What is how to solve a 2x2 rubik's cube?

Solving a 2x2 Rubik's Cube is surprisingly achievable with a few key algorithms and a systematic approach. Here's a breakdown:

1. Understanding the Cube:

• The 2x2 has only corner pieces. Unlike the 3x3, there are no edges or centers.
• Focus on solving one layer at a time.

2. Notation:

Understanding the notation is crucial for following algorithms:

• R (Right): Rotate the right face clockwise.
• L (Left): Rotate the left face clockwise.
• U (Up): Rotate the top face clockwise.
• D (Down): Rotate the bottom face clockwise.
• F (Front): Rotate the front face clockwise.
• B (Back): Rotate the back face clockwise.
• R' (R Prime): Rotate the right face counter-clockwise (and so on for other faces).
• 2 after a letter (e.g., R2) means rotate that face 180 degrees.

3. Solving the First Layer (Intuitive):

• Choose one corner piece and build the rest of the first layer around it. This layer should be a solid color. This step is generally intuitive and doesn't require specific algorithms. Just focus on placing the corner pieces correctly so they match the colors of the other pieces already placed.

4. Orienting the Last Layer (OLL):

This involves getting all the pieces of the top layer to have their yellow face facing up (if you're using a standard color scheme). There are two main cases here that require specific algorithms:

• Case 1: No Yellow Faces Up: Apply this algorithm until all the yellow faces are on top. This could involve doing it multiple times: R U R' U R U2 R' (This algorithm is also known as the "Sune").

• Case 2: Two Adjacent Yellow Faces Up: Orient the cube so that the two yellow pieces are on the back left and front left, then perform the following algorithm. If none of the adjacent yellows are in this orientation, just perform the algorithm once to set it up. R U2 R' U' R U' R'

5. Permuting the Last Layer (PLL):

This involves arranging the correctly oriented last layer pieces into their final positions, completing the cube. There are only a few cases you need to learn here:

• Case 1: Adjacent Swap: When two adjacent corners need to swap places. The two corners must be on the right. Look for a headlight, and place it on the left side. If you don't see one perform the algorithm one time: R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

• Case 2: Diagonal Swap: When two diagonally opposite corners need to swap places. Orient the cube such that the headlights are on the left. If you don't see one, perform this once. U' R U' R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'

Important Concepts:

• Cube Notation
• Algorithms
• Orient%20Last%20Layer%20(OLL)
• Permute%20Last%20Layer%20(PLL)