Introduction

Welcome to the beginner's guide to solving the 3x3 Rubik's Cube using the Layer-by-Layer method.

We will solve the cube in 7 steps:

  1. The White Cross
  2. First Layer Corners
  3. Second Layer
  4. Yellow Cross
  5. Align Yellow Cross
  6. Position Corners
  7. Orient Corners
Step 1

The White Cross

Goal: Create a white cross on the top face, matching the edge colors with the center colors of the side faces.

Target State

1. Find white edge pieces.

2. Move them to the top layer to form a cross around the white center.

3. Ensure the side color of the edge matches the center color of the side face.

Step 2

First Layer Corners

Goal: Fill in the white corners to complete the first layer (White Face).

Completed White Face

Find a corner piece with white on it in the bottom layer.

Position it directly below where it needs to go.

Repeat the algorithm: R' D' R D until the corner is solved.

Step 3

Second Layer

Goal: Solve the middle layer edges.

Flip the cube so the White Face is on the BOTTOM.

Match Edge to Center (Front View)

Find an edge on the top layer that does NOT have yellow.

Match its side color to the center.

If moving to the Right: U R U' R' U' F' U F

If moving to the Left: U' L' U L U F U' F'

Step 4

Yellow Cross

Goal: Form a yellow cross on the top face.

Look at the pattern on top (ignoring corners).

Dot, L-Shape, or Line: Use the algorithm:

F R U R' U' F'

Repeat until you get the cross.

Step 5

Align Yellow Cross

Goal: Make sure the yellow edges match the side centers.

Top View (Edges Aligned)

Rotate the top layer to match as many edges as possible.

If 2 match (adjacent or opposite), hold one at the back (and right if adjacent) and perform:

R U R' U R U2 R'
Step 6

Position Corners

Goal: Put corners in the right spot (even if twisted wrong).

Top View (Green = Correct Corner)

Find a corner that is in the correct position.

Hold it on the Front-Right-Top.

Perform:

U R U' L' U R' U' L

Repeat until all corners are in the correct position.

Step 7

Orient Corners

Goal: Twist the corners to finish the cube!

Top View (Gray = Needs Twist)

Hold the cube so an unsolved corner is at Front-Right-Top.

Repeat R' D' R D until it is solved.

CRITICAL: Do NOT rotate the whole cube. Only rotate the Top Layer (U) to bring the next unsolved corner to the Front-Right-Top position.

Repeat until finished.

Congratulations!

You have solved the Rubik's Cube!

🎉