Beginner Method: Layer by Layer
Solve the cube one horizontal layer at a time. Slower than speedcubing methods, but the most reliable way to learn.
The 5 steps
Work through them in order - each one builds on the last.
1The Cross
Pick one face - white is the traditional choice - and form a "+" shape (a cross) of that color on that face, with each cross edge also matching the center color of the side it sits next to. This step has no fixed algorithm - it's solved intuitively, and getting fast at it later is one of the biggest speed gains in the whole solve.
2First Layer Corners
With the cross done, slot the four corner pieces belonging to that same layer into place, so the entire first layer is solved. The repeating tool for this step is the sequence R U R' U' repeated from different angles to cycle a corner into its slot without disturbing the cross.
3Second Layer Edges
Solve the four edge pieces of the middle layer using two mirror-image algorithms depending on which direction the edge needs to go:
- Insert edge to the right: U R U' R' U' F' U F
- Insert edge to the left: U' L' U L U F U' F'
After this step, the bottom two layers are fully solved and only the last layer (the top face plus its side stickers) remains.
4Orient the Last Layer (make the top one color)
Turn the cube so the solved layers are on the bottom. You'll make the top face one color (yellow, if you started with white) in two parts, ignoring the side stickers for now.
4a. Make a cross on top with F R U R' U' F'. Look only at the four top edges:
- Dot (no top edges yellow): do the algorithm once - you'll get an L.
- L shape (two neighboring edges): turn the top so the L points to the back and left, then do the algorithm - you'll get a line.
- Line (two opposite edges): turn the top so the line is horizontal (left to right), then do the algorithm - you'll get the cross.
4b. Twist the corners with the Sune, R U R' U R U2 R'. Count the corners already showing yellow on top, turn the top as described, and do the Sune. Repeat until the whole top is yellow:
- One corner yellow on top: put it at the front-left.
- No corners yellow on top: turn the top until the front-left corner's yellow sticker faces left.
- Two corners yellow on top: turn the top until the front-left corner's yellow sticker faces you.
5Permute the Last Layer (put everything in its final spot)
The top is now one color, but the pieces around its sides may be in the wrong places. Fix the corners first, then the edges.
5a. Place the corners with the A-Perm, R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2. Look for headlights: a side where both top corners have the same color. Turn the top so the headlights are at the back, then do the A-Perm. If there are no headlights anywhere, do the A-Perm once from any side - headlights will appear - then repeat. When every side has headlights, turn the top until the corners match the centers.
5b. Place the edges with the U-Perm, R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2. Find the side that's fully solved and hold it at the back, then do the U-Perm. If it isn't solved yet, do it once more. If no side is fully solved, do the U-Perm once from any side and a solved side will appear.
That's it - the cube is solved! Every rule on this page has been checked against every possible last-layer case on a virtual cube. Still stuck? See the troubleshooting guide.
Stuck partway through?
Enter your current colors into the Solver tool for an instant step-by-step solution from wherever you are - useful for checking your work while you're still learning. When you're ready to go faster, move on to CFOP.
How long does the beginner method take to learn?
Most people who already know notation can learn all five steps in a single sitting, roughly 1-3 hours, since the method only requires memorizing a handful of short algorithms. Your first few solves will likely take 5-10 minutes as you look up each step; with practice, most beginners get down to 2-3 minutes within a week or two, and further with repetition. Once solving feels routine rather than effortful, that's the natural point to start learning CFOP.
Beginner method FAQ
Which color should I start with?
It doesn't matter which color you start with - white is just the traditional teaching choice because most tutorials use it. Pick any face and be consistent for that solve; the method works identically on any starting color.
What do I do if I mess up the cross while solving corners?
Stop and undo the last move or two rather than pushing forward - the corner algorithm (R U R' U') is designed to cycle a corner into place without disturbing an already-solved cross when used correctly, so a broken cross usually means the corner wasn't actually lined up before you started the algorithm.
Is the beginner method the same as "layer by layer" or LBL?
Yes - beginner method, layer-by-layer, and LBL all refer to the same approach: solving the cube one horizontal layer at a time, starting from the bottom.
Do I need to memorize algorithms, or can I figure it out myself?
The cross (step 1) is normally solved intuitively without any algorithm. Steps 2-5 use four to five short algorithms total - short enough to memorize by repetition rather than needing flashcards.