What is CFOP? The most popular speedsolving method

CFOP (also called the Fridrich method) is the fastest and most popular way to solve a 3×3 today. The name stands for four steps: Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL.

Cross

Solve a cross on the bottom, like the beginner first step but done intuitively in at most 8 moves.

F2L – first two layers

This is the key. Instead of solving a corner then its edge, F2L solves a corner and its edge together as a pair. It’s the biggest time-saver.

OLL – orient last layer

Make the whole yellow face point up in one step. Full OLL has 57 algorithms, but beginners learn “2-look OLL” with about 10.

PLL – permute last layer

Move every last-layer piece into place. Full PLL has 21 algorithms; the 2-look version needs about 6.

Tip: don’t try to learn all 78 algorithms at once. Start with intuitive F2L and 2-look, then grow into the full sets.