What does the lower-case notation on this page mean for solving the GAN cube?

The lower-case letters indicate specific turns and finger placements when solving your GAN cube using the CFOP method. For example, a lower-case 'r' means a clockwise turn of the inner right layer, helping you follow the steps precisely.

How can I use the CFOP steps here to improve my 3x3x3 solving skills?

Start by mastering each CFOP step shown: F2L to build the first two layers efficiently, OLL to orient the last layer pieces, and PLL to permute them into place. Practice the moves highlighted with colors and notation to build muscle memory and speed.

When should I use each GAN lube (NO.1, NO.2, NO.3) to maintain my cube?

Use GAN Lube NO.1 regularly for smooth and consistent cube feel. If your cube starts to feel dry or stiff, apply NO.2 to restore glide. When the cube becomes too slippery or loose, NO.3 helps add needed friction and control.

What’s the best way to apply GAN lube to my cube for optimal performance?

Open your cube carefully and apply a small amount of the appropriate GAN lube onto the puzzle's core and pieces, focusing on contact points. Turn the cube several times after lubing to evenly distribute, then reassemble. Refer to the page's instructions for details.

How do GAN cubes and these maintenance tips enhance my CFOP solving experience?

GAN cubes are designed for smooth, fast turns, which complements the CFOP method’s speed-focused steps. Using the recommended GAN lubes keeps your cube in peak condition, reducing resistance and improving control, so you can solve more confidently and efficiently.

3x3 CFOP Guide: F2L, OLL & PLL

How to solve a 3x3 cube with CFOP?

We use CFOP to solve a 3x3 more efficiently by working through advanced solving stages. After learning the required cube notation, we use F2L to complete the first two layers, OLL to orient the last layer, and PLL to permute the last-layer pieces into their final positions.

Back To Classroom

3x3x3 CFOP Guide

Download The Tutorials

Notation

Lower-Case Letter: Turn 2 layers

Letter: Turn 90° clockwise

Letter: Turn 90° counterclockwise

Letter: Turn 180°

Blue Letter: By left index finger

Red Letter: By right thumb

Orange Letter: By middle finger/ring finger/little finger

For more detailed information on cube notation and instruction manuals, you can visit the User guide - Wikipedia.

CFOP Steps

OLL and PLL are vertical views.

OLL: The blue bars and squares represent the yellow pieces.

PLL: The black bars represent the same colored pieces.

To improve your search strategies for tutorials and guides, check out 4.5 Search strategies – Technical Writing.

For faster and smoother turns during your CFOP practice, consider upgrading to a high-performance cube like the GAN17 MagDrive or the

GAN V100 Maglev Speed Cube

*Tips

If there’s already a white edge in target position, rotate the upper face to create space.

F2L

First 2 Layers

OLL

Orientation of Last Layer

PLL

Permutation of Last Layer

Maintenance

1. In daily usage, it is necessary to regularly add GAN lube NO.1 to the cube for long-term mainte- nance and reducing wear. Please lubricate the cube with GAN lube NO.2 before it becomes dry and when the cube is too slippery, please add GAN lube NO.3 to the cube.

2. When lubricating the cube, please start with only 1-2 drops to the contact surface or corner feet (Too much lube will make the cube too sticky.), and then turn the cube several times until the lube is evenly distributed.

3. Do not use lubricating lube other than cube lube, otherwise it may lead to the poor hand feeling of the cube.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does CFOP stand for?

CFOP stands for Cross, F2L, OLL and PLL. These stages organize the 3x3 solve into an efficient speedsolving method.

What do we do during F2L?

During F2L, or First Two Layers, we pair corner and edge pieces and insert them into their correct slots to complete the first two layers.

What are OLL and PLL used for?

We use OLL to orient the pieces on the last layer, then use PLL to move those pieces into their correct final positions.

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How to solve a 3x3 cube with CFOP?