A modern magnetic speedcube (e.g., MoYu RS3M, YJ MGC, or similar) costs $10–25 and makes a dramatic difference. Rubik's brand cubes are too stiff for fingertricks.
• Learn cube notation: Understand R, L, U, D, F, B moves and their prime/counterclockwise variants (R', L', etc.). Algorithms are written in this notation.
• Learn basic fingertricks: Instead of turning faces with full wrist rotations, use fingers. Key fingertricks:
  • U: right index finger push
  • U': left index finger push
  • U2: right index then middle finger double-flick
  • R: right wrist turn (keep thumb on front)
  • F: right index push down (or left thumb push up for F')
  • D: ring finger push
• Practice the cross on bottom: Stop building a daisy on top. For every solve, hold the cross color on the bottom and insert edges directly. This will feel slow at first but becomes faster within a few days.

Phase 1: Intuitive F2L (Weeks 1–3)

F2L is the biggest change from the Layer Method and will initially increase your solve times. This is normal.

• Watch a tutorial on intuitive F2L (J Perm's video is highly recommended).
• Understand the three fundamental F2L cases:
  • Connected pair (corner and edge are joined correctly) — separate them, then insert.
  • Separated pair (corner and edge are apart, with different colors facing up) — hide the corner, align the edge, then pair.
  • Stuck corner (corner is in its slot but oriented wrong) — extract it to the top layer, then proceed as normal.
• Practice F2L slowly and deliberately. The goal is recognition, not speed. Count the number of moves — most F2L cases can be solved in 8 moves or fewer.
• Expect times to spike to 2+ minutes initially. After 100–200 solves with F2L, times will drop back toward your previous average, and then below it.

Phase 2: 2-Look OLL and PLL (Weeks 2–4)

Once F2L feels manageable (even if not fast), add the last-layer algorithms:

2-Look OLL — Learn in this order:

1. Edge orientation (3 algs):
   • Dot case (no yellow edges on top) → F (R U R' U') F' f (R U R' U') f'
   • L-shape case → f (R U R' U') f' (or F R U R' U' F' depending on the L orientation)
   • Line case → F (R U R' U') F'

1. Corner orientation (7 algs): Learn the 7 cross OLL cases (cases where the yellow edges are already oriented, forming a yellow cross). These include Sune (R U R' U R U2 R'), Anti-Sune, and others.

2-Look PLL — Learn in this order:

1. Corner permutation (2 algs):
   • Adjacent corner swap (A perm or T perm)
   • Diagonal corner swap (Y perm or E perm)

1. Edge permutation (4 algs):
   • Ua perm (clockwise edge cycle)
   • Ub perm (counterclockwise edge cycle)
   • Z perm (opposite edge swap)
   • H perm (double opposite edge swap)

Aim to learn 2–3 new algorithms per week. Drill each algorithm until it can be executed in under 3 seconds.

Phase 3: Integration and Practice (Weeks 3–6)

At this stage, you can solve full CFOP: cross on bottom, intuitive F2L, 2-look OLL, 2-look PLL. Now focus on consistency:

• Do timed solves regularly: Aim for at least 20 solves per day. Track your progress using a timer app (csTimer, ChaoTimer).
• Identify weak points: Review where time is lost. Common bottlenecks:
  • Pauses during F2L while searching for the next pair (the "lookahead" problem).
  • Slow recognition of OLL/PLL cases.
  • Long cross solutions (more than 8 moves).
• Slow solving: Do untimed, deliberate solves where the cube never stops turning. Turn slowly but continuously. This trains lookahead — the ability to track the next pair while solving the current one.
• Cross practice: Scramble, inspect for 15 seconds (or unlimited at first), plan the entire cross, then close your eyes and execute it. Aim to solve the cross blindfolded.
• Drill last-layer algs: When watching TV or sitting idle, repeatedly execute OLL and PLL algorithms to build muscle memory.

Phase 4: Pushing Beyond Sub-1 Minute

Once you are consistently under 60 seconds, the path to further improvement includes:

• Learn full PLL (21 algorithms) — this cuts last-layer time by eliminating the "2-look" overhead for permutation.
• Improve F2L efficiency — learn algorithmic solutions for the hardest F2L cases. Reduce rotations. Insert pairs into back slots to avoid cube rotations.
• Learn full OLL (57 algorithms) — a long-term project; even many sub-20 solvers do not know full OLL.
• Develop color neutrality — practice solving the cross on different colors (not just white). This gives better starting cross options and reduces average cross move count.
• Improve cross-to-F2L transition — during inspection, try to track where the first F2L pair pieces will be after the cross is executed.

Typical Time Breakdowns

At various skill levels, a typical CFOP solve breaks down approximately as follows:

Stage	Beginner (~90s)	Sub-60	Sub-30	Sub-15
Cross	10–15s	5–8s	2–4s	1–2s
F2L	45–60s	30–40s	14–18s	6–9s
OLL (2-look / full)	10–15s	5–8s	2–4s	1–2s
PLL (2-look / full)	10–15s	5–8s	2–4s	1–2s

The largest gains come from F2L improvement. A 10-second reduction in F2L is often easier to achieve than a 2-second reduction in the last layer.

References and Resources

• Speedsolving Wiki: CFOP
• J Perm's Algorithm Sheets and Timer — 2-look OLL/PLL and full OLL/PLL algorithm lists
• CFOP Guide by SpeedCubeShop
• CubeSkills — tutorials and algorithm resources
• J Perm on YouTube — highly recommended F2L and CFOP tutorials

Algorithm Quick Reference

2-Look OLL Algorithms

Edge Orientation:

• Dot (no edges oriented): F (R U R' U') F' f (R U R' U') f'
• L-shape (two adjacent edges): f (R U R' U') f'
• Line (two opposite edges): F (R U R' U') F'

Corner Orientation (cross cases):

• Sune (one corner oriented): R U R' U R U2 R'
• Anti-Sune: R U2 R' U' R U' R' (or L' U' L U' L' U2 L)
• Five additional cases — see J Perm's 2-Look OLL sheet for the complete set.

2-Look PLL Algorithms

Corner Permutation:

• Adjacent corner swap: (T perm) R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'
• Diagonal corner swap: (Y perm) F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F'

Edge Permutation:

• Ua (clockwise cycle): R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2
• Ub (counterclockwise cycle): R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'
• Z (opposite swap): M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2 U2 M' U2
• H (double opposite swap): M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2

See Also

• Rubiks Cube/Layer Method — the beginner method from which CFOP evolved
• Rubiks Cube — main Rubik's Cube page
• Rubiks Cube/Permutations — mathematical treatment of cube permutations and group theory