To solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube, you can follow a simple beginner-friendly method that involves three main steps:
Step 1: Solve the First Layer (White Face)
- Start by choosing the white face to solve first, positioning it on the bottom.
- Align the white corner pieces so the entire white face is complete, and the side colors of these corners match the adjacent center colors on the sides.
- This step is similar to solving the first layer of a 3x3 cube but only involves corners
Step 2: Orient the Last Layer (Yellow Face)
- After the white face is complete, flip the cube so the yellow face is on top.
- The goal is to orient the yellow corners so that the yellow stickers are facing upwards.
- Use the algorithm R′D′RDR'D'RDR′D′RD repeatedly on each corner until the yellow sticker is on top.
- Rotate the top layer (U) to bring the next corner into the front/top/right position and repeat the algorithm until all yellow stickers are on top
Step 3: Permute the Last Layer Corners
- Once all yellow stickers are on top, the corners may need to be permuted to their correct positions.
- Identify corners that are already correctly placed.
- Use algorithms such as URU′L′UR′U′LURU'L'UR'U'LURU′L′UR′U′L to swap the corners until all are in the right place.
- If no corners are correctly placed, use the algorithm multiple times to create a situation where at least one corner is correct and then proceed with swaps
Move Notations to Know
- R = Right face clockwise; R' = Right face counterclockwise
- L = Left face clockwise; L' = Left face counterclockwise
- U = Upper face clockwise; U' = Upper face counterclockwise
- D = Down face clockwise; D' = Down face counterclockwise
- F = Front face clockwise; F' = Front face counterclockwise
- B = Back face clockwise; B' = Back face counterclockwise
- A move followed by "2" means turn that face twice (180 degrees), e.g., F2
Summary
- Solve the white face first with matching side colors.
- Orient the yellow corners on top using R′D′RDR'D'RDR′D′RD.
- Permute the yellow corners to their correct positions using corner-swapping algorithms.
- Practice these steps and algorithms to improve speed and confidence
This method is straightforward and widely used by beginners to solve the 2x2 Rubik's Cube efficiently
. For visual learners, video tutorials are available that demonstrate these steps clearly
