Two-look OLL · look 1: the cross
L-shape algorithm.
You can see two yellow edges on top, next to each other. The yellow corners do not matter in this step. The L-shape algorithm is 6 moves long: f R U R' U' f'.
The algorithm
f R U R' U' f'
6 moves. After it, the top shows a yellow cross, and the first two layers are exactly as they were.
Watch it, move by move
Turn on JavaScript to watch this on a 3D cube. The moves are: f R U R' U' f'
- f
- R
- U
- R'
- U'
- f'
How to recognise it
You can see two yellow edges on top, next to each other. The yellow corners do not matter in this step.
Hold the cube so the top looks like the picture. The two yellow edges should be at the back and on the left.
Tips for learning it
- Say the moves aloud in groups: f R U R' | U' f'.
- Practise it on the virtual cube until you can type it from memory, then on a real cube.
- Do it ten times in a row and see how many go wrong. Slow and right beats fast and wrong.
FAQ
L-shape: questions
What does the L-shape algorithm do?
It turns the last-layer edges yellow to make the cross. It uses 6 moves and leaves the first two layers as they were: f R U R' U' f'.
How do I recognise the L-shape case?
You can see two yellow edges on top, next to each other. The yellow corners do not matter in this step. Match the top of your cube to the picture on this page.
What is the inverse of the L-shape algorithm?
f U R U' R' f'. Doing it undoes the algorithm and recreates the case.
What comes after two-look OLL?
Two-look PLL: put the pieces in their right places. See the PLL algorithms page.
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