Your First Rubik's Cube Solve Starts Here

The Rubik's Cube has captivated puzzle lovers since its invention in 1974. With 43 quintillion possible scrambled positions and only one solution, it looks impossibly complex — but with the right method, most people can solve it within a few hours of practice. This guide teaches you the Layer-by-Layer (LBL) method, the go-to approach for beginners.

What You Need to Know First

Before diving into algorithms, familiarise yourself with key terminology:

  • Face: One of the six sides of the cube (Up, Down, Front, Back, Left, Right)
  • Move notation: R = Right face clockwise, R' = Right face counter-clockwise, U = Up face clockwise, etc.
  • Layer: A horizontal or vertical slice of three rows of pieces
  • Corner piece: A piece with three coloured stickers
  • Edge piece: A piece with two coloured stickers

Step 1 — Solve the White Cross

Hold the cube with the white centre piece on top. Your goal is to create a white cross on the top face, where each edge piece also matches the colour of the adjacent centre piece on the sides.

  1. Find the white edge pieces (there are 4 of them)
  2. Bring each one to the top layer, matching its side colour to the correct centre
  3. This step is largely intuitive — no algorithms required

Step 2 — Solve the White Corners

Now insert the four white corner pieces to complete the white face. Use this algorithm when a white corner is in the bottom-right position: R U R' U' (repeat until placed correctly).

Step 3 — Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Flip the cube so white is on the bottom. Find edge pieces in the top layer that don't have yellow on them. Use one of two algorithms to insert them:

  • Insert Left: U' L' U L U F U' F'
  • Insert Right: U R U' R' U' F' U F

Step 4 — Solve the Yellow Cross

With white on the bottom and yellow on top, create a yellow cross using the algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. You may need to apply it two or three times depending on your starting pattern.

Step 5 — Orient the Yellow Corners

Use the algorithm R U R' U R U2 R' to cycle yellow corners until all four face upward. Be patient — this can take several repetitions.

Step 6 — Permute the Final Layer

The last step positions all pieces correctly. Use the following algorithms as needed:

  • Swap corners: U R U' L' U R' U' L
  • Cycle edges: R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

Tips for Getting Faster

Once you can solve the cube consistently, focus on these improvements:

  • Practice finger tricks to execute algorithms smoothly
  • Learn to plan the white cross moves during inspection time
  • Upgrade to a speed cube with better turning action
  • Gradually learn the intermediate CFOP method for faster times

Solving a Rubik's Cube is a genuinely achievable milestone. With daily practice, most beginners reach a consistent solve within two weeks. Keep at it — the click of placing that final piece never gets old.