First Two Layers
Beginner F2L
Solve the bottom two layers together, one corner-edge pair at a time. An introductory guide to intuitive F2L - the first big upgrade from the beginner method.
Examples of solving a F2L pair in different ways.
This guide teaches intuitive F2l by concepts rather than algorithms.
What is F2L?
F2L is the technique of doing the first two layers at the same time by inserting corner and edge as a pair, as opposed to the beginner method of placing the corners and edges one at a time.
The basic inserts
Hold on to your hats, because we start off the guide by showing the last step - inserting the pair. Every pair finishes with one of two inserts, with two mirror variants each. Each card in this guide visualizes both the left and the right hand.
Don't memorize the algorithms as strings of moves, instead read the descriptions and understand the concepts.
Matched pair
Top colours match, and the pair is already together
Split pair
Top colours differ, and the edge is one step away from the white corner.
Setting up the pair
The first step is to get both pieces up into the top layer.
Getting a piece out of a slot
A piece stuck in a slot comes out the way it went in: a basic insert, run in reverse.
Corner in a slot
Edge in a slot
Pieces apart on top
If the corner and edge are both on top but not in the correct positon relative to eachother.
Same colour on top
Differing colours on top
White on top
Pieces misjoined on top
If the corner and edge sit joined the wrong way round, split them apart first - whatever their colours, the moves are the same.
Splitting two pieces
The split is the same for every misjoined pair, regardless of colors and orientations.
Full solve walkthrough
These are real solves taken all the way through F2L, starting from a finished cross. Each pair is solved in turn, and the cube is rotated so the pair being solved sits at the front-right.
Every pair starts with a locate step. The cube dims to the cross and that pair, so you practise finding the two pieces before anything moves. Then set up the pair and insert it. Switch between the example solves below.
- Pair 1: pieces apart on top
- Pair 2: already matched, just insert
- Pair 3: pieces join as they drop in
- Pair 4: corner stuck in its slot
Press play to continue from the slider, or click any step: locate a pair, then watch it go in.
That's all of F2L!
Two inserts and their mirrors, one colour check to read a case, a way to set up the pair, and a way to get stuck pieces out of a slot. Every one of the 41 cases is a combination of what you just learned.
Tip: prefer to practise away from the screen? Get the printable cheat sheet.
What's next?
- Practice with the F2L trainer and the lookahead trainer.
- Ready for algorithms? The F2L database has every case with community-voted algorithms, and the F2L notation guide explains how the cases are named.
- Finish your solves faster with 2-Look OLL and 2-Look PLL, the natural companions to F2L.
Frequently asked questions
- What does F2L mean?
- F2L stands for First Two Layers: the CFOP step where you pair each white corner with its matching edge and insert them together, solving the bottom two layers in four pairs. It replaces the layer-by-layer approach of the beginner method.
- Do I need to learn all 41 F2L algorithms?
- No. Intuitive F2L means every case is a couple of setup moves plus a basic insert. Learn algorithms later, one awkward case at a time.
- When should I switch from the beginner method to F2L?
- As soon as you can solve the cube reliably. F2L replaces the first-layer-corners and middle-layer-edges steps of the beginner method.
- Why did my solves get slower?
- Completely normal. F2L uses fewer moves but more thinking at first; after a couple of weeks of relaxed practice it overtakes the beginner method for good.