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Learning how to solve a Rubik’s Cube 2x2 is a great way to get started with speedcubing. The 2x2 Rubik’s Cube is smaller than the classic 3x3 but still packs plenty of a fun challenge! This guide will walk you through a Rubik’s Cube 2x2 solve step by step, using easy, beginner-friendly instructions that makes learning fun! Whether you're looking for a simple way to solve a 2x2 or just starting out, this is for you!
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Rubik's Apprentice 2x2
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Prefer learning visually? Watch this step‑by‑step video guide!
Before We Begin: What Do The Letters Mean?
In a simple ELI5 (Explain like I'm 5) explanation, if you’ve never seen notation like R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L before, don’t worry! It’s just a way to write down a sequence of moves. Each letter stands for a face of the cube:
- R = Right
- L = Left
- U = Up (Top)
- D = Down (Bottom)
- F = Front
- B = Back
L means moving the left face down, and L’ means moving the left face up. Similarly, R means moving the right face up, and R’ means moving the right face down.
It’s important to understand that when reading Rubik’s Cube notation, each move represents a rotation as if you were looking directly at that face.
- If you see just a letter (like L), that means turn the left face clockwise, as if you’re facing that side.
- If you see a letter with an apostrophe (like L’), that means turn the left face counterclockwise, again as if you were directly facing it.
This is the standard way to read cube notation, not just a trick to help you remember. Learning it this way will help you follow tutorials and algorithms accurately.
These moves apply when you’re looking at the cube face on, so the right face is on your right side, and the left face is on your left side.
Step 1: Solve the First Layer (Layer on Bottom)
● First, start with the white face on the bottom and choose a corner to build from, for example, the white, red, and blue corner. This gives you a clear reference point and makes it easier to follow the steps ahead.
● Place a corner next to it that shares two matching colors, for example, if you started with the white, red, and blue corner, look for another corner that also has white and red or white and blue. This will help you build a connected 2x1 bar.
● Continue to build one layer.
● If you’re having trouble placing a corner where you want it, here’s a helpful trick:
○ Many cubers find it helpful to move the corner they want to solve to the top layer, directly above where you want it on the bottom.
Use this simple move, the Right-Hand Algorithm, until the piece moves into the correct spot:
R U R’ U’
○ (Tip: If you need a refresher on what the letters like R, U, or L mean, check out the notation guide at the top of this blog!)
● Keep using this technique until all four corners of the first layer are in place and permutated correctly.
Step 2: Permute the Top Layer Corners
Now that your first layer is complete, your goal is to get each top-layer corner directly above the matching corner in the layer below (for example, the yellow-red-blue corner should be above the white-red-blue corner). This is a key part of solving a 2x2 cube.
First, rotate the top layer to try and get only one corner to match correctly with the piece below it.
If you can’t get just one corner to line up, make sure none of them are matched up, then perform the Niklas Algorithm once:
R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L U
After that, try again to rotate the top layer and get exactly one corner in the correct position. Once one corner is lined up, hold the cube so that the matched corner is in the bottom left of the top layer bottom left of the top layer before doing the algorithm again.
Repeat the Niklas Algorithm until all four corners are in the correct positions above their matching pieces.
Step 3: Orient the Top Layer Corners
● Simply rotate the cube so the side you solved first (the Down face) is now on top (the Up face). No turns are needed, just reorient how you're holding the cube.
● Hold the cube so that an unsolved corner is in the bottom right corner.
Perform the Right-Hand Algorithm until that corner is solved:
R U R’ U’
Please note: The top layer will look scrambled during this step, but by the end, both the bottom and top layers will be fully solved. This is expected; just follow the moves exactly.
● Once the corner is solved, rotate the bottom layer to move another unsolved corner into the bottom right corner.
● Repeat the Right-Hand Algorithm until that corner is solved.
● Keep repeating this process until all the corners are solved.
● Finally, align the top and bottom layers so the cube looks fully solved.
And there you have it, that's how to easily solve a rubik's cube!
You Did It!
Congratulations! You just learned how to solve a 2x2 Rubik’s Cube for beginners.
If you’re excited to keep learning, check out our shop for the best 2x2 speed cubes, accessories, and more. Whether you want to solve a 2x2 Rubik’s Cube faster or try a new challenge, we’ve got you covered at SpeedCubeShop.
