The Cube Primer

Faster Methods

Where to go once the beginner method feels comfortable and you want to be quicker. These guides introduce CFOP, which stands for Cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL, and the way it streamlines the solve. The biggest change is F2L, pairing a corner with its matching edge and inserting them together rather than solving the bottom two layers in separate stages. We also cover finger tricks for fast, small turning motions, look-ahead so you are reading your next pieces while you finish the current ones, and a clear picture of how full CFOP differs from the beginner approach in both move count and feel.

Faster Methods

8 guides
Faster Methods

How to Get Faster Without Learning Every Algorithm

Most speed gains come from turning technique, look-ahead, and smarter solving, not memorizing dozens of algorithms. Here's where to focus first.

July 3, 2026
Faster Methods

What Is CFOP? The Method Speedcubers Use

CFOP is the most popular speedsolving method for the Rubik's Cube, breaking the solve into four stages: Cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL. Here's how it works.

June 30, 2026
Faster Methods

Two-Look OLL and PLL: An Easier Path to CFOP

Learn how two-look OLL and two-look PLL cut CFOP's last layer from 78 algorithms to about 16, making faster solving achievable for beginners.

June 29, 2026
Faster Methods

What Is Look-Ahead and How Do You Practice It?

Learn what look-ahead means in speedcubing, why it cuts your pauses, and how to practice it so your solve times drop steadily.

June 26, 2026
Faster Methods

How to Learn Finger Tricks for Faster Turning

Learn how to turn the cube faster with finger tricks. A beginner-friendly guide to the moves that cut seconds off your solve time.

June 19, 2026
Faster Methods

OLL and PLL Explained for Beginners

Learn what OLL and PLL are, how they finish the last layer in CFOP, and how 2-look versions let beginners learn fewer algorithms without slowing down.

June 14, 2026
Faster Methods

What Is F2L (First Two Layers)?

F2L stands for First Two Layers, the second step of CFOP where you pair corners and edges together and insert them in one smooth move instead of two.

June 10, 2026
Faster Methods

Beginner Method vs CFOP: When to Make the Switch

Thinking about upgrading from the beginner method to CFOP? Learn what changes, when most solvers make the jump, and how to transition gradually.

June 6, 2026

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