F2L basics

Goal

Finish the first two layers. Each time, join a white corner with its middle edge into a pair, then put the whole pair in its slot.

Why it is faster

In the layer-by-layer method, you place corners in White corners, then edges in Middle layer. Each piece needs its own algorithm.

F2L places a corner and an edge at the same time, so it takes far fewer moves. Fast solvers use it.

Before you start: the cross on the bottom

CFOP starts with the white cross on the bottom, see the CFOP lesson Cross.

At first, building it on top as in White cross and turning over is fine.

Slots and pairs

• A slot is the gap between two side centers. It holds one bottom corner and one middle edge. The cube has 4 slots.
• A pair is a white corner and the edge with the same two side colors. For example, the white, red, blue corner goes with the red, blue edge.
• A pair belongs in the slot between the two centers of its colors.

How to hold the cube

White cross on the bottom. Turn the whole cube so the slot you want is at the front right. Turn the top until the corner sits right above the slot.

Turning the whole cube with y'

Some algorithms start with y'. It turns the whole cube so the front moves to the right side.

After y', the slot is at the back right. The R' and R moves that follow put the pair in there.

How to recognize it

This lesson has only 4 cases, where the pair is ready to go in. Three questions work for every F2L lesson:

1. Where does the corner's white sticker face: up, front or right?
2. Where is the edge?
3. Which corner color matches the color on top of the edge?

Steps

1. Build the white cross and turn it to the bottom.
2. Pick a pair with both pieces in the top layer.
3. Bring its slot to the front right and the corner above the slot.
4. Spot the case and do the algorithm.
5. Repeat for all 4 slots.

Algorithms labeled "Cross on left"

Many F2L cases have an extra algorithm labeled Cross on left. The solver holds the cross on the left, with the slot at the top front. The algorithm starts with z x to turn the cube into that grip, and ends by turning it back.

Check before moving on

The slot you just filled has the white corner at the bottom and the edge in the middle. Both side colors match the centers. The cross and the other slots are still in place.

Common mistakes

• Putting a pair into the slot of other colors.
• Turning D and knocking the cross out of line.
• Inserting into a slot that holds a piece of another pair. That piece pops up to the top, which is fine. Solve that pair later.

Next lesson

Go to Corner sideways, same top color.