The cross
IntuitiveThe 4 white edges, solved directly on the bottom. Planned during inspection, in 8 moves or fewer.
CFOP method
The speedcubers’ method
Used by everyone from beginners to world record holders. It builds on the beginner method: same steps, grouped and more efficient.
F2L
41 cases, mostly intuitiveThe first two layers, pair by pair: a corner and its edge joined, then inserted together. More than half of your solve time.
See the algorithmsOLL
10, then 57 algorithmsThe whole top face yellow. First as 2-look (10 algorithms), then full (57).
See the algorithmsPLL
6, then 21 algorithmsMoving the top pieces to their spots. First as 2-look (6 algorithms), then full (21).
See the algorithmsRealistic times
| Level | What you know | Typical average |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Layer-by-layer method | 1:30 to 3:00 |
| Intermediate | Cross on bottom, intuitive F2L, 2-look | 35 to 60 s |
| Advanced | Full PLL, good lookahead | 20 to 30 s |
| Expert | Full OLL, advanced F2L | under 15 s |
The #1 factor isn’t how many algorithms you know, it’s fluency. Your path follows exactly this progression.