ELL: two neighboring edges flipped, three edges cycle

Goal

The first two layers and the four top corners are done. Two neighboring edges are flipped and exactly one edge is home. One algorithm solves the cube.

When to use it

Use ELL when the four top corners are fully solved and only the edges are left. For example, solve the top corners first with CLL (as on the 2x2), then the edges.

ELL has 29 cases. 25 are split into 4 lessons by how many edges are flipped. The 4 cases with no flipped edge are Ua, Ub, H and Z in 2-look PLL: edges.

How to recognize it

Words used here:

• Flipped edge: a top edge whose yellow sticker faces a side. Its color is the sticker facing up.
• Home: the edge has the color of the center of the side it sits on. A flipped edge can still be home.
• Opposite center: the center on the far side of the cube (front and back, left and right).

Count the flipped edges and see where they are. Then find the edges that are home. If only one edge stays put, see which center's color the back or right edge has.

How to hold the cube

White on the bottom, with the top corners lined up with the centers. Every case is seen from this grip; the recognition text names positions as the cube starts.

The main idea

Many algorithms use only M and U (see the notation page). Cycle 3 uses the same algorithm as OLL 28 in full OLL.

Final check

The whole cube is solved. Turn U once more if the top is still offset.

Next lesson

Go to ELL: two neighboring edges flipped, other cases.