CFOP (Advanced Method)

Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL - the four-stage method used by nearly every competitive speedcuber.

CFOP builds directly on the beginner method you already know - it's the same general shape (bottom layers first, then the top), but each stage gets faster and more efficient as you learn more algorithms.

C - Cross

Same idea as the beginner method's cross, but done in under 8 moves and planned during inspection (before the timer even starts), instead of worked out move-by-move.

F - F2L (First Two Layers)

Instead of solving first-layer corners and second-layer edges as two separate steps, F2L solves them together, one corner-edge pair at a time - four pairs total. Most solvers learn F2L intuitively first (working out each pair by feel) before optionally memorizing the full 41-case algorithm set for the trickiest pairings.

O - OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer)

A single algorithm that makes the entire top face one color, no matter how the pieces are currently twisted. There are 57 recognized OLL cases in total; most learners start with just a handful of the most common ones (including Sune and Anti-Sune - see the Algorithm Library) and add more over time.

P - PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer)

A single algorithm that moves every last-layer piece into its correct final position, finishing the solve. There are 21 recognized PLL cases; the T-Perm, Y-Perm, and U-Perm in the Algorithm Library cover a solid starting set.

Why learn CFOP at all?

The beginner method typically takes 60-120+ moves and involves a lot of pausing to figure out the next step. CFOP solves the same cube in roughly 50-60 moves with almost no pausing, because OLL and PLL replace "figure it out" with "recognize the case, execute the memorized algorithm." The tradeoff is study time: full CFOP eventually means memorizing around 78 algorithms (57 OLL + 21 PLL), on top of F2L technique.

How to actually learn it

  1. Get comfortable and reasonably fast with the beginner method first - CFOP is much easier to learn once cube-turning itself feels natural.
  2. Switch your first-layer + second-layer steps to intuitive F2L - this alone is usually the biggest speed jump.
  3. Learn 2-look OLL and 2-look PLL (using extra algorithms to break each stage into two simpler steps) before attempting full one-look OLL/PLL.
  4. Add full OLL and PLL algorithms gradually, a few per week, using the Algorithm Library and the practice timer to track progress.

For more general practice advice once you're solving consistently, see Speedcubing Tips.

CFOP FAQ

What does CFOP stand for?

Cross, F2L (First Two Layers), OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer), and PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) - the four stages of the method, executed in that order.

How many algorithms does CFOP require?

Full CFOP uses 57 OLL and 21 PLL algorithms (78 total) plus intuitive F2L. Most solvers start with a reduced 2-look OLL/PLL subset of around 10-13 algorithms and expand from there - see the Algorithm Library.

Is CFOP hard to learn?

It's much easier once you're already comfortable with the beginner method and notation. Learned gradually - 2-look OLL/PLL first, full algorithms added a few per week - it's manageable for most solvers, not an all-at-once memorization task.

Should I learn CFOP right away instead of the beginner method?

No - CFOP builds directly on beginner-method concepts and is significantly easier to pick up once turning the cube already feels natural. Learning CFOP first usually means more confusion, not a shortcut.