Mastering 2-Look OLL: A Comprehensive Guide to Solving the Rubik’s Cube
Solving a Rubik’s Cube can seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right techniques, anyone can learn to conquer this classic puzzle. After mastering the beginner’s method, one of the most efficient ways to improve your solving speed is by learning 2-Look OLL (Orientation of Last Layer). This method significantly reduces the number of algorithms you need to know compared to full OLL, making it a perfect stepping stone to faster solve times.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of 2-Look OLL, providing detailed instructions, algorithms, and tips to help you master this technique.
## Prerequisites
Before diving into 2-Look OLL, ensure you are comfortable with the following:
* **Beginner’s Method:** You should be able to solve the Rubik’s Cube using a beginner’s method, such as the layer-by-layer approach.
* **F2L Intuition:** While not strictly required, having some understanding of F2L (First Two Layers) will be beneficial as it helps you solve the first two layers efficiently.
* **Notation:** Familiarize yourself with standard Rubik’s Cube notation:
* **F:** Front face
* **B:** Back face
* **R:** Right face
* **L:** Left face
* **U:** Up face
* **D:** Down face
* **’**: Counter-clockwise turn
* **2:** Turn twice (180 degrees)
## What is 2-Look OLL?
OLL, or Orientation of Last Layer, involves orienting all the pieces on the top layer (yellow, in most standard color schemes) so that they are facing upwards, without necessarily being in the correct position. Full OLL involves learning 57 algorithms to orient the last layer in one step. 2-Look OLL breaks this process into two simpler steps:
1. **Orient Edges:** Orient the edges on the top layer so that the yellow faces are facing up.
2. **Orient Corners:** Orient the corners on the top layer so that the yellow faces are facing up.
This approach reduces the number of algorithms needed to learn significantly, making it easier to memorize and apply, especially for beginners and intermediate solvers.
## Step 1: Orienting the Edges (Orient Edges)
The first step in 2-Look OLL is to orient the edges of the last layer. There are only three possible cases you need to recognize and learn:
**Case 1: No Edges Oriented**
In this case, none of the edges on the top layer have their yellow faces oriented upwards. The algorithm to solve this is:
* **Algorithm:** `FRUR’U’F’`
**How to Recognize:** Look for a situation where none of the top layer edge pieces have a yellow face on top. All four edge pieces will have yellow on the sides.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube so that the top layer is facing up.
2. Perform the algorithm `FRUR’U’F’`. This algorithm will orient two edges. Then proceed to the next case.
3. You might need to perform the algorithm multiple times, rotating the U face in between to correctly orient the remaining edges. See case 2 and 3 on how to proceed after performing the algorithm once or twice.
**Case 2: Two Opposite Edges Oriented**
In this case, two opposite edges on the top layer are oriented (yellow face upwards), while the other two are not.
* **Algorithm:** `RUR’U R U2 R’`
**How to Recognize:** Identify that two opposite edge pieces are correctly oriented (yellow face up), while the remaining two need orientation.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube such that the two *incorrectly* oriented edges are on the front and back faces. The two correct edges should be on your left and right.
2. Perform the algorithm `RUR’U R U2 R’`. This will orient all edges.
**Case 3: Two Adjacent Edges Oriented**
In this case, two adjacent edges on the top layer are oriented (yellow face upwards), while the other two are not.
* **Algorithm:** `FRU R’U’ F’ U FRU R’U’ F’`
**How to Recognize:** Identify that two adjacent edge pieces are correctly oriented (yellow face up), while the remaining two need orientation.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube such that the two *correctly* oriented edges are on the back and the right faces. In other words, one correctly oriented edge should be on the back, and the other one on the right.
2. Perform the algorithm `FRU R’U’ F’ U FRU R’U’ F’`. This will orient all edges.
**Tips for Edge Orientation:**
* **Practice:** Practice recognizing these three cases quickly. The faster you can identify the case, the faster you can execute the algorithm.
* **Look Ahead:** Try to anticipate what the next case will be after performing an algorithm. This can help you avoid pauses and improve your flow.
* **Cube Rotations:** Don’t hesitate to perform cube rotations (e.g., `x`, `y`, `z` rotations) to get the correct orientation before applying the algorithm.
## Step 2: Orienting the Corners (Orient Corners)
After orienting the edges, the next step is to orient the corners. This involves getting all the yellow faces on the corner pieces to face upwards. There are seven possible cases in this step of 2-Look OLL, which are described below.
**Case 1: No Corners Oriented**
In this case, none of the corners on the top layer have their yellow faces oriented upwards. This is often called the “Sune” case.
* **Algorithm:** `R U R’ U R U2 R’`
**How to Recognize:** Look for a situation where none of the top layer corner pieces have a yellow face on top.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube with any side facing you.
2. Perform the algorithm `R U R’ U R U2 R’`. This algorithm will usually solve the case.
3. If not solve, perform the algorthm again.
**Case 2: One Corner Oriented (Clockwise)**
In this case, one corner is correctly oriented (yellow face upwards), and the other three need to be oriented clockwise.
* **Algorithm:** `L’ U’ L U’ L’ U2 L`
**How to Recognize:** Identify that only one corner piece is correctly oriented (yellow face up), and the other three need to rotate clockwise.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube such that the correctly oriented corner is on the back-left position of the top layer.
2. Perform the algorithm `L’ U’ L U’ L’ U2 L`. This will orient all corners.
**Case 3: One Corner Oriented (Counter-Clockwise)**
In this case, one corner is correctly oriented (yellow face upwards), and the other three need to be oriented counter-clockwise.
* **Algorithm:** `R U R’ U R U2 R’`
**How to Recognize:** Identify that only one corner piece is correctly oriented (yellow face up), and the other three need to rotate counter-clockwise.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube such that the correctly oriented corner is on the front-right position of the top layer.
2. Perform the algorithm `R U R’ U R U2 R’`. This will orient all corners.
**Case 4: Two Corners Oriented (Adjacent)**
In this case, two adjacent corners are correctly oriented (yellow face upwards).
* **Algorithm:** `R U2 R’ U’ R U’ R’`
**How to Recognize:** Identify that two adjacent corner pieces are correctly oriented (yellow face up).
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube such that the two correctly oriented corners are on the back face of the top layer.
2. Perform the algorithm `R U2 R’ U’ R U’ R’`. This will orient all corners.
**Case 5: Two Corners Oriented (Diagonal, Sune variation)**
In this case, two diagonal corners are correctly oriented (yellow face upwards). This case requires you to do the algorithm and then rotate the cube to complete the OLL.
* **Algorithm:** `R U R’ U R U2 R’`
**How to Recognize:** Identify that two diagonal corner pieces are correctly oriented (yellow face up).
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube such that the two correctly oriented corners are on the back and right faces of the top layer.
2. Perform the algorithm `R U R’ U R U2 R’`. After this you must rotate the cube and perform the algorthim `R U R’ U R U2 R’` again.
**Case 6: Anti-Sune**
In this case none of the corners are oriented and the algorithm will allow you to orient the corners in this case.
* **Algorithm:** `L’ U’ L U’ L’ U2 L`
**How to Recognize:** Look for a case where you can apply `L’ U’ L U’ L’ U2 L` algorthim.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube with any side facing you.
2. Perform the algorithm `L’ U’ L U’ L’ U2 L`
**Case 7: Pi Shape**
In this case, you will see a Pi like shape on the top, and this algorithm will help you solve it. The Pi shape is described when the front and back corners of the cube are the same color, which means the front-left corner and the back-right corner have yellow, and the same with the back-left corner and the front-right corner. You should also look at the yellow colors on the cube to verify this.
* **Algorithm:** `R U2 R2 U’ R2 U’ R2 U2 R`
**How to Recognize:** Look for a case where you can apply `R U2 R2 U’ R2 U’ R2 U2 R` algorthim.
**Execution:**
1. Hold the cube with any side facing you.
2. Perform the algorithm `R U2 R2 U’ R2 U’ R2 U2 R`
**Tips for Corner Orientation:**
* **Recognition:** Accurate and quick recognition is key. Spend time practicing identifying each case.
* **Finger Tricks:** Use finger tricks to execute the algorithms smoothly and efficiently. There are many resources online that demonstrate effective finger tricks for Rubik’s Cube algorithms.
* **Practice:** The more you practice, the more natural the algorithms will become. Aim for muscle memory so you don’t have to think about the moves.
* **Cube Rotations:** Use U moves (U, U’, U2) to adjust the orientation of the top layer for the best algorithm execution.
## Full Example Solve
Let’s walk through a complete example of solving the last layer using 2-Look OLL.
**Scenario:**
Assume you have already solved the first two layers (F2L) and are now looking at the last layer.
**Step 1: Orient Edges**
1. **Examine the Top Layer:** You notice that two adjacent edges have yellow facing up (oriented), and two do not.
2. **Identify the Case:** This matches Case 3: Two Adjacent Edges Oriented.
3. **Orientation:** Hold the cube such that the two oriented edges are on the back and the right faces.
4. **Execute the Algorithm:** `FRU R’U’ F’ U FRU R’U’ F’`
5. **Result:** After executing the algorithm, all edges are now oriented (yellow facing up).
**Step 2: Orient Corners**
1. **Examine the Top Layer:** You observe that none of the corners have yellow facing up.
2. **Identify the Case:** This matches Case 1: No Corners Oriented.
3. **Orientation:** Hold the cube with any side facing you.
4. **Execute the Algorithm:** `R U R’ U R U2 R’`
5. **Result:** After executing the algorithm, all corners are now oriented (yellow facing up).
**Final Result:** The entire top layer is now oriented. You can proceed to the final PLL (Permutation of Last Layer) step to complete the solve.
## Transitioning to Full OLL
Once you are comfortable with 2-Look OLL, you can consider transitioning to full OLL to further improve your solve times. Here are some tips for making the transition:
* **Learn in Batches:** Don’t try to learn all 57 algorithms at once. Start by learning a few algorithms each week or month.
* **Focus on Frequency:** Prioritize learning the algorithms that occur most frequently in your solves.
* **Use Visual Aids:** Use visual aids like OLL algorithm sheets or online simulators to help you visualize and memorize the algorithms.
* **Practice Regularly:** Consistent practice is essential for memorizing and applying the algorithms effectively.
## Conclusion
2-Look OLL is a valuable technique for intermediate Rubik’s Cube solvers looking to improve their times. By breaking down the OLL step into two simpler steps, it reduces the number of algorithms you need to learn while still providing a significant speed boost. With practice and dedication, you can master 2-Look OLL and take your Rubik’s Cube solving skills to the next level. Remember to be patient, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun!
By using this guide, you’ll soon be orienting the last layer with greater speed and efficiency. Happy cubing!