Roux

Advanced Roux

I am not a Roux expert, but the basics above are enough to start practicing, and this page collects the ideas that experienced solvers use to speed up. For depth, learn from those who live and breathe Roux.

Where to learn more

• Kian Mansour’s Roux guide covers second block, CMLL, EO, and EOLR, and he also posts on YouTube. His WCA profile lists his results.
• Gilles Roux’s own site describes the method as its inventor intended (the site is served over plain http only).
• The SpeedSolving wiki has a thorough overview and links to more resources.

Combining the last six edges steps

Normally you orient the last six edges (EO), place UL and UR (4b), and then finish the M slice. EOLR combines the first two: you choose an EO solution that also sends UL and UR to the bottom layer, ready for the M2 that places them. Many of the cases are related by symmetry. Kian’s EOLR page has a video playlist and the algorithms. Treat EOLR as a trick for when you recognize the case; regular EO is still the fallback.

Building the blocks

• Square first: after the first block, build a 1x2x2 square on the other side (the DR edge and one corner-edge pair around the right center), then add the last pair. A square keeps the remaining pair easy to see and solve.
• Use the M slice and r turns: the second block is not an F2L problem. r and M turns can pair and insert pieces without disturbing the first block, as in the second block examples.
• Build the blocks in a different order: sometimes a block’s center is placed last.
• Influence the second block while building the first, and build the two blocks simultaneously when the pieces line up.

Non-matching blocks

The two blocks do not have to match the centers they are built around. If you build a block on the wrong centers, a short M-slice adjustment before CMLL, such as u M' u' or u' M' u, brings the centers into agreement. Roux describes the idea on his site, and it can save moves in the second block at the cost of harder CMLL recognition.

CMLL recognition and influence

• Recognize CMLL by the corner orientations first, then by how the corner stickers on the left and right line up with the block colors. With practice you can do this while finishing the second block.
• Influence CMLL during the second block: finish the block in a way that leaves the corners in a case you know and like, or in a skipped or easy case.
• Learn full CMLL gradually after 2-look CMLL; the flashcards include all 42 cases.

Happy cubing!