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.
1. The 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.
2. First 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.
3. Second 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.
4. Orient the Last Layer (make the top one color)
Get every sticker on the top face showing the same color, ignoring the side stickers for now. Depending on the pattern of already-correct stickers, you may need:
- A "dot" (no edges correct) or "line"/"L-shape" (some edges correct): use F R U R' U' F', possibly more than once, to work toward the cross case
- Once you have a top cross: if two adjacent corners are twisted correctly, use the Sune algorithm from the Algorithm Library; if not, use it once, reassess, then again
5. Permute the Last Layer (put everything in its final spot)
The top face is now one color, but the corners and/or edges around the side may still need to swap positions. Two building-block algorithms handle almost every beginner case:
- Cycle three corners: R U R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R
- Cycle three edges (once corners are placed): the T-Perm or U-Perm from the Algorithm Library
Once every piece is in its correct spot, the cube is solved.
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.