CFOP method facts for kids
The CFOP method (which stands for Cross – F2L – OLL – PLL) is a super popular way to solve a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube really fast! People who do speedcubing (solving cubes quickly) use it a lot. It's also known as the Fridrich method because a speedcuber named Jessica Fridrich helped make it famous in 1997 by sharing it online.
This method solves the cube layer by layer. First, you make a "cross" on one side. Then, you solve the first two layers together. After that, you get all the top pieces facing the right way. Finally, you put the top pieces in their correct spots.
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How the CFOP Method Works
The CFOP method breaks down solving the Rubik's Cube into four main steps. Each step builds on the last one until your cube is completely solved!
The Cross
This is the very first step! You solve four edge pieces on one side of the cube. They form a "cross" shape. These pieces connect to a center piece of the same color. Most speedcubers make the cross on the bottom of the cube. This helps them see the other pieces better for the next steps and avoids turning the whole cube around.
First Two Layers (F2L)
After the cross, you work on the First Two Layers, or F2L. In this step, you pair up a corner piece and an edge piece. Then, you move this pair to its correct spot on the cube. There are 42 different ways these pairs can be arranged. Many people learn to do this step by understanding how the pieces move, which is called "intuitively."
Orienting the Last Layer (OLL)
Once the first two layers are done, it's time for OLL. This stands for "Orientation of the Last Layer." In this step, you make sure all the pieces on the top layer have the same color facing upwards. It doesn't matter if the side colors are wrong yet. There are 57 different moves (called algorithms) you can learn for this step.
A simpler way to do OLL is called "two-look OLL." With this, you first get all the edge pieces facing correctly. Then, you get all the corner pieces facing correctly. This uses fewer algorithms, usually just ten.
Permuting the Last Layer (PLL)
The final step is PLL, which means "Permutation of the Last Layer." In this stage, all the top pieces are already facing the right way. Now, you just need to move them into their correct places. There are 21 different algorithms for this step. Each algorithm has a letter name, like "A permutation" or "T permutation." These names often come from what the moves look like.
Just like OLL, there's a "two-look" PLL. This solves the corners first, then the edges. It uses only six algorithms.
Why Speedcubers Use CFOP
CFOP is very popular among speedcubers. Many top cubers, like Max Park and Feliks Zemdegs, use it. They like CFOP because it uses a lot of algorithms. Algorithms are specific sequences of moves. This method also relies on pattern recognition (seeing patterns on the cube) and muscle memory (doing moves without thinking).
Most of the best speedcubers in the world use CFOP. This includes Yusheng Du (杜宇生), who holds the world record for solving a 3x3x3 cube in just 3.47 seconds!
See also
In Spanish: Método CFOP para niños
