Cube Tools

CFOP

CFOP Introduction

Overview

The most popular speedsolving method, CFOP has 4 steps:

  1. **C**ross
  2. **F**irst two layers (F2L)
  3. **O**rient last layer (OLL)
  4. **P**ermute last layer (PLL)

If you are new to solving the cube, I recommend starting with the layer-by-layer tutorial. CFOP differs from a layer-by-layer approach in several ways.

The biggest difference is in the first two layers. In a layer-by-layer approach, after the first layer corners are solved, we must temporarily disrupt each one in order to solve the middle layer edges. It is more efficient to solve the first layer corner and its neighboring second layer edge at the same time. These are called corner-edge (CE) pairs, and solving them is largely intuitive.

Once all four CE pairs are inserted around the cross, pure CFOP solves the last layer in two steps: orient (57 algorithms) and permute (21 algorithms). This two-look last layer requires 78 algorithms, so I include two less ambitious options: a four-look last layer which requires only 16 algorithms, and a three-look last layer (two-look OLL plus full PLL) which requires 31 algorithms.

Study Aids

Not sure how to memorize so many algorithms? Check out my list of common triggers and my algorithm flashcards. Learning algorithms will decrease your move count and your solve times. A full CFOP solve takes roughly 55 to 60 moves, depending on the solver and the algorithms they choose. Each extra look in the last layer adds an algorithm, plus the turns to line it up, so a four-look last layer costs noticeably more moves (and more pauses to recognize cases) than the two-look version.

Onward!

If needed, go ahead and brush up on cube notation before we get to know our old friend, the cross, even better!