Two-look OLL · look 2: the corners
U algorithm.
The yellow cross is already made. Two corners have their yellow stickers on top, and 2 yellow stickers face sideways. The U algorithm is 9 moves long: R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'.
The algorithm
R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'
9 moves. After it, the whole top face is yellow, 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: R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'
- R2
- D
- R'
- U2
- R
- D'
- R'
- U2
- R'
How to recognise it
The yellow cross is already made. Two corners have their yellow stickers on top, and 2 yellow stickers face sideways.
Turn the top layer until the sideways yellow stickers match the picture, then do the algorithm.
Tips for learning it
- Say the moves aloud in groups: R2 D R' U2 | R D' R' U2 | R'.
- 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
U: questions
What does the U algorithm do?
It turns the last-layer corners yellow so the whole top face is one colour. It uses 9 moves and leaves the first two layers as they were: R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'.
How do I recognise the U case?
The yellow cross is already made. Two corners have their yellow stickers on top, and 2 yellow stickers face sideways. Match the top of your cube to the picture on this page.
What is the inverse of the U algorithm?
R U2 R D R' U2 R D' R2. 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.
Start a conversation
Want a teacher to guide the cubing?
Tell us the learner's age and what they can already do, and we will suggest a starting point. A parent or guardian can make the enquiry.
- Tell us the learner’s age or grade and goals
- We’ll suggest a suitable class or learning path
- We’ll confirm format, timing and fees with a parent or guardian
Play it, don't just read it
Practise the cube in your browser
Free games that need no sign-up. Pick one and play for five minutes.
Pick a game
- Cube Notation QuizRead Rubik's Cube moves like a speedcuber: R, U', F2, Rw, M and x. Match…Play
- Cube Move DetectiveTwo pictures of a Rubik's Cube, before and after. Find the turn, or the…Play
- PLL Recognition TrainerSee the top of a Rubik's Cube from above and name the PLL case, from the…Play
- Knights and KnavesKnights always tell the truth and knaves always lie. Read their words…Play