All events · 2x2x2 Cube · Practise · Algorithms
2x2 · Intermediate
Solve a face first, then finish with Ortega: orient the other layer and permute both layers. Consistent sub-10 solves.
Move sequences on this page were checked in a cube simulator (cubing.js): they are legal and, where the text says so, do what it claims. Strategy advice is guidance, not machine-checked.
Face first, not layer first
Ortega solves one face in any arrangement of the other layer's colours. Plan the face during inspection. A solid target is eight moves or fewer, and a good look-ahead lets you start the next step without pausing.
The algorithms below only touch the top layer, so the face you built stays intact.
Orient the other layer: the seven cases
Count the stickers of the last colour on top and note how they sit. One on top is Sune or Anti-Sune. None on top is H or Pi. Two on top is T, U or L. Each case has one algorithm to learn.
R U R' U R U2 R' — Sune: one on topR U2 R' U' R U' R' — Anti-Sune: one on topF R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' U' F' — H: none on top, opposite corners twisted alikeF R U R' U' R U R' U' F' — Pi: none on top, neighbouring corners twisted alikeR U R' U' R' F R F' — T: two adjacent on topF R U R' U' F' — U: two adjacent on topF R' F' R U R U' R' — L: two diagonal on topPermute both layers
With the top oriented, the two layers can each have corners swapped relative to each other. Together this is called PBL. Start with the three algorithms you already know how to execute: T-perm (adjacent swap), Y-perm (diagonal swap) and A-perm (three corners). Each keeps the layer below intact, because the 2x2 algorithms below move only the top layer.
A full PBL set has more cases because the bottom layer can also need permuting. Learn them gradually, starting with the cases where the bottom layer is already right.
R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F' — T-perm: swap two adjacent cornersF R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F' — Y-perm: swap two diagonal cornersR' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2 — A-perm: cycle three cornersGetting faster
Look for the next step while you finish the current one. Practise with the two-step finish: orient the top layer in one algorithm and permute in another, with no pause between them. Time yourself for ten solves at a time and track averages, not single solves.