Beginner Method (2x2)
Solve the 2x2 from scratch with the layer-by-layer method
The 2x2 is a simpler cube than the 3x3 — only 8 corners, no edges, no centers. The beginner method solves it in 3 steps: first layer, orient last layer (OLL), permute last layer (PLL). With just 3 algorithms, you can solve the 2x2 in under 20 seconds.
How the 2x2 Works
The 2x2 Rubik's Cube (also called the Pocket Cube) has 8 corner pieces and nothing else — no edges, no centers. Each corner has 3 stickers. The total number of possible positions is 3,674,160 (compared to 43 quintillion for the 3x3), making the 2x2 much more manageable.
The color scheme is the same as the 3x3: white opposite yellow, red opposite orange, blue opposite green. Since there are no fixed centers, you define which face is which color by convention (white on top, green on front, same as 3x3).
The key insight: because there are only corners, the 2x2 is essentially a 3x3 with all edges pre-solved. If you can solve the corners of a 3x3, you can solve a 2x2. The methods are similar but simpler.
- •The 2x2 has only 8 pieces — much simpler than the 3x3
- •No edges means no middle-layer algorithms, no cross — just corners
- •You can use 3x3 corner algorithms on the 2x2
Notation for 2x2
2x2 notation is a subset of 3x3 notation. Since the cube only has one layer per face, all moves are just face turns:
• R = Right face clockwise (the entire right side) • U = Up face clockwise (the entire top) • F = Front face clockwise (the entire front) • L = Left face clockwise • D = Down face clockwise • B = Back face clockwise
Prime (') means counter-clockwise: R' = right face counter-clockwise. Double (2) means 180 degrees: R2 = right face half turn.
For the beginner method, you mostly use R, U, and F. Wide turns (lowercase) and rotations (x, y, z) are used in some Ortega algorithms but not in the beginner method.
- •2x2 uses the same notation as 3x3 — just fewer moves needed
- •Practice R U R' U' (the righty algorithm) — you will use it constantly
The 3-Step Beginner Method
The 2x2 beginner method solves the cube in 3 steps:
Step 1 — First Layer: Solve the four corners of the bottom layer (white, if you start with white on top). Find a white corner, position it above where it belongs, and use the righty algorithm (R U R' U') repeatedly until it is solved. Repeat for all four bottom corners. This is the same technique as solving the first layer corners on a 3x3.
Step 2 — Orient Last Layer (OLL): Turn the cube upside down so the solved layer is on the bottom. Now orient the top face so it is all one color (yellow, if white is on the bottom). Use the Sune algorithm (R U R' U R U2 R') repeatedly, rotating the top layer between applications, until the entire top face is the same color.
Step 3 — Permute Last Layer (PLL): The top face is all one color, but the corners may be in the wrong positions. Use the adjacent corner swap algorithm (R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2) to cycle the corners until they are all in the correct position. The cube is solved!
That is it — three steps, three algorithms. With practice, you can solve a 2x2 in under 20 seconds with just these.
- •Step 1 is identical to solving 3x3 first-layer corners — same technique
- •For OLL, keep applying Sune until the top face is solved — it always works eventually
- •For PLL, look for two adjacent correct corners and hold them in the back before applying the algorithm
Your First 2x2 Solve
Your first 2x2 solve will be faster than your first 3x3 solve — the cube is much simpler. Most people can solve it in 2-5 minutes on their first try.
1. Start with white on top. Find a white corner (one with white on it) and position it in the top-right-front position. 2. Twist the top layer to align the corner above where it belongs (matching the side colors). 3. Do R U R' U' repeatedly until the corner is solved (white on bottom, side colors matching). 4. Find the next white corner and repeat. Do all four. 5. Flip the cube. Now do OLL (orient the top face) with Sune. 6. Then do PLL (permute the corners) with the corner swap algorithm. 7. Done!
Practice 20-30 solves to build muscle memory. The 2x2 is great for learning because each solve is short and you get many repetitions quickly.
- •The 2x2 is a great warm-up cube — solve it a few times before practicing 3x3
- •If a corner is in the wrong slot, do R U R' U' to take it out, then re-insert it correctly
- •Time yourself! Use the timer on this site with 2x2 mode
Recommended 2x2 Cubes for Beginners
A good 2x2 is inexpensive and fun. Even budget 2x2 cubes feel great these days. Start with any of these — they all work for learning the beginner method.
MoYu RS2M
MoYu
The best budget 2x2. Smooth, magnetic, and incredibly cheap. If you just want to try 2x2 without spending much, this is the one.
- Factory-installed magnets
- Smooth turning
- Stickerless
- Best value 2x2
GAN MRS2
GAN
GAN quality at a budget price. Slightly lighter and faster than the RS2M. Great for beginners who want a more premium feel.
- Lightweight GAN design
- Smooth, fast turning
- Good corner cutting
- Budget GAN quality
CubeMasters earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links. This does not affect the price you pay.