Learning how to solve a rubik’s cube can be intimidating at first. But with a little practice and some time, you will realise it is much easier than you may think. If you take things step by step and follow this guide, you can learn how to solve a rubik’s cube in less than an hour.
In this guide we will break down everything you need to know to solve a rubik’s cube. There is no other guide you can follow that will make it as easy as this.
We have broken everything down to the basics so it is very easy to follow. Just take your time, be patient, and you will be able to solve a rubik’s cube easily after reading this guide!
Don’t forget you can always refer back to this guide if you need to recap on things. Just click on the contents to skip to which section of the guide you would like to read again. Now, let’s begin learning to cube!
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, The Beginners Method.
There are many different ways to solve a rubik’s cube, some are much more advanced than others. In this guide we are going to cover a specific solving method known as “the beginners method”. This is how most people learn to solve a rubik’s cube.
Learning how to solve a rubik’s cube using the beginner’s method is the best way for you to solve your cube. It is easy to follow, it has simple instructions and easy to remember algorithms. It is also fast!
Using the beginners method, many people can solve a rubik’s cube in under 1 minute, with enough practice, maybe even below 30 seconds! It is a great way to solve a rubik’s cube for the first time.
It may seem difficult at first, but with a little persistence, learning the beginners method of solving a rubik’s cube is easy. Just stick with it and dont quit! You can do this!
Before we begin, we should make sure you understand the layout of your cube. Let’s cover that first.
The Layout of a Rubik’s Cube
A standard rubik’s cube has 6 sides, all of different colours. If you have read our previous guide on Rubik’s cube notation you will know the colours already, and you will know how to hold the cube. But just in case, we will quickly cover that here.
The six colours of a rubik’s cube go like this:
Colours of a Rubik’s Cube
White side: Usually the first side to be solved in beginners method and usually it is held on the bottom of the cube. If the white side is on the top, the yellow side will be on the bottom.
Blue Side: The blue side is always opposite the green side. If the white side is on top, and the blue side is on the front, the red side will be on the left, with the orange side on the right.
Orange Side: The orange side is alway opposite the red side. If you hold the cube with the blue side facing you with the white side on the top, the orange will be on your right hand side.
Yellow Side: This is usually the last layer to be solved when you use the beginners method to solve a rubik’s cube. It is usually held on the top of the cube. It is always opposite the white side.
Red Side: The red side is always opposite the orange side. If the yellow side is on top, and the red side is facing you, the green side will be on the right and the blue side will be on the left.
Green Side: The Green side is always opposite the blue side. If the yellow side is on top, with the green side on the front, orange will be on the right hand side and red will be on the left.
Most cubes will have this layout, but there are some brands that will differ. We will work off this layout as it the most common. If your cube isn’t like this, it doesn’t matter. The principles are the same. Just replace the words in this guide with whatever colours suit your cube.
What if the Cube is Scrambled Already?
In some circumstances, your cube may already be scrambled. If this is the case for you don’t worry! You can tell which side is which looking at the centre square on each side. Those never change.
Just take a quick look around the cube at the centre pieces and you will know which sides is white/yellow etc. The centre pieces never change, no matter how much the cube is scrambled.
The Center Pieces of a Rubik’s Cube
Each side of a rubik’s cube has nine squares in a 3 x 3 pattern. This is why the cube is known as the “3 x 3”. There will be 3 squares on the top row, 3 squares on the middle row, and 3 squares on the bottom row. The centre square is the square in the centre of the middle layer.
There are 6 centre squares on a rubik’s cube. White, yellow, blue, green, red and orange. As mentioned earlier, the white side will be opposite the yellow, the blue is opposite the green and the red is opposite the orange. This never changes.
The edge pieces are moved around the cube as it is scrambled. When you are solving a rubik’s cube, you need to get these edge pieces back in the correct place, on each side of the cube.
The Edge Pieces
Next we have the edge pieces, there are twelve of those. Each one of the edge pieces will have 2 sides on them, Each one being a different colour. For example, on the white side, there will be 4 edge pieces.
Each one of these edge pieces will have one side that is white, but the other side of each piece will be a different colour. Like white/blue, white/red, white/orange and white/green.
When the edge pieces are in the right places they will form a cross shape. Usually, this will be the first thing to solve when you’re learning how to solve a rubik’s cube. It will be the first step we cover here.
But before we do that, we should quickly cover the corner pieces.
The Corner Pieces of a Rubik’s Cube
There are 8 corner pieces on a rubik’s cube, and each piece will have 3 sides, with different colours on them. No two pieces are the same. When solving a corner piece, each side of the piece must match up to the side of the cube it is on.
For example, the corner piece that is white/blue/red, must sit in the corner of the cube that touches the white, red and blue sides. It must also be properly oriented.
All of this may sound like it’s too much, but it really isn’t. I just want to be thorough with what we are covering here to make sure any questions you have are covered before we move into the main guide.
By now you have a decent understanding of the layout of the cube, we will cover how each side turns.
How to Turn a Rubik’s Cube
Each side of a rubik’s cube will turn around its centre piece. This is how a cube is scrambled, and this is also how it will be solved. The front face will turn, the sides will turn, the back will turn, and so will the top and the bottom.
They do not just turn one direction though, they will turn clockwise and anti clockwise (counter clockwise). To solve a rubik’s cube, you have to turn the sides in the correct direction to move pieces into the right places.
You will either move the sides clockwise, or anticlockwise (which is known as prime). These instruction will be shown as rubik’s cube notation:
Now you know everything you need to know to get started! You can now learn how to solve a rubik’s cube. We will use some of the rubik’s cube notation here that we have mentioned above. Feel free to come back and look at the pictures anytime you need help. But for now, I think we should get started with the white cross!
If you haven’t done so already, this is a good time to scramble your cube!
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, the White Cross
Though you can start by solving any side, when you’re first learning how to solve a rubik’s cube, it is always best to start with the white cross. This is how most people learn to solve a rubik’s cube and many always solve it like this.
Some advanced solvers will solve any colour cross, this is known as colour neutral. But in our case, we are going to keep things simple and stick with the white cross for now.
Make sure your cube is well scrambled and hold it so the white layer is on the bottom, the yellow layer is on the top, and the blue side is facing you. Your cube should be scrambled by now, so make sure you use the centre squares on each side to know which side is which.
Making a Flower
First off, we are going to make a flower. This will be a yellow centre, with four white petals. To do this, you want to get the white side pieces into the top layer, with the white side facing upwards, touching the yellow centre piece. It doesn’t matter about the other colours right now, let’s just focus on the white edge getting to the top layer.
There will be three different locations the white side pieces will be. Either in the top layer already, in the middle layer, or in the bottom layer. We will cover each case on its own so you know exactly what to do.
White Pieces in the Top Layer
If a white piece is in the top layer, you’re already good to go! But sometimes, the white piece may be flipped so the white side of that piece isn’t on the top of the cube. To move it to the top is simple and only takes two moves.
Hold the cube so the white piece is on the right hand side of the cube. Do these two moves:
This has now oriented the piece the right way round, and the white petal of the flower is in the right place.
White Piece in the Middle Layer
If a white piece is in the middle layer. There are 2 moves you can make. These moves will differ depending on which direction the white side of the piece is facing.
If the white side of the piece is facing to the right of the cube, perform an F’ move.
This will move the white petal into place next to the yellow centre.
Alternately, if the white side of the piece is facing to the front of the cube, do an R move.
This will move the white side up next to the yellow centre.
White Piece in the Bottom Layer
If there is a white piece on the bottom layer, it needs to travel a little further to get to the top. The moves you make will depend on which way the white side of that piece is facing.
If the white side is facing the bottom, you simply need move it to the right side of the cube by turning the bottom layer. Then perform an R2 move, so the piece is now on the top
If the white side is on the side of the cube and not the bottom, you need to do a few more moves. First, move it so it is facing you, on the front of the cube. Then perform a F’ move, followed by and R move:
This will put the piece in the top layer. Repeat these steps until all four white sides pieces are touching the yellow centre piece.
What if a Piece is in the Way?
If a piece is in the way, and making any of these moves will interfere with a white piece that is already in the right place, simply do a U move. This will move the top layer until the slot is open. When the space is free, simply do the move you need to slot that piece into the right place.
Completing the White Cross
Now you should have all four white pieces in the top layer, and the flower is made! Now you need to move those white pieces to the bottom to complete the white cross. But first they need to match the colours on the edges!
This is really easy to do. Let’s imagine we have the red side of the cube on the right, with the yellow on the top, and white on the bottom.
Matching the Colours on the White Cross
First, rotate the top layer so one of the colours match. For example, rotate the top until the red side meets the red center piece. In our case the red centre is on the right hand side of the cube.
Now all you have to do is rotate that side 180°. To do this just perform an R2 move. This will move it to the bottom layer and into the correct place.
Next, rotate the whole cube 90° clockwise. So the green side is on the right. Rotate the top layer until the green side of the white and green piece is in contact with the green centre piece. Again, perform an R2 move. This will put the white/green piece in the right place on the bottom layer.
Repeat this step again. Rotate the whole cube 90° clockwise. Now the orange side is on the right. Rotate the top layer using U moves until the orange side of the white and orange piece touches the orange centre piece. Perform a R2 move and the orange and white piece will be in the correct place.
Lastly, do this again! Rotate the cube 90° clockwise bringing the blue side to the right. Rotate the top layer until the blue side of the white and blue piece touches the blue center piece. When that is in place, do an R2 move. This will put the last piece in the right place!
Now the white cross is completed! All of the sides colours in the right place too. All it took was a few simple moves. Congratulations, you have completed step one of solving a rubik’s cube! It is time for step 2, the white corners.
How to Solve the White Corners on a Rubik’s Cube
The next step in solving a rubik’s cube is solving the white corners. This will essentially solve the first layer. So far we haven’t had to learn any algorithms, and it has been reasonably easy. But for this step, we are going to learn one simple algorithm.
This algorithm only has four moves, and it is used in many rubik’s cube algorithms. Even in advanced algorithms. It is known as “The Sexy Move”.
Simply remember: R, U, R’ U’
That is move the right side clockwise, then the top layer clockwise. Then move the right side anti-clockwise, and then the top layer anti-clockwise. Don’t forget this algorithm! It is very important not just for this step, but for many other rubik’s cube algorithms too. Practise it until it is as fast as you can get it.
You can solve all of the white corners using this algorithm, and it will be used throughout this guide during many different steps.
Positioning the White Corners Correctly
Now you know the “sexy move” (R,U,R’,U’), you can solve the first layer easily. You just have to move the corners into the right places.
Hold the cube so the white cross is on the bottom. The blue side should be facing you and the red side is on the right. Look around the cube and find the corner piece that has white, red and blue on it.
This piece needs to be moved so it is either in the top right corner of the blue side, or the bottom right corner of the blue side
Once the piece is in either of these positions, you just need to do the sexy move a certain amount of times. This may be once, or it may be anything up to 5 times.
It will depend on the orientation of the piece and its location on the cube. Here are all possible locations:
First Location
In the case of the white corner piece being in the top layer with the white side facing right, you need to do the sexy move only once.
(R U R’ U’) One Time
Second Location
If the bottom white corner piece is in the right place, but the white side is facing to the right, perform the sexy move two times.
(R U R’ U’) Two Times.
Third Position
Sometimes the white corner piece will be in the top layer, with the white side facing upwards. In this case, do the sexy move 3 times
(R U R’ U’) Three Times.
Fourth Position
If the white corner piece is already in the bottom layer, but the white side is facing you, simply perform the sexy move 4 times.
(R U R’ U’) Four Times.
Fifth Position
If the white side of the corner piece is facing you, and it is in the top layer, you need to do the sexy move 5 times. This will solve that corner.
(R U R’ U’) Five Times.
Once a corner is solved, you just rotate the cube so an unsolved corner is in the bottom right. In our example we will rotate the cube 90° clockwise so the white red and green corner is in the bottom right.
Find the white red and green corner piece and move it into one of the five positions mentioned above. Perform however many sexy moves you need to until the piece is in the correct place. Then repeat this process with the remaining corners ( the white/green/orange and the white/orange/blue pieces).
Moving a Corner Piece out of a Corner.
In some cases a corner piece you need will be in the wrong place, in the bottom layer. If this happens you need to move it out of the bottom layer before you can solve it. To do this, simply hold that corner so it is in the bottom right of the front face.
You then do the sexy move once. This will move the corner out of the bottom layer and into the top layer. It can then be moved to the position above the correct corner, where it can be solved easily using the desired number of sexy moves.
Once you have done this for all four corners, the first layer is complete! Well done! The cube should now look like this:
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, the Second Layer
So far in your journey on how to solve a rubik’s cube, you have learned how to solve the first layer, and only had to use one small algorithm! For the next layer (the second layer) you only have 4 pieces to solve. The red/green edge, the green/orange edge, the orange/blue edge and the blue/red edge.
There are 2 different positions you will find these pieces in. They will either be in the top layer of the cube, or in one of the four remaining slots in the middle layer. To solve them, you will be using two different algorithms. Part of these you already know!
The Left and Right Sexy Moves
To solve the second layer, you will be using 2 different algorithms. At first they may seem difficult, long, and hard to remember. But they are much easier than you think if they are broken down first.
Remember the sexy move we covered earlier? Well that was just one side of it, the right sexy move. You also have the “left sexy”. Here is how both sexy move look together
As you can see, the right sexy move, (which you already know) is R U R’ U’. The left sexy move is a mirror of that, and is done on the left side of the cube instead of the right, L’ U’ L U. Bear both of the algorithms in mind, as they make up the next 2 algorithms you need to know.
On their own, the next algorithms are 11 moves long! But, if you know left and right sexy moves, it becomes much easier to remember. You only have to remember 4 things! Let me show you.
Edge Pieces in the Top Layer
If you find edge pieces in the top layer that are meant for the second layer, you will have 2 different choices of where they move to. Either right into their correct slot, or left into their correct slot. To solve this, there are two algorithms you need to know:
There is U R U R’ U’ y L’U’ L U which we will call this the Right Alg and
there is U’ L’ U’ L U y’ R U R’ U’ which we will call this the Left Alg
Now, these algorithms may seem long, but look what happens when we add some brackets!
U (R U R’ U’) y (L’U’ L U) for the right alg, and U’ (L’ U’ L U) y’ (R U R’ U’) for the left alg.
You can now see that it is just two moves, and the left and right sexy move! You already know these 2 algorithms from earlier in this guide. So now, you should look at them like this:
U (Right Sexy) y (Left Sexy) for the right alg, and U’ (Left Sexy) y’ (Right Sexy’) for the left alg.
This is now only four things to remember, rather than eleven! You just have to use them in the right places now.
You may be wondering what the y means. Well, the y means rotate the whole cube. If you see y on its own it means rotate clockwise like it was the U layer, but the whole cube instead of just one layer.
If you see y’ it means rotate the whole cube anticlockwise (like it was the U layer but the whole cube) If you’re unsure of this find out more in the rubik’s cube notation article.
Solving the Second Layer
Begin by lining up one of the edge pieces in the top layer so it is touching the same colour in the centre. In this example we will use the red/blue piece.
For position one, let’s assume the red side of the piece is on the top of the cube, and the blue is facing you. Rotate the top layer until the blue side is touching the blue centre piece.
In this position you should use the right algorithm: U (R U R’ U’) y (L’U’ L U)
U Right Sexy, y Left Sexy. This will move the piece from the top layer, into its correct position.
Alternatively, let’s say the blue side of the red/ blue piece is facing up, and the red is facing you. Rotate the top layer until the red side of the red/blue piece lines up with the red center piece.
In this position you would use the left algorithm: U’ (L’ U’ L U) y’ (R U R’ U’)
U Left Sexy y’ Right Sexy. This will move that piece from the top layer, into the correct position.
Do this for all four edges in the second layer that need solving. In some cases though, on of the side pieces you need is already in the middle layer, but it is either in the wrong place, or oriented incorrectly. This is how you fix those.
Edge Pieces in the Middle layer
If you find one of the edge pieces in the middle layer, but in the wrong position, you have to take it out before you can put it back in correctly. To take it out, you just have to use one of the algorithms you have been shown above.
For example: If the piece you want to take out is on the right, use the right alg to take it out and move it to the top layer. If the piece you want to take out is on the left, use the left alg to take it out and move it to the top layer
Once the piece is out of the wrong position and in the top layer, you can solve it like the other pieces. Simply use the left alg or the right alg, whichever one is needed.
When you have solved all four pieces by using the left alg right alg, the second layer is completed and the cube should look something like this:
You have Solved the Second Layer!
Well done! 66% of the cube is now solved, you only have the last layer to go! So far, you have only had to learn 4 algorithms. The left sexy, the right sexy, the left alg and the right alg.
It may take a bit of practice to get these algorithms down to memory, but once you have it, you will be completing those first two layers easily and quickly. Just keep practising! Now, we have one more layer to go! Let’s do it!
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, the Last Layer
You are on the last stage of learning how to solve a rubik’s cube! Now, you have to get the top layer solved. To do this, you have to first solve the yellow cross. This is not done in the same way as the white cross, for this you will use another algorithm. But guess what! You already know this one too!
The algorithm you need to create the yellow cross is:
F (R U R’ U’) F’
Let us again take a closer look at this algorithm. First off we have the F, then we have R U R’ U’. This is the right sexy move. It then ends with an F’. So essentially all you have to do to remember this one is, turn the front face clock wise, do the right sexy move, then put the front face back using F prime.
This is very easy to remember and very easy to use! Now you just have to know how to use it, and when.
Making the Yellow Cross
When solving the last layer of a rubik’s cube using beginner’s method, you first need to make the yellow cross. If you got lucky, the top layer may already have the cross, but that doesn’t always happen. You will most likely be left with one of four situations:
The Dot: This is when you have one yellow piece on the top layer, the centre. All of the pieces on the top layer need to be arranged so the yellow side is facing upwards.
If you have the dot, do the F (R U R’ U’) F’ alg to make the half cross.
The Half Cross: This is a right angle, where three yellow pieces are facing upwards. It will resemble the hands of a clock when it is 9 o’clock when rotated correctly.
Rotate the half cross correctly then do F (R U R’ U’) F’, to make the bar.
The Bar: The bar also has 3 solved pieces on the yellow side, but they are a straight line rather than a right angle. Rotate the top layer so the bar is horizontal.
With the bar horizontal, do the F (R U R’ U’) F’ alg to make the cross.
The Cross: Sometimes you will get lucky, the cross may already be solved. If this is the case all you have to do now is align the edges so the colours are in the right place.
This can be done with another simple algorithm, see the next step.
When you have the cross, you need to make sure the edges are correct.
The Yellow Cross Edges
Now you have the yellow cross formed on the top of your cube, you need to make sure all of the edge colours line up with the correct sides. Begin by rotating the top layer to see which edges of the yellow cross line up with the centre peices on the sides. At least 2 sides will line up. If you’re lucky, all four will.
There are three different positions the cube will be in at this point:
1st Position: 2 Unsolved Edges, Opposite Each Other
2nd Position: 2 Unsolved Edges, Next to Each Other
3rd Position: All Edges are in the Right Place and Already Solved
Firstly, figure out which one of the picture above is the position your cube is in. The position it is in will determine what you do next. Obviously, if you all the edges are in the correct position, you can move onto the final step. But if you find the edges are not fully solved yet, you will need to do an algorithm to correct them. This algorithm is known as “Sune”.
The Sune Algorithm
The Sune algorithm is another important one in rubik’s cubing, and it is pronounced “Soo-nay”. Though this is different from any of the other algorithms so far, you will see it is an easy one to learn because of the pattern.
This is what Sune looks like:
R U R’ U R U2 R’ U
Now to use this algorithm correctly, will depend on which position your cube is in right now. So look at the pictures above and decide if you have either positions one (2 incorrect pieces that are opposite each other), or position 2 (two incorrect pieces that are next to each other).
If you have position 1, you just need to do the Sune algorithm once, it doesn’t matter about the orientation of the top layer at this point. Doing the Sune alg correctly will move the cube into position 2.
To solve position 2, you need to orientate the top layer so the 2 correct sides are at “12 and 3” (3 o clock on a clock face). Perform the Sune algorithm one more time to solve the last edges of the yellow cross.
Now, it’s the last bits, just the yellow corners!
Solving the Yellow Corners
To begin the last step, you need to find out if all of the yellow pieces are in the correct corners. It doesn’t matter which direction they are facing right now, we just want the corners to be in the right place.
For example, the yellow/blue/red corner needs to be between the yellow/red edge piece, and the yellow/blue edge piece.
If you are lucky, the corners will already be in the right place, but that doesn’t happen often. Sometimes none of the corners will be in the right place. Have a good check just to be sure.
But if you find there are no corners in the right place, do this algorithm:
R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L U
Doing this algorithm once will put at least one piece in the right place.
When you do have one piece in the right place, rotate the cube so that piece is in the top left corner of the front face (above your left thumb).
Do the algorithm again, and check to see if the pieces are now in the correct places.
R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L U
If they are now all in the correct places you can move onto the final step. But sometimes, it takes one more turn. So if you still only have one corner in the correct place, repeat the algorithm again, until all four corners are correct.
When the pieces are all be in the right place move onto the final step! You are ready to complete the cube!
Orientating the last Yellow Corners!
Now this can be a little confusing, and you’re so close to the end you may want to rush things. But don’t, take your time and do this step carefully. There is one more algorithm you have to do, but you already know it!!
For the last time we are going to do the sexy move, but not just yet, we have to get the cube in the right orientation. Turn it upside down, so the white side is now on the top and the unsolved yellow side is on the bottom.
There is three possible positions the last corners will be in:
3 Positions of the Last Corners:
This is important, so pay close attention! When you do start a sexy move (R U R’ U’) you must complete all four moves! Even if the piece is solved (yellow side on the bottom), complete the algorithm or the cube will scramble.
Solving the Last Layer
Pay close attention to the corner piece on the bottom right of the front face. Let’s say the red side is facing you and the white side is on the top, this means watch the red/blue/yellow corner.
If the yellow side of the red/blue/yellow corner pieces is facing to the right, you need to do the sexy move (R U R’ U’) twice. This will orientate the cube correctly, but your cube will look scrambled. Don’t worry about that for now, just make sure you complete all four moves in the sexy move! Do not stop when the piece is correct, finish the whole algorithm first!
When the two sexy moves are complete, and the piece is properly orientated (yellow side is on the bottom) ,rotate the bottom layer of the cube until another unsolved piece is in the bottom right corner.
Do not turn the whole cube! Just turn the bottom layer until an unsolved piece is on the bottom right of the front face of the cube.
Let’s say in this example the yellow side of that piece is facing you (position 2), on the front side of the cube. To solve this piece you need to do the sexy move (R U R’ U’) four times.
Again, complete all four sexy moves, don’t stop half way through just because the corner is solved, you need to finish the whole algorithm.
When each corner is complete, rotate the bottom layer again until an unsolved corner is on the bottom right of the front face. If you come across and unsolved corner, perform the sexy move either twice or four times to fix it. If you do not come across any more corners that need solving, it means your cube is complete! Which means you did it!!
Well Done, You Learned How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube!
It may have been a bit complex at the start, but step by step, when it was broken down, you did it!! How does it feel? It feels good right? There’s so much more to learning to cube than just this. Take some time to absorb what you have learned and scramble your cube again when you feel ready. With a little bit of practice you will get better and better until you’re solving the cube in under 1 minute.
There are more methods for you to learn too, this is just the beginning. Many cubers use other methods known as CFOP, and Roux, to solve their cubes. Some cubers even advance onto bigger cubes like 4 x 4, 5 x 5 even 8 x 8 and Dodecahedrons known as Megaminxs!
Why stop here? If you have had fun and enjoyed learning to cube, there is much more for you to learn. So take a short break, and let’s get started on another guide? After this, you know you have the ability to solve any cube, so why not learn more?
Well done! And thanks for reading!
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