SpeedcubeQuest v1.0.16
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F2L Cheat Sheet

Intuitive F2L - the two basic inserts and how to set up any pair.

How to read it: every pair is get both pieces to the top → make the pair → insert. Moves are written for the front-right slot; the left-hand mirror is shown where it helps. R L U D F B turn each face clockwise; a prime (′) means counter-clockwise and a 2 is a half turn. Full reference in the F2L notation guide.

The two basic inserts

Every pair finishes with one of these. Learn them on the front-right slot; every other case just sets up one of them.

Matched pair

Top colours match and the pair is already together.

Right URU'R'
Left U'L'UL
  1. Move the pair away from the slot
  2. Open the slot
  3. Move the pair into the opened slot
  4. Close the slot

Split pair

Top colours differ; the edge is one turn from the white corner.

Right RUR'
Left L'U'L
  1. Open the slot, joining the pair in the process
  2. Move the pair into the opened slot
  3. Close the slot

Get a stuck piece to the top

A corner or edge trapped in a slot comes out the way it went in - a basic insert run backwards.

Piece stuck in a slot

Works for a stuck corner or a stuck edge.

Right RUR'
Left L'U'L
  1. Open the slot the piece is in
  2. Swing it out of the slot, onto the top
  3. Close the slot

Make the pair - pieces apart on top

Corner and edge are both on top but not next to each other, with the corner over its own slot. Make the pair, then finish with a basic insert.

Same colour on top

The two top stickers match.

U F'U'FU'
  1. Turn the corner one step, keeping its white face in view
  2. Hide the corner
  3. Move the edge into place for the pair
  4. Bring the corner back over its slot

Differing colours on top

The two top stickers differ.

UF'UF U'
  1. Turn the corner one step, keeping its white face in view
  2. Hide the corner
  3. Move the edge into place for the pair
  4. Bring the corner back over its slot

White on top

The corner's white sticker points straight up.

URU2R'
  1. Align the edge with the matching centre
  2. Hide the edge in a slot
  3. Spin the corner over the hidden edge
  4. Bring the edge back up, now a ready pair

Make the pair - pieces misjoined on top

Corner and edge are stuck together on top the wrong way. Whatever their colours, split them the same way, then finish like a pieces-apart case.

Splitting two pieces

Works for every misjoined pair - the colours don't matter.

RU'R'U
  1. Hide the corner in a slot to free the edge
  2. Move the edge aside on top
  3. Bring the corner back up
  4. Line the ready-to-insert pair up

From speedcube.quest - the free, interactive intuitive F2L guide.