2-Look OLL & PLL

Just 16 Algorithms to Sub-30 Seconds

Beginner Friendly

Perfect For: Transitioning from beginner method to CFOP speedsolving. Achieves sub-30 second solves with practice!

What is 2-Look OLL/PLL?

Instead of learning all 78 algorithms (57 OLL + 21 PLL), the 2-Look method uses just 16 algorithms by solving the last layer in two steps instead of one.

2-Look OLL

10 algorithms

Step 1: Orient edges (3 algs)
Step 2: Orient corners (7 algs)

2-Look PLL

6 algorithms

Step 1: Permute corners (2 algs)
Step 2: Permute edges (4 algs)

2-Look OLL (10 Algorithms)

Solve the last layer orientation in two looks instead of one.

Step 1: Orient Edges (Make a Cross)

3 Algorithms

First, orient all edges to form a yellow cross (or whatever your top color is).

Dot to Cross

No edges oriented

F R U R' U' F'

Do twice

Line to Cross

2 opposite edges oriented

F R U R' U' F'

Line horizontal

L-Shape to Cross

2 adjacent edges oriented

F U R U' R' F'

L on left side

Recognition: Count how many edges show yellow on top. 0 = dot, 2 opposite = line, 2 adjacent = L-shape, 4 = already done!

Step 2: Orient Corners

7 Algorithms

After the cross is complete, orient all corners using these algorithms:

Sune

Most common - 1 corner already correct

R U R' U R U2 R'

Anti-Sune

Mirror of Sune

R U2 R' U' R U' R'

H Case

All 4 corners wrong

F (R U R' U')3 F'

Pi Case

Opposite corners correct

R U2 R2 U' R2 U' R2 U2 R

U Case

2 adjacent corners correct

R2 D R' U2 R D' R' U2 R'

T Case

Headlights front

r U R' U' r' F R F'

L Case

Headlights back

F' r U R' U' r' F R

Recognition Tip: Look for "headlights" (two matching corner colors on front or back) and the number of correctly oriented corners.

2-Look PLL (6 Algorithms)

Solve the last layer permutation in two looks instead of one.

Step 1: Permute Corners

2 Algorithms

First, get all corners in the right positions (they may still be twisted, but that's okay - OLL already fixed orientation!).

Aa Perm

Corners cycle clockwise

x R' U R' D2 R U' R' D2 R2 x'

Ab Perm

Corners cycle counterclockwise

x R2 D2 R U R' D2 R U' R x'

How to use:

Turn top face (U) to find one solved side (or look for headlights)
If you find one side solved, put it on the LEFT
Do Aa perm to cycle remaining 3 corners
If Aa doesn't solve it, do Ab instead
If all 4 corners are already correct, skip to Step 2!

Step 2: Permute Edges

4 Algorithms

Finally, move edges to their correct positions to solve the cube!

Ua Perm

3 edges cycle clockwise

R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

Ub Perm

3 edges cycle counterclockwise

R2 U R U R' U' R' U' R' U R'

H Perm

Opposite edges swap

M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2

Z Perm

Adjacent edges swap

M' U M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2

How to use:

Turn top face to find a solved side
If you find one, put it at the BACK
Do Ua or Ub to cycle the 3 remaining edges
If no side is solved, you need H or Z perm
Do final U turn(s) if needed (AUF = Adjust Upper Face)

Complete 2-Look Summary

1️⃣ 2-Look OLL Part 1: Edge Orientation

Make yellow cross (3 algorithms)

2️⃣ 2-Look OLL Part 2: Corner Orientation

Make yellow face (7 algorithms)

3️⃣ 2-Look PLL Part 1: Corner Permutation

Position corners (2 algorithms)

4️⃣ 2-Look PLL Part 2: Edge Permutation

Position edges and solve! (4 algorithms)

Why 2-Look?

? Advantages

Only 16 algorithms to learn
Much faster than beginner method
Easy recognition
Achieves sub-30 seconds
Great stepping stone to full CFOP

📊 Comparison

Beginner method: 7 algs, ~60 seconds
2-Look: 16 algs, ~25 seconds
Full CFOP: 78 algs, ~15 seconds
Advanced CFOP: 119+ algs, sub-10

Practice Strategy

Learn OLL first: Master 2-Look OLL before learning 2-Look PLL
Drill algorithms: Practice each algorithm 20+ times
Slow solves: Focus on accuracy, not speed initially
Recognition practice: Scramble and identify cases without solving
Track progress: Use our timer to measure improvement
Goal times: Sub-30 with 2-Look is very achievable!

Start Your CFOP Journey! 🚀

2-Look OLL/PLL is the perfect bridge from beginner to speedcubing!

Practice with Timer Learn Full CFOP