Ortega Method
The intermediate 2x2 method — solve in 3 looks with 12 algorithms
Ortega is the standard intermediate 2x2 method. It solves the cube in 3 steps: solve the first layer (intuitive), orient both layers simultaneously (OLL, 7 algorithms), and permute both layers at once (PBL, 5 algorithms). With 12 algorithms total, Ortega takes you from 20 seconds down to 5 seconds.
What is the Ortega Method?
Ortega (also called the Ortega Method) is a 3-step 2x2 method:
1. First Layer (intuitive): Solve the bottom layer using any method. No algorithms needed — just insert corners like in the beginner method.
2. OLL (Orient Last Layer, 7 algorithms): Orient the entire top face in a single algorithm. There are 7 possible cases. This replaces the beginner method's repeated Sune approach with a single lookup.
3. PBL (Permute Both Layers, 5 algorithms): After OLL, both the top and bottom layers are oriented but the corners may be in the wrong position. PBL algorithms permute both layers simultaneously in one algorithm. There are 5 cases.
Total: 12 algorithms (7 OLL + 5 PBL). This is much fewer than the 3x3's 78 algorithms for full CFOP, making Ortega very accessible.
The key advantage over the beginner method: you solve both layers in the last two steps instead of one at a time. PBL algorithms handle both layers at once, saving an entire step.
- •Ortega has only 12 algorithms — fewer than 2-Look CFOP for 3x3
- •First layer is fully intuitive, no algorithms needed
- •PBL (Permutation of Both Layers) is the key innovation — solve both layers at once
First Layer (Intuitive)
The first step of Ortega is to solve the bottom layer. This is the same as the beginner method's first step — there are no algorithms to memorize.
How to solve the first layer efficiently: 1. During inspection (15 seconds), identify all 4 bottom-layer corners. 2. Plan which corners go where and in what order. 3. Insert each corner using the righty algorithm (R U R' U') or its mirror (L' U' L U). 4. Aim to solve the first layer in 5-8 moves.
With practice, you can solve the first layer in 2-3 seconds. The key is planning during inspection — know where each corner goes before you start turning.
Advanced tip: You can choose the easier layer to solve. If the white-layer corners are in bad positions but the yellow-layer corners are easy, solve yellow on the bottom instead. This is called "layer choice" and saves several moves on average.
- •Plan the entire first layer during the 15-second inspection
- •Choose the easier layer (white or yellow) — don't always default to white
- •Aim for 5-8 moves for the first layer
- •Use the righty algorithm (R U R' U') to insert corners
Ortega OLL (7 Algorithms)
After solving the first layer, you orient the top face. In the beginner method, you used repeated Sune. In Ortega, you recognize the pattern and apply a single algorithm.
The 7 OLL cases for 2x2 are identical to the 7 corner-orientation cases from 3x3's 2-Look OLL:
• Sune (1 corner oriented, 3 need CW) • Anti-Sune (1 corner oriented, 3 need CCW) • Pi (0 corners oriented, headlights on both sides) • H (0 corners oriented, no headlights) • T (2 corners oriented, adjacent) • L (2 corners oriented, diagonal) • U (2 corners oriented, opposite)
If you already know 2-Look OLL for 3x3, you already know these 7 algorithms. They are the exact same cases applied to the 2x2's top face.
Recognition tips: Look at the top face. Count how many corners are oriented (yellow on top). Then look at the side patterns (headlights, bars) to distinguish the specific case.
- •These are the same 7 algorithms as 3x3 2-Look OLL corner orientation
- •Count oriented corners first (0, 1, or 2) to narrow down the case
- •Look for headlights (two same-color stickers on the same side) to distinguish Pi from H
- •Drill with the Algorithm Trainer — recognition speed is everything
Ortega PBL (5 Algorithms)
PBL (Permutation of Both Layers) is the final step of Ortega. After OLL, both faces are a solid color, but the corners may be in the wrong position on either layer. PBL algorithms fix both layers simultaneously.
The 5 PBL cases: 1. Adjacent swap on both layers: Both the top and bottom have two adjacent corners that need to swap. Use the T-Perm algorithm. 2. Diagonal swap on both layers: Both layers have diagonal corner swaps. Use the Y-Perm algorithm. 3. Adjacent swap on bottom only: The bottom layer needs a swap, the top is solved. Use the Ua-Perm. 4. Diagonal swap on bottom only: The bottom needs a diagonal swap, the top is solved. Use the Y-Perm. 5. Adjacent swap on top only: The top needs a swap, the bottom is solved. Use the T-Perm.
Recognition: After OLL, look at both the top and bottom layers. Check each for: • Solved (all corners in position) — no PBL needed for that layer • Adjacent swap (two adjacent corners swapped) — headlights tell you which are swapped • Diagonal swap (two diagonal corners swapped) — no headlights at all
Then apply the matching PBL algorithm. If one layer is solved and the other needs a swap, hold the solved layer on the bottom and apply the appropriate algorithm.
- •Check both layers before applying PBL — know which case you have
- •Headlights on a layer = adjacent swap. No headlights = diagonal swap
- •If both layers are solved after OLL, skip PBL entirely — the cube is done
- •Practice PBL recognition separately — it is the hardest part of Ortega
Practice Strategy for Ortega
Ortega is about speed through recognition. The algorithms are short, so the bottleneck is recognizing which case you have and executing without pauses.
Training plan: 1. Learn OLL first (7 algorithms). Drill recognition with the Algorithm Trainer until you can identify each case in under 1 second. 2. Learn PBL (5 algorithms). Practice recognizing the PBL case from the pattern on both layers. 3. Do "first layer only" drills: scramble, solve only the first layer, reset. Aim for 3 seconds. 4. Do "OLL only" drills: set up a solved first layer, apply random U moves, then practice OLL recognition and execution. 5. Full solves: Put it all together. Aim for sub-5 with Ortega.
Inspection is critical in 2x2. During your 15 seconds: • Plan the entire first layer (which corners, which order, which moves) • If time allows, peek at the top layer to pre-recognize the OLL case
With consistent practice, Ortega can get you to 3-5 seconds average. For sub-3, you need CLL (42 algorithms) or EG (120 algorithms).
- •Learn OLL before PBL — OLL is more common and the algorithms are shared with 3x3
- •Drill first-layer-only solves to build inspection and execution speed
- •Aim for sub-1-second OLL recognition — there are only 7 cases
- •Full Ortega with good recognition = sub-5 average
Recommended 2x2 Cubes for Ortega
As you speed up with Ortega, you need a cube that can handle faster turning without popping. These are the cubes intermediate 2x2 solvers use.
MoYu WR M 2x2
MoYu
MoYu's flagship 2x2. Adjustable magnets, excellent corner cutting, and the smooth feel MoYu is known for. The go-to cube for Ortega-level solvers.
- Adjustable magnet system
- Excellent corner cutting
- Smooth, fast feel
- Flagship MoYu quality
GAN 2x2 Maglev
GAN
GAN's maglev 2x2. The maglev system gives incredibly smooth turns with no spring friction. Very fast and light — great for sub-5 Ortega.
- Maglev system
- Ultra-smooth turns
- Lightweight
- GAN premium quality
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