Join matching edge pieces into pairs and store them on top and bottom. The last four pairs have their own algorithm.
Goal
Join the two matching edge pieces into pairs until all 12 are done. The six centers must stay intact.
How to recognize it
Each 4x4 edge is made of two small pieces with exactly the same two colors. Once paired, they sit together like a 3x3 edge. Where the pair ends up does not matter yet.
The first eight pairs: pair, then store
- Find two pieces of a pair. Bring them to the two front edges, one in the upper row, one in the lower.
- Do
Dw R U R' Dw' (or the left version Dw' L' U L Dw). The new pair is stored on the top layer.
- Before the
U, make sure the R' after it does not pull a stored pair back down.
- With 4 pairs stored on top, flip the cube and store the next 4 in the free spots.
Bring pieces into place with R2, L2, F2, B2, U and D. These moves do not touch the centers.
The last four pairs
The last four pairs sit around the middle layer. Hold the two pieces to pair on the two front edges, with the same color on the front, then do Dw R F' U R' F Dw'. It pairs two edges at once without breaking finished pairs or centers.
If the two pieces on the right edge show different colors on the front, do R F' U R' F to flip them first. If only one pair matches, do the algorithm anyway: at least one pair gets done.
Common mistakes
- Using inner layer moves (
r, Rw) and breaking a center. Only use Dw in matching there-and-back pairs.
- Letting
R' pull a stored pair back down. Turn U first to avoid it.
- Pairing two pieces that are flipped against each other. Both must show the same color on the same face.
Next lesson
Go to , the first lesson of the 3x3 stage.