Step 5/7 · Layer by layer

Yellow face

Read more

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.

Two ways to learn

Pick one right on the lesson screen:

  • 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. Faster, but more to remember.

Beginners should start with one algorithm.

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.

One algorithm: through three groups

  1. Group 1 (Headlights, T, Bowtie): do it once to get a group 2 shape.
  2. Group 2 (Reverse fish, H, Pi): do it once to get the Fish.
  3. Fish: do it once and the top is yellow.

Before each time, turn the top (U) so the shape matches the card.

Memory tips

Split R U R' U R U2 R' into two beats: R U R' U, then R U2 R'.

Check before moving on

The top is all yellow. The first two layers are still solved. The top row of the sides may still be mixed.

Common mistakes

  • Holding the cube the wrong way, so the shape does not move to the next group.
  • Mixing up the Fish and the Reverse fish. Look at the front right corner's yellow.
  • Stopping in the middle of the algorithm.

Next lesson

Go to Yellow corners.

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