Store with U', pair two vertical edges at once and solve the diagonal last-two form. Also covers 3-2-2-2-3 pairing.
Goal
Pair the 12 edges in fewer moves than the beginner lesson. The six centers must stay intact.
Store with U or U'
stores pairs with Dw R U R' Dw'. The R' then pulls the top back edge down. If the unpaired edge is at the top front instead, use U': then R' pulls that edge down.
Two vertical pairs
When a vertical edge has two pieces from different pairs, their partners often sit in the top front and bottom front edges. One short algorithm pairs both at once. The four cases below differ in left or right, and in which piece goes with which.
The last two pairs
There are three forms. Two are in : both pairs in the same row, and the same row but flipped. The third has the pairs diagonal, in the last case here.
Further reading: 3-2-2-2-3 pairing
Fast solvers often pair edges in a 3-2-2-2-3 rhythm:
- Offset the middle slice with
u'. Set up pieces for 3 pairs, each with a short placement such as R U' R'. Turn u: 3 pairs join at once.
- Three times: one
u' (or u) makes a pair, do a placement, then the opposite turn makes one more.
- Last round: one turn makes the 10th pair, do a placement, and the undo makes the last two pairs.
The placement moves (such as R U' R', F R F' R', R' D R) depend on the moment; you have to find them. Andy Klise's example for the first 3 pairs: u' R U' R' y F R F' R' y R' D R u.
Next lesson
With all 12 pairs done, solve it like a 3x3, then go to .