How to Solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube: Tricks and Speed Algorithms (2024)

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1Rubik's Cube Notation

2Solving the White Layer

3Solving the Yellow Layer

4Solving the Cube

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Co-authored byTimothy Huynhand Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: June 27, 2024Fact Checked

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If you’re new to Rubik’s puzzles, the 2x2 Rubik’s Cube is a great starting point. All you need are some simple algorithms to master the two-layered "Pocket Cube" or "Mini Cube." Here, we’ll explain what the algorithm notations mean, then walk you through how to use those algorithms to solve the beginner-friendly 2x2 Rubik's Cube. Read on to try out this fun puzzle, learn the basics of Rubik's cubes, and impress your friends.

Section 1 of 4:

Rubik's Cube Notation

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  1. 1

    There are 6 faces on a 2x2 Rubik’s Cube. Each face is represented by a letter. The letters we’ll be using are (R), (L), (U), (D), (F), and (B).

    • R = The right face
    • L = The left face
    • U = The top face
    • D = The bottom face
    • F = The face at the front
    • B = The face at the back
  2. 2

    A letter represents turning one face 90°. Rotate a face with the corresponding letter 90° clockwise. For example, (R) means to rotate the right face 90° clockwise once.

    • R = Right
    • L = Left
    • U = Up
    • D = Down
    • F = Front
    • B = Back

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  3. 3

    A letter with an apostrophe is a 90° turn counterclockwise. Rotate a face with the corresponding letter 90° counterclockwise. For example, (D') means to rotate the bottom face 90° counterclockwise.

    • R'
    • L'
    • U'
    • D'
    • F'
    • B'
  4. 4

    A letter with '2' next to it is a 180° rotation, which is two 90° rotations. Rotate a face with the corresponding letter 180°. For example, (L2) means to make two 90° rotations with the left face, which equals a 180° rotation.

    • R2
    • L2
    • U2
    • D2
    • F2
    • B2
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Section 2 of 4:

Solving the White Layer

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  1. 1

    Use (U), (U’), or (U2) to move 3 white pieces to the bottom face. Start by finding a face that already has at least 1 white piece. Then, try 1 of these 3 algorithms until you create a bottom face with 3 white pieces.[1]

  2. 2

    Use (R U' R') or (R U R') to place a white piece above the bottom face. If a white piece isn’t already on one of the faces on the top layer of the cube, try (R U' R') or (R U R'). One of these algorithms will move a white piece to the upper corner of one of the faces.[2]

  3. 3

    Perform the (R U R’), (U R U’ R), and (U R2 U’R2) algorithms. These 3 algorithms rotate all the white pieces. Repeat the sequence until the bottom face of the 2x2 Rubik’s cube has 4 white pieces.[3]

    • (R U R')
      Moves 1 white piece from the top row of the right face down to the bottom face.
    • (U R U' R)
      Moves 1 white piece from the top row of the face across from you down to the bottom face.
    • (U R2 U'R2)
      Moves 1 white piece from the bottom row of the topmost face all the way down to the bottom face.
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Section 3 of 4:

Solving the Yellow Layer

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  1. 1

    View your 2x2 Rubik’s Cube from the top. Orient your cube so the white face you solved is at the bottom. Check for all the yellow corner pieces remaining.[4]

  2. 2

    If you only see 1 yellow corner on the top face, use 1 algorithm. Use (R U2)(R’ U’R’ U’R’) if you see 1 yellow piece in the right hand corner. If you see 1 yellow piece in the lower left hand corner, use (R U R’U)(R U2 R’).

  3. 3

    If you see 0 yellow pieces or more than 1 yellow piece on the top face: Select 1 of 5 algorithms. Choose only one algorithm—select the right one based on the number of yellow corner pieces you see on the top face. Also check for where the other yellow pieces are on the cube. Use that specific algorithm to solve the yellow layer.[5]

    • (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’)
      Use if you see: 0 yellow corner pieces on the top face. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the face across from you. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the face right in front of you.
    • (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U’) + (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’)
      Use if you see: 0 yellow corner pieces on the top face. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the face across from you. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the face in front of you. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the left face.
    • (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U’) + (R U R’U) (R U2 R’)
      Use if you see: 2 yellow pieces on the top face—1 on the upper left hand corner and 1 on the lower left hand corner. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the right face.
    • (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U) + (R U R’U) (R U2 R’)
      Use if you see: 2 yellow pieces on the top face—1 on the lower left hand corner and 1 on the lower right hand corner. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the left side. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the right side.
    • (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U2) + (R U R’U) (R U2 R’)
      Use if you see: 2 yellow pieces on the top face—1 on the upper left hand corner and 1 on the lower right hand corner. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the face in front of you. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the right face.
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Section 4 of 4:

Solving the Cube

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  1. 1

    Use (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) on corner pieces with the same color. For example, start with 2 blue corner pieces, then move on to 2 orange corner pieces. Then, turn the cube upside down and perform (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) until the cube is solved.[6]

    • This is one alternative to use in order to solve the cube. After you solve the yellow side, try this method if you see a lot of corner pieces next to pieces of the same color.
  2. 2

    Use (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) for corner pieces next to different colors. This will match corner pieces of the same color together. For example, perform the algorithm if an orange corner piece is right next to a red corner piece. Then, use the (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) algorithm again.[7]

    • Finally, flip the cube upside down and perform (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) until all the cube’s sides are solved.
    • This is the other alternative for completely solving the cube. If you've already solved the yellow face and the rest of the cube's corner pieces are next to pieces that are different colors, try this method.
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      About This Article

      How to Solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube: Tricks and Speed Algorithms (31)

      Co-authored by:

      Timothy Huynh

      Rubik’s Cube Champion

      This article was co-authored by Timothy Huynh and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. Timothy Huynh is a Rubik’s Cube Artist & Champion based in Tampa, Florida. Timothy has been solving Rubik's Cubes professionally since 2016 and became a Guinness World Record Holder with advanced Rubik's cube-solving skills. Timothy has a follower base of over 8.6 million YouTube subscribers and 124k followers on Instagram. Internet celebrities including David Dobrik and Simu Liu have sung his praises, and Pixar has deemed his work "incredible." This article has been viewed 296,020 times.

      2 votes - 50%

      Co-authors: 19

      Updated: June 27, 2024

      Views:296,020

      Categories: Featured Articles | Rubik's Cube

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