Step 2/3 · Layer by layer

Yellow face

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Make the whole top yellow. There are seven shapes, learned with one algorithm or one per shape.

Map for the one-algorithm way

3 times

  • Headlights · 3 times→ gives Reverse fish · 2 times
  • T · 3 times→ gives Reverse fish · 2 times
  • Bowtie · 3 times→ gives H · 2 times

2 times

  • Reverse fish · 2 times→ gives Fish · 1 time
  • H · 2 times→ gives Fish · 1 time
  • Pi · 2 times→ gives Fish · 1 time

1 times

  • Fish · 1 time→ Done

Goal

Make the whole top yellow. The corners do not need to be in their spots yet.

How to hold the cube

Turn the cube over so white is on the bottom. From now on, white stays on the bottom and yellow on top.

Two ways to learn

  • One algorithm: just remember R U R' U R U2 R'. Do it 1 to 3 times; each time the top moves to a group closer to done.
  • Seven algorithms: each shape has its own algorithm and is done in one go.

Beginners should start with one algorithm. It works exactly like the yellow face step of the 3x3.

The seven top shapes

Count the corners with yellow facing up:

  • Two corners side by side, the other two yellows facing the same side: Headlights.
  • Two corners side by side, the other two yellows facing opposite sides: T.
  • Two corners on a diagonal: Bowtie.
  • One corner: put it at the front left. If the front right corner's yellow faces front, it is the Fish; if it faces right, the Reverse fish.
  • No corners, the four yellows in two pairs on opposite sides: H.
  • No corners, only one pair of yellows on the same side: Pi.

Check before moving on

The top is all yellow. The white layer below is still solved.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to turn the cube over, so white is still on top.
  • Mixing up the Fish and the Reverse fish. Look at the front right corner's yellow.
  • Stopping in the middle of an algorithm.

Next lesson

Go to Yellow corners, the last lesson.

Step 1 / 23

R: Right face: turn 90°, front face goes up

  1. Headlights · 3 times
  2. Reverse fish · 2 times
  3. Fish · 1 time
  4. Done

Remember a single algorithm. Each time, the shape moves to a group closer to done.

Do it 3 times: you get the Reverse fish, then the Fish, then done.

Two yellow corners side by side; the other two yellow stickers face the same side.

Hold the two yellow corners at the back.

Step 1 of 23: R. Right face: turn 90°, front face goes up