3x3 Cube Solving for Beginners
Part 3: Orientate Last Layer
At the end of this part, you will have oriented the last layer so that all of the stickers are yellow on the top of the cube
Cube after OLL
OLL
In this stage we will orient all the yellow stickers so that they are on the top of the cube. There are 57 algorithms used to orient last layer in one go, which you don't need to memorise unless you want to become a speed cuber. We shall split this stage into two steps. We will first orient the edge pieces, with just two short and similar algorithms. We will then go on to orient the corner pieces.OLL Edge Pieces
First look at the top edge piece yellow stickers. Ignore the corner stickers.
Rotate the top layer so that the yellow sticker pattern aligns with one of the possibilities below and
follow the instructions:
Horizontal Line |
Perform FRUR'U'F' to make the cross |
Angle |
Perform fRUR'U'f' to make the yellow cross |
Dot Pattern |
Perform the above two algoritms one after another:
Perform FRUR'U'F' to make the angle pattern Then do fRUR'U'f' to make the yellow cross |
Cross Pattern |
Skip to the next stage |
OLL Corner Pieces
There are 7 algorithms for solving the second part of the OLL where the cross is already oriented.
However, we will learn just one of them, an algorithm known as Sune.
Sune Algorithm: L U L' U L U2 L'
If you keep repeating this algorithm on different sides of the cube, you will soon solve this stage by chance. However recognising some patterns, will speed things up a lot.
Fishy
If you get the fish pattern, align the cube with the fish swimming up to the right with tail on bottom left. Perform the Sune algorithm. There are two possible arrangements with a fish pattern. One of them is solved with a Sune. The other one will transform into the other when the Sune algorithm is performed. In which case just realign and perform the Sune once more to solve.
Fish Pattern
As for the following patterns, remembering them is less important, as a few Sune algorithms will typically get you to the fishy in one way or another, but tips for alignment of them follow:
Cross
If you get the cross pattern, look for some headlights, a set of two yellow stickers on one of the sides in the upper layer, put them on the right and perform the Sune algorithm to get a Fishy.
Cross Pattern |
Cross Pattern with Headlights to Right |
Nose
If you have this pattern, looks a bit like a head with nose sticking out, put the nose on the right, and perform the Sune algorithm. You will get either the Fishy or Cross pattern. Follow those instructions.
Nose Pattern
Bow
If you have this pattern, put the unsolved pieces in the front left and rear right and do the Sune algorithm. You will get either the Fishy or Cross pattern. Follow those instructions.
Bow Pattern
Now move on to part 3: Permutate Last Layer.