How to solve a 2x2 cube for beginners?

We solve a 2x2 cube in three main stages: complete the white bottom layer, orient the yellow top layer, and position the remaining corners correctly. By learning basic cube notation and a small set of algorithms, we can solve the entire 2x2 without needing the more complex methods used for advanced speedsolving.

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2x2 Beginner Guide

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Notation

Speed cube algorithms are represented by capital letters, numbers and [']. Each symbol represents specific rotation.

Rules are below:

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Solving Steps

1.Solve white bottom - 2.Solve yellow top layer - 3.Solve the whole cube.

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1.Solve white bottom

  • STEP 1:

    Choose any face that contains white as bottom, find white corner at top layer;

  • STEP 2:

    Turn corner pieces following formulas as below;

  • STEP 3:

    Repeat these steps, until all bottom face are white.

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*Hints

If there's no white corners at top layer, perform R U' R' or RUR' once as shown, to put white corner at top layer.

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2.Solve yellow top layer

  • 1.

    View from top, the yellow bars represent yellow pieces on the sides.

  • 2.

    Focus on top side, there are 7 cases in total. Perform the algorithm 4 or 5 once in cases which only one yellow corner is on the top.

  • 3.

    Make sure your cube is in the right position as the diagram view.

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  • 4.

    The other 5 cases require two algorithms in a row (Alg = algorithm). Perform Alg 4 first.

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  • 5.

    If you cannot find any of the above cases, it is because there is corner twist. Twist the corner piece in accordance to the cases.

3.Solve the whole cube

  • STEP 1:

    Find corner pieces that have same colors, perform algorithm 6 once. If all the sides are the same color, skip step 2 to step 3.

  • STEP 2:

    If the sides of the corner pieces are with different color. Perform algorithm 6 once. Then step 1.

  • STEP 3:

    Up-side-down the cube, and performs step1. Till all of the cube is solved.

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*Hints

The principle of algorithm 6 is to replace left-back into right-back.

Mind the direction of L and L'

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*Hints

Solve 2 layers at the same time, perform if both layer sides are with different color.

The principle of this algorithm is to replace opposite angles of the whole cube.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to solve a 3x3 cube for beginners?

We solve a 3x3 cube layer by layer. We start by building a daisy and converting it into a white cross, then complete the white layer and middle layer. Finally, we build the yellow cross, solve the yellow face, position the yellow corners and solve the remaining yellow edges to complete the cube.

Do we need algorithms to solve a 2x2 cube?

Yes. We use a small number of basic algorithms to insert corners, orient the top layer and position the final pieces correctly.

What do we do if there is no white corner in the top layer?

We use the appropriate corner-moving algorithm to bring a white corner into the top layer, then continue inserting the corners into their correct positions.