CFOP Method (Fridrich Method) Speedcubing Tutorial
The **CFOP Method** (Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL), also popularly known as the **Fridrich Method** after Jessica Fridrich, is the most common technique used by professional speedcubers to solve the Rubik's Cube. It is highly optimized for human execution and muscle memory. The world record solves (currently under 4 seconds) are almost exclusively achieved using CFOP.
CFOP divides the solve into 4 distinct phases. Rather than solving layer by layer sequentially, CFOP pairs corners and edges in the U layer and inserts them simultaneously. This cuts down the move count significantly compared to the beginner's method, achieving solves in around 50 to 60 moves.
The Four Phases of CFOP
C The Cross
Solve the white cross directly on the bottom face (without the daisy step). Professional speedcubers plan this entire phase during the 15-second inspection time. It takes 8 moves or fewer.
F First Two Layers (F2L)
Combine the bottom corner piece with its matching middle-layer edge to form a pair, and insert them together into the slot. There are 41 default F2L cases. Practicing F2L helps you reduce lookahead pauses.
O Orientation of Last Layer (OLL)
Turn all top-layer yellow stickers face up, without placing them in their final positions. There are 57 OLL cases, each requiring a specific algorithm.
P Permutation of Last Layer (PLL)
Rearrange the pieces of the last layer to solve the entire Rubik's Cube. There are 21 PLL cases (labeled Aa, Ab, F, T, etc.).