Step 5/10 · Reduction

Middle layer

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Turn the white layer to the bottom, then insert the four middle edges with two mirror algorithms.

Goal

Finish the first two layers: the white layer and the four middle edges.

How to hold the cube

Turn the cube over so the white layer is on the bottom. From now on, white stays on the bottom and yellow on top.

How to recognize it

Find an edge in the top layer with no yellow on it. Edges with yellow belong to the top layer, so leave them for later.

Steps

  1. Turn the top (U) until the edge's front color matches the front center. The front shows a vertical line of one color.
  2. Look at the color on top of the edge. It tells you whether the edge goes right or left.
  3. If it matches the right center, do U R U' R' U' F' U F.
  4. If it matches the left center, do U' L' U L U F U' F'.

Repeat for all four edges.

Edge stuck in the middle layer

Is an edge already in the middle layer but in the wrong spot or flipped? Hold that slot at the front right and do the right algorithm to lift the edge out. Then follow the steps above.

Check before moving on

The bottom is all white. The two lower rows of each side match the center.

Common mistakes

  • Picking an edge that has yellow on it.
  • Going the wrong way. The edge goes toward the side whose center matches its top color.
  • Forgetting to turn the cube over, so white is still on top.

Next lesson

Go to Yellow cross.

Step 1 / 8

U: Top face: turn 90°, front face goes left

The color on top of the edge matches the right center.

White layer on the bottom. Turn U until the front shows a vertical line of one color.

Step 1 of 8: U. Top face: turn 90°, front face goes left