F2L Algorithms

First Two Layers - 41 Cases

💡 Learning Strategy: Start with intuitive F2L before memorizing algorithms. Understanding piece movement is more important than memorization!

What is F2L?

F2L (First Two Layers) is the second stage of the CFOP method. Instead of solving layer by layer, you pair corner and edge pieces and insert them together - much more efficient!

41

Total Cases

6-8s

Target Time

4

Slot Pairs

F2L Case Categories

Basic Cases (Easy)

Start Here
Case 1: Basic Insert
Corner and edge separated, colors facing out
U R U' R'
Case 2: Mirror Insert
Mirror of Case 1
U' L' U L
Case 3: Hide & Insert Right
Edge correct, corner in top layer
R U R' U' U' R U R'
Case 4: Hide & Insert Left
Mirror of Case 3
L' U' L U U L' U' L

Corner & Edge Connected

Common
Case 5: Pair Made (White on Top)
Perfect pair, white sticker on top
R U' R' U R U' R'
Case 6: Pair Made (White on Right)
Perfect pair, white on right face
U R U' R' U' F' U F
Case 7: Pair Made (White on Front)
Perfect pair, white on front face
U' L' U L U F U' F'
Case 8: Split Pair
Pair needs to be split and reconnected
R U R' U' U' R U R' U' R U R'

Corner in Bottom, Edge in Top

Intermediate
Case 9: Corner Right, Edge Flipped
Edge needs to flip to pair with corner
U R U' R' U' F' U F
Case 10: Corner Left, Edge Flipped
Mirror of Case 9
U' L' U L U F U' F'
Case 11: Reposition Corner & Edge
Both pieces need repositioning
R U' R' U R U' R' U2 R U' R'
Case 12: Extract & Reinsert
Need to take out corner first
R U R' U2 R U R' U' R U R'

Advanced Cases

Challenging

These cases require more complex setups or longer algorithms:

Case 13: Weird Angle Insert
Edge and corner at odd angles
R U2 R' U' R U R' U' R U R'
Case 14: Double Sexy Move
Two sexy moves in sequence
R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R'
Case 15: Rotated Insert
Edge correct but corner needs rotation
R U2 R' U2 R U R'
Case 16: Split and Rejoin
Break apart and reconnect pieces
R U' R' U2 F' U' F
Case 17: Corner First Insert
Insert corner then edge
U' R U R' U2 R U' R'
Case 18: Edge First Setup
Position edge before corner
U F' U' F U' R U R'
Case 19: Backwards Insert
Reverse orientation pair
U F' U F U R U' R'
Case 20: Hidden Pair
Both pieces need extraction
R U' R' U R U' R' U2 R U' R'
Case 21: Triple Trigger
Three-part algorithm sequence
R U R' U' U' R U R' U' R U R'

Edge in Slot, Corner in Top Layer

Intermediate
Case 22: Edge Correct, White on Top
Edge in place, corner white facing up
U' R U' R' U2 R U' R'
Case 23: Edge Correct, White on Right
Edge in place, corner white on right side
U' R U2 R' U2 R U' R'
Case 24: Edge Correct, White on Front
Edge in place, corner white on front
U' R U R' U2 R U' R'
Case 25: Edge Flipped in Slot
Edge needs to be flipped
R U' R' U' R U R' U' R U R'
Case 26: Edge Wrong, White Top
Edge oriented wrong, white on top
U R U' R' U' F' U F
Case 27: Reverse Edge Setup
Edge needs reverse positioning
R U R' U R U2 R'

Both Pieces in Slot (Incorrectly)

Advanced

These cases require removing both pieces from the slot:

Case 28: Both Wrong Position
Extract and reinsert both pieces
R U' R' U' R U R' U2 R U' R'
Case 29: Corner Wrong, Edge Right
Only corner needs repositioning
R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R'
Case 30: Edge Wrong, Corner Right
Only edge needs repositioning
R U' R' U R U' R'
Case 31: Both Flipped
Both pieces oriented incorrectly
R U2 R' U' R U R' U' R U R'
Case 32: Swap in Slot
Pieces need to swap positions
R U' R' U2 R U2 R' U R U' R'
Case 33: Corner Twisted in Slot
Corner twisted, edge correct
R' F R F' R U' R' U R U' R'

Complex Multi-Move Cases

Expert

The most challenging F2L cases requiring longer algorithms:

Case 34: Extended Extraction
Long extraction sequence
R U R' U' U' R U' R' U R U' R'
Case 35: F-Move Setup
Requires F moves for positioning
F' U' F U' R U R'
Case 36: Double Hide Setup
Hide both pieces before insert
U F' U2 F U F' U2 F
Case 37: Sledge Combo
Combines sledgehammer trigger
R' F R F' U' R U R'
Case 38: Reverse Sledge
Mirror sledgehammer setup
F R' F' R U R U' R'
Case 39: U2 Setup Insert
Double U turn setup
U2 R U R' U R U' R'
Case 40: Quad Trigger
Four-part trigger combination
U' R U2 R' U F' U' F
Case 41: Final Boss
The hardest F2L case
R U2 R' U' R U2 R' U' R U R'

Learning F2L Effectively

1️⃣ Phase 1: Intuitive F2L

  1. Learn basic triggers (R U R', etc.)
  2. Understand how pieces move
  3. Solve slowly and deliberately
  4. Goal: Solve any case intuitively

🚀 Phase 2: Optimized Algorithms

  1. Learn most common cases first
  2. Practice recognition
  3. Work on look-ahead
  4. Goal: Sub-8 second F2L

Common F2L Triggers

These basic sequences appear in most F2L algorithms:

Sexy Move
R U R' U'
Sledgehammer
R' F R F'
Hedge Slammer
F R' F' R
Insert
R U' R'

Practice Tips

  • Slow solves: Do untimed solves focusing on efficiency
  • One pair at a time: Scramble, solve just one F2L pair, repeat
  • Look ahead: While solving one pair, find the next pair
  • Minimize rotations: Try to solve from multiple angles
  • Understand, don't memorize: Know WHY algorithms work

Master F2L 🚀

F2L is the most important CFOP stage. Spend the most time here!

Practice Timer CFOP Tutorial