The CFOP Method Explained: From Beginner to Advanced

CFOP Method Explained: How Speedcubers Solve the Rubik’s Cube Faster

CFOP is pretty much the gold standard for speedcubing, almost everyone uses it. It splits the 3x3 solve into four parts: Cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL. Once you get kinda used to it, this is the method that can push you into those crazy sub-10 second times. You don't have to learn all the 78 algorithms for CFOP right away. Beginners usually start with a stripped down 2 look version.

If you're ready to improve and get seriously fast, CFOP might just be your best bet.

Quick Summary: How CFOP Works

Total full CFOP = 78 algorithms
But you can start with just a few easy algorithms and still get reasonably fast, and to be honest, you can reach even sub-15 times without the 57 algorithms of full OLL. Full OLL is only required for that last sub-10 push!

What Is CFOP?

So, what does CFOP actually stand for? 

• Cross
• F2L (First Two Layers)
• OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer)
• PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer)
  
  

It’s the most documented and optimized method out there. While it may look scary at first, learning it step by step makes it very manageable, even for beginners.

Step 1: The Cross

What you have to do in this step is to place four edge pieces around the center to form a cross on your main color. Let’s assume it’s white for the rest of this tutorial!

You should already know how to make a cross from the beginner's method, and CFOP is all about optimizing the cross solution and being efficient with it.

Tips to Improve Your Cross

• Do cross-only untimed solves to get more efficient
• Aim to solve the cross in 8 moves or fewer
• Cut down on the cube rotations
• Plan the entire cross during inspection
• Practice solving the cross on the bottom, not the top

With enough practice, the cross becomes a 1–2 second step. Crazy, right?

Step 2: F2L (First Two Layers)

Now comes the different part. Instead of solving:

• First-layer corners
• Second-layer edges

F2L involves pairing them as corner + edge and inserting them together. Amazing concept right!
This single change saves the majority of moves. It’s the biggest improvement in speed you'll make with CFOP.

How to Get Better at F2L

• Start with intuitive F2L (no algorithms needed initially)
• Look at tutorials and example solves to improve your approach
• Do slow and untimed F2L solves to play around with cases and get comfortable with F2L
• Cut down on cube rotations as much as possible
• Learn advanced F2L cases one at a time
• Focus on lookahead by doing slow solves
• Add algorithmic F2L only for tricky cases

Mastering F2L can cut solve times from 1 minute all the way to 30 seconds.

ADDITIONAL TIP: You might get a bit slower after moving from beginner’s method to F2L (CFOP) but practice will make your times dip really fast.

Step 3: OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer)

Once the first two layers are solved, OLL flips all the pieces on the top layer so the stickers (yellow in our case) face up.

Two Ways to Learn OLL

2-Look OLL (Recommended way to start)

• 3 algorithms to make a cross on top
• 7 algorithms to orient the corners
• Total: 10 algorithms
• Very easy to learn, and beginner friendly

Full OLL (Advanced)

• 57 algorithms
• Orients the entire last layer in one step

Start with 2-Look OLL and gradually move to full OLL as you get faster.

Step 4: PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer)

OLL orients the pieces so that yellow faces upwards. PLL puts them in the correct positions, solving the cube.

Learning PLL, 2 Ways (Again!)

2-Look PLL (Recommended to start)

• 2 corner permutation algorithms
  
• 4 edge permutation algorithms
• 6 algorithms total
• A great stepping stone for beginners.

Full PLL

• 21 algorithms
• Permutes the entire last layer in one step

Full OLL + Full PLL means that the last layer is solved in just two algorithms, which is essential for sub-10 solves. 2-look PLL is fine to start with, but learning full PLL, however, is important to reach the sub-15 and sub-20 mark.

How to Improve at CFOP

If you already know basic CFOP, here’s how to get faster:

1. Lookahead (It is actually the number 1 tip)

Speedcubing isn’t just about turning fast. It’s about eliminating pauses in between. You have to be looking at what you’re going to do next while doing what you’re doing. Practice looking at the first F2L pair while solving the cross, and the next F2L pairs while solving the current pair. This alone cuts down most of your time after getting comfortable with CFOP.

2. Finger Tricks

An algorithm is only as good as the finger tricks used to execute it! Experiment with different algorithms for the same case and choose the one that fits your turning style best.

Is CFOP the Right Method for You?

CFOP is the most popular method in speedcubing, but it’s not the only one. Some cubers prefer Roux or ZZ for their unique styles.

However, if you want:

• The most tutorials and resources.
• The most used method.
• The most world records.

CFOP is the safest and strongest choice.

FAQs